Module Aims

This core module aims to provide students with an understanding of some key principles in public health relevant to students working towards all specialisations and none. It provides brief introductory sessions on a number of issues covered in more depth in term 2 modules. This will provide those students who do not take these term 2 modules with some knowledge of those topics, whilst acting as ‘tasters’ for those who are considering taking these modules in term 2. The module will explore the scope of public health, wider social and environmental influences on health and illness, approaches to prevention, assessing the population impact of influences on health, economic aspects of healthcare and public health, ethical aspects of public health approaches, and how we can use population health research findings to make an impact on society. 

Module Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to: 

1. Critically discuss the nature and scope of the public health approach 

2. Describe the influence that social and environmental factors can have on health and disease 

3. Distinguish a number of different approaches to management of public health problems and determine when each might be most appropriate 

4. Calculate measures of population impact and understand the strengths and limitations of these measures 

5. Assess a proposed early detection or screening programme against appropriate criteria 

6. Understand the principles of health care, public health financing and healthcare organisation 

7. Demonstrate an understanding of the core influences on public health and health care policy 

8. Discuss the ethical implications of different public health approaches 

Pre-requisites

• Principles of Epidemiology

Teaching Strategy

The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures, workshops, small-group exercises, and class discussions. Some reading may be required prior to some sessions. 

 Assessment

The module will be assessed with a 1500w collaborative essay, conducted in course supervision groups; plus a 250w individual reflection on the process of working on the collaborative essay. 

Module Length

5 days over 4 weeks