Contemporary Environment and Human Health
| Module title | Contemporary Environment and Human Health |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM027 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Rebecca Lovell (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
The environment in which we live is inextricably linked, both positively and negatively, to human health. This module focuses on the theoretical principles and concepts that are at the forefront of academic thinking and practices in environment and human health. The potential impacts of environmental change on human health will also be explored.
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
You will develop core knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts in environment and human health and their applications in a diverse range of practice contexts and settings.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of the key theories and concepts at the forefront of environment and human health
- 2. Critically review contemporary debates around the impact of environmental change on human health and wellbeing
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Critically examine how environment and human health evidence is and should be applied to inform policy, guidelines and practice
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Demonstrate a professional ability to present an evidence-based and balanced academic stance
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
- Introduction to environment and human health
- Living with climate change
- Contemporary environmental and health issues, policies and debates
- Sustainability and adaptation
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 | Delivered over 4 full days, each with 4 x 1.25 hours interactive student seminar sessions, including both lecture and workshop-oriented activities. 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. |
| Evidence synthesis | 750 words | 1-4 | Written |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 100 | 2000 Words | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report (100%) | Report (2000 words ) | 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
Frumkin H. (2001). Beyond Toxicity: Human Health and the Natural Environment. Am J Prev Med; 20 (3): 234-40.
Kampa M and Castanas E. (2008). Human Health Effects of Pollution. Environmental Pollution; 151: 362-7.
Landon M. (2006). Environment, Health and Sustainable Development. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Bryman A. (2008). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Cronin P, Ryan F and Coughlan M. (2008). Undertaking a literature review a step-by-step approach. British Journal of Nursing. 17(1); 38-43.
UK Faculty of Public Health. (2009). Sustaining a Healthy Future. London, UK Faculty of Public Health.
Sala OE, Meyerson LA and Parmesan C. (2009). Biodiversity Change and Human Health.
Washington: Island Press
Morris G and Robertson R. (2003). Environmental Health in Scotland and the Health Improvement Challenge. Edinburgh: Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland.
World Health Organisation. (2005). Children’s health and the environment: A global perspective. Geneva: WHO.
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6036
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – HPDM027 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 |
