MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised October 2008)

Code: USSJNU-40-1 Title: Introduction to Health Version: 1

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 40 ECTS credit rating: 20

Module type: Standard

Owning Faculty: Health & Life Sciences Field: Applied Sciences

Faculty Committee approval: AS Field Planning Committee Date: 2nd March 2009

Approved for Delivery by:

Valid from: September 2009 Discontinued from:

Contributes towards: BSc Environmental Health, BSc Health, Safety and Environment

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Entry requirements:

Excluded combinations:

Learning outcomes:

On completion of the module the student will be able to:

    • discuss concepts and perspectives of health, key issues and the development of policies that impact on health;

    • discuss physiological, pathological and psychological concepts , definitions and mechanisms in relation to health, illness and disease;

    • describe epidemiological methods in the understanding of health and disease;

    • describe the diversity of microorganisms and their ubiquity and interactions with humans and other organisms, together with their role in food production and chemicals;

    • describe the organisations, agencies and roles in contributing to health protection, health promotion and health improvement;

    • consider the importance of an holistic approach to health, environment and sustainability;

    • demonstrate basic skills of observation, measurement and data interpretation and communication.

Syllabus outline:

Key concepts and definitions of health, well being, quality of life, public health and environmental health. Disciplinary perspectives; medical, social and ecological models of health.

Introduction to contemporary issues in health, disease and illness, health inequality; the environment, climate change, safety and health

Epidemiological concepts and definitions, statistical concepts and definitions in relation to public health; risk factors and studies on disease occurrence in populations.

Introduction to sources and quality of public health and environmental health data, at local, national and international level.

Physiological knowledge and human health, regulation and pathological mechanisms. Immunity and the immune response. Introduction to stressors and human toxicology

Introduction to human behaviour and health and communication in public health and environmental health

Introductory microbiology: size, nutrition and taxonomy of microorganisms. Microbial interactions: intermicrobial relationships; animal and plant-microbe interactions, including an introduction to pathogenicity.

Food and industrial microbiology: microbial food spoilage, food poisoning and food-borne infections. Microorganisms used by the food industry, microbial production of antibiotics and other chemicals

Practical, observational and communication skills:

Physiological assessments; exercise, energy and energy balance

Microbiological methods. Hazard groupings of microorganisms, containment categories for laboratories; laboratory safety; physical and chemical methods of control. .

Communication of information and findings in a range of contexts.

Teaching and learning methods:

Knowledge of the subject will be acquired from a mix of formal lectures, tutorials and group discussion. There is an emphasis on case studies and key health issues. Exercises and practice in the use of various types of data.

Students will learn basic and investigative techniques through laboratory practical work in microbiology and physiology. This experiential learning will include observation, measuring and data interpretation coupled with live and recorded demonstrations of techniques. Students l present information and data in written and oral communications.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on blackboard or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Indicative Reading List:

Coggon D., Geoffrey R. and Barker D.J.P. (2007), Epidemiology for the Uninitiated (5th Ed). London: BMJ Books and online

Ewles, L., (2005) Key topics in public health: essential briefings on prevention and health promotion, Elsevier Churchill Livingstone

Godfrey, H (2004), Understanding the Human Body: Biological Perspectives for Healthcare. Oxford: Churchill Livingstone.

Health Protection Agency reports at www.hpa.org.uk/publications

Madigan M., Martinko J., Dunlap P., Clark D and Brock T. (2008) 12th Edition, Brocks Biology of Microorganisms, Prentice Hall

Naidoo J. and Wills J. (2008), Health Studies, Basingstoke: Palgrave

Orme J, Powell J, Taylor P , Grey M (2007) , Public Health for the 21st Century, New Perspectives in Policy, Participation and Practice ( 2nd edition) Open University Press/ McGraw Hill

Prescott, Harley & Klein (2007) Microbiology 7th edition. Wm.Brown

Stewart J., Bushell F and Habgood V. (2004), Environmental Health as public health. London: CIEH publications

Indicative web sites:

http://www.bmj.com/collections British Medical Journal on line collection

www.cieh.org Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

www.hpa.org.uk Health Protection Agency

http://www.nice.org.uk NICE - National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

http://www.who.int/topics/en - World Health Organisation

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: 40% B: 60%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Element weighting

EX1 Examination 1.5 hours 1

EX2 Examination 1.5 hours 1

Component B

Element weighting

ES1 Essay 1

CS1 Case topic presentation 1

PR1 Practical Report 1

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is/is not required)

Component A

Element weighting

EX3 Examination 3 hours 1

Component B

Element weighting

ES1 Essay 1

CS1 Case topic presentation 1

ES2 Extended essay data interpretation 1

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is/ required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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