Public Health Foundations

What is public health and what are the global challenges facing the health of populations?  This module looks at the historical context of public health and many of the major topics concerning public health today at a local, national and international level – including the impact of industrialisation, transport, energy, crime and housing.

What does the module cover?

Explore the many definitions public health and examine current issues and trends in the public health arena at a local, national and international level.  Gain an understanding of the impact of local and global public health issues on health in the 20th century and future sustainability issues.  Reflect on public health policies and political thought in current health debates.  You’ll have the opportunity to put your skills in to practice in critical writing, discussion, debate, and presenting the basic concepts of health and environment.

More Information

Module Code:

HS1061

Key topics include:

• Introduction to concept of Public Health
• Historical Context of Public Health
• Public Health in 20th Century:  Industrialization, Transport, Energy, Crime, Housing
• Global Challenges – disease epidemics, food/water, epidemics, natural/man-made disasters
• Introduction to public health politics and policies
• Sustainable development

Pre-requisites

None

Number of credits & study time

20 credits / 200 hours

Assessment

In addition to completing a number of formative assessments as part of your coursework that you forward to your tutor, you’ll need to complete two summative assessments:

Two worksheet activities 40%
One short case study based on study guides demonstrating the influence of public health on issues in the UK + one short answer test 

Essay (2000 words)  60%
Demonstrating links between public health debates and future sustainability