Public Health BSc Honours

This module provides you with knowledge of vectors of disease and their health impact; together with human anatomy and its hierarchical organisation from cell to organ system. An understanding of how the main body systems and mechanisms involved maintaining a "state of health" will be developed along with an introduction to how these systems can malfunction. Grounding in practical anatomy and health impact of vectors will be provided which includes "hands on" and laboratory exercises to support identification and recognition of the main vectors that pose health impact and anatomical features of organs and structures of the body. The module also provides a foundation in IT and communication skills, including presentation in a variety of formats to foster technological agility.

This module introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches in the discipline of psychology and the many ways psychologists study the human mind, mental health, development and societal influences. Research informed topical introductions will be provided in selected areas of mental health, developmental and social psychology. As well as a theoretical introduction and overview to these areas of psychology, students are encouraged to adopt a reflective and critical perspective on the subject matter covered. This module challenges some westernised approaches to psychology and introduces you to diverse ideas and theories that question traditional psychological approaches. You will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities in human thoughts, feelings and behaviours facilitating an inclusive approach to learning.

This module develops an understanding of the concepts of health and ill-health and factors which influence and contribute to an individual’s “state of health”. You will examine how physical, chemical, biological, social and psycho- stressors impact on human health and the environment. Through examination of aetiology, epidemiology, microbiology and demography knowledge and understanding of illness and well-being will be developed. You will explore the relationship between food, lifestyle, health and disease and develop an appreciation of the importance of the above in preventing of disease and facilitating health improvement.

This module develops appropriate administrative, communication and practical skills required for successful academic and professional progress. It develops an appreciation of governance and the legal systems, including legal doctrines, using communicable diseases control as a backdrop. It provides you with a clear understanding of the role of public health and increases awareness of the multiple strategies to improve the health of the population in a variety of settings (community and national). Health promotion and health protection principles will be explored and applied to practice. The role of public and private stakeholders in public health will be examined.

This module provides a firm grounding in epidemiological reasoning, data collation, and trend analysis at local, regional and national levels, as well as the identification of current and future risks to individual and national health. It will further introduce students to the concept and main characteristics of public health surveillance activities, programs and tools.

This module explores sociocultural, economic and environmental factors and their relationship with health and health inequalities. The concept of social epidemiology will be introduced along with relevant socioecological theories and models. The module further examines micro and macroeconomic issues in health care and the use of economic evidence to inform resource allocation, priority-setting and decision-making.

This module provides you with the skills to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, in preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills for scientific research design. Specific research skills include analytical techniques and provides you with an insight into the translation of science into real-world solutions and the factors affecting innovation, and knowledge production and transfer.

This module provides you with a deep understanding of the design and implementation of public and environmental health interventions, and the role of communication in improving health outcomes with a clear focus on empathy and inclusion. This will include examination of cultural competence, empathy and awareness of ethical considerations applicable to a range of public health issues so as to effect inclusive interventions.

This module focuses on the drivers of the global burden of diseases and inequities surrounding these. The current and predicted impacts of both communicable and non- communicable diseases that transcend national borders are discussed. The past, current, and future challenges in the global public health agenda are explored along with the epidemiological, social, political, economic, behavioural and environmental barriers to improving health, reducing health inequalities and empowering stakeholders, communities and individuals. Both the global and local context will be considered. Responses to emergencies including those derived from natural, economic and political events will be investigated and the short-term solutions and longer-term impacts examined.

This module synthesises learning from the programme providing an opportunity for you to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity, an inquiry-based approach, the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. You will select a relevant topic of personal interest you wish to study further and will manage your learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study.

This module helps you to formalise and integrate professional experience into your course. It links academic learning to professional work-based skills. The module provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience from the process of applying for work in relevant organisations and enhance your skills of self-expression, communication and self-reliance.

This module seeks to prepare you for your future practice in environmental or public health. Using a case study approach the module will seek to summate your learning and integrate this with professional experiences. The module seeks to provide employability skills such as CV writing, writing personal statements against job specifications in job applications and preparations for job interviews. If you are on the Environmental Health BSc course, the module will cover the five Environmental Health practice disciplines and will provide the opportunity to apply knowledge to practice with given case studies. For Public Health students, you will develop skills in line with the public health practitioner framework and specifically in relation to health protection, health improvement and health service delivery.

You will learn in seminars, workshops, laboratory and other practical sessions such as in-class discussions and guidance, real-world case studies, problem-solving scenarios. Learning and understanding are reinforced through key concept videos, and through a variety of directed and self-directed learning activities, including working on projects, critical literature appraisals, data analysis sessions, and portfolio development. These methods are designed to ensure that students’ learning will be directed at consolidating knowledge and embedding understanding of how it relates to real life practice. Use of e-learning strategies will be integrated into the teaching to encourage digital literacy.  

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of: 

• 6 hours of practical workshops 
• 6 hours of interactive seminars.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Teaching vs independent learning

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Assessments

Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed by pre, intra and post-class exercises, quizzes, and presentations with guidance notes and links to further resources to encourage interaction with learning resources. Assessments will be both individual and group based and assessments are designed to reflect the activities undertaken in typical public health practice settings.
 You will be assessed by: 

• Presentations  
• Problem-solving scenarios and case studies
• Timed exercises in computational skills, data visualisation/interpretation, and application of key concepts to real life scenarios
• Implementation of a research project (dissertation)

Graduate competencies  

You will be assessed on certain graduate competencies, including  Epidemiology and Surveillance, Social and Economic Analysis in Public Health and Contemporary Issues in Global Public Health.

Modules on Research Methods and Science Innovation specifically develop a broad range of technological skills in scientific data collection, management and analysis.

The Work Experience and Professional Practice Preparation modules further enhance your technological ability, collaboration and innovation in practice, and problem solving and delivery.

The Communications and Public Health Interventions module underpins your communication, empathy and inclusion to tackle public health problems.

These skills are developed through written reports, case studies, presentations, and portfolio development. Skills may also be assessed through online exercises and presentations.