Environmental Science and Population Health
| Module title | Environmental Science and Population Health |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM030 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Ben Wheeler (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 9 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
Environmental science utilises scientific methods to understand the complexities of the environment and its relationships with mankind. This module focuses on aspects of contemporary environmental science with specific relevance to human and population health, such as air pollution, water management and mining activity. Critical knowledge/skills will be contextualised by current understanding of climate change health impacts.
No pre-requisites or specialist knowledge are required to undertake this module, which is well suited to interdisciplinary learning. Delivery is via four focused days of expert-led small group learning, interspersed by personal study undertaken at your own pace and supported by our internet resources.
Module aims - intentions of the module
By undertaking this module you will develop a detailed understanding of the principles and practice of contemporary environmental sciences within the context of global environmental change. Methods of current best practice designed to achieve environmental change for positive human health outcomes will be explored.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Explain in detail, utilising pertinent contemporary environmental science examples, the complex relationship between human health and the environment
- 2. Demonstrate a thorough critical understanding of how human and population health can be impacted by environmental change
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Critically evaluate and communicate the applied implications of cutting-edge environmental science research evidence
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Evidence a critical approach to evidence synthesis and presentation of the evidence to a general audience
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
- Environmental exposure science and key concerns in environment and human/population health
- Concepts in environmental resource measurement, management and control
- Media pollution (air, water, land) and risks to human and environmental health
- Aspects of environmental remediation
- Climate change and its relationship with human health
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 130 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning & teaching activities | 20 | All student taught sessions. Face-to-face scheduled lectures may be replaced by short pre-recorded videos for each topic (15-20 minutes) and/or brief overview lectures delivered via MS Teams/Zoom, with learning consolidated by self-directed learning resources and ELE activities. - Small-group discussion in tutorials and seminars may be replaced by synchronous group discussion on Teams/ Zoom; or asynchronous online discussion, for example via Yammer or ELE Discussion board - Workshops involving face-to-face classroom teaching may be replaced by synchronous sessions on Teams/Zoom; or Asynchronous workshop activities supported with discussion forum. |
| Guided independent study | 30 | Session preparation and follow up work utilising resources provided on ELE |
| Guided independent study | 100 | Reading and assignment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class discussions and small group work activities | Each taught session | 1-4 | Facilitator and peer feedback in class. Feedback may be provided via synchronous or asynchronous online discussion. |
| Poster elevator pitch | 3 minutes + 2 mins Q&A | 3,4 | Peer feedback in class + written feedback. Feedback may be provided via synchronous or asynchronous online discussion. |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written assignment abstract and poster | 100 | 250 word abstract and A2 poster | 1-4 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written assignment abstract and poster (100%) | Written assignment abstract and poster (250 word abstract and A2 poster) | 1-4 | Typically within six weeks of the result |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
COMEAP. (2010). The Mortality Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution in the United Kingdom
Carson R. (1962). Silent Spring. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
Landon M. (2006). Environment, Health and Sustainable Development. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Gray I, Flowers R and Lewis T. (2009). Environmental Health Practice. Devon: Reflective Press Ltd.
Griffiths J, Rao M, Adshead F and Thorpe A. (2009). The Health Practitioners Guide to Climate Change: Diagnosis and Cure. London: Earthscan.
Hill M. (2010). Understanding Environmental Pollution, 3rd Edition. Cambridge: University Press
O'Riordan T. (1999). Environmental Science for Environmental Management, 2nd edition, Harlow: Longman.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Please see ELE - HPDM030 2020/21 Module Pages
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 15/12/2015 |
| Last revision date | 13/05/2020 |
