In this module you will widen your scope to consider the impact of disease at a population and global level by examining public health and epidemiology, focussing both upon the analytical approaches that underpin effective public health activity, and the sociological and socioeconomic considerations that contribute to social determinants of health (for example age, culture, gender, ethnicity, spiritual and religious beliefs, and disabilities).

You will be introduced to principles of epidemiology by defining key terms, discussing the roles of local, national and international public health organisations in the surveillance of disease and screening programmes, and the recording and evaluation of epidemiological data.

You will then explore the significance and impact of epidemiology and public health by reference to health promotion and protection, disease control, emergency planning, planning provision of health services, and introduction of strategies to improve health and targeting at risk groups. Within this, you will be able to explore the work of healthcare and related life scientists within the context of public health medicine and understand the drivers of national, international and global public health agendas.

Topic areas within this module include “Tools and Techniques in Public health” (the principles of epidemiology, basic measures of frequency, measure of association and the terminology common to epidemiology); “Biomedical interventions in Public health” (focusing upon aspects of testing, diagnosis and screening, sensitivity and specificity, clinical trials and the interpretation of data emerging from trials, and other types of interventions and analysing clinical data); "Public Health Emergencies”, applying the tools and techniques within the module in the analysis of data and interventions from public health emergencies such as an epidemic; and “Public Health and Chronic Disease” (devoted to the in-depth study of disease conditions that currently challenge public health in the UK), and “Future Directions in Public Health” (providing the opportunity for horizon scanning and evaluative discussion of emerging threats and innovative solutions).

This module is mapped against the Quality Assurance Agency Benchmark for Biomedical Science and the National School of Healthcare Science Practitioner Training Programme curriculum and contributes to the Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship Standard by developing your knowledge of the underlying scientific principles of the investigations offered by healthcare science services and how patients and the public make choices about their care.

Case Study (2000 words) LOs 1,2,3
An individual case study report based upon group learning activities embedded within the module.

This module is delivered as a blend of asynchronous online learning sessions, on campus study days and work-based study. Within each learning unit you will be given a range of learning outcomes and directed through a variety of learning material (for example recorded lectures, online exercises or collaborative activities) to work though asynchronously together with an opportunity to check and develop your learning (for example through online quizzes, challenge questions or discussion fora). You are encouraged to reflect upon the academic content of the module and consider how this is applicable within your workplace.

Within this module you will work within groups to develop and apply your understanding to a case study.

Your learning is supported by a group discussion board and weekly online sessions where you can discuss your learning with the academic teaching team.

1. Explain the basis of epidemiology, public health, health prevention and health protection and discuss these in relation to the role of the public health function and healthcare science services. Analysis, Problem Solving

2. Discuss the principles and core concepts of the sociology of health and illness and discuss those relevant to patients typically referred to healthcare science services. Enquiry

3. Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving public health issues and propose alternative solutions using an evidence-based approach. Problem Solving, Application

You will require access to a computer with internet access.

Ahmed,N., Dawson,M., Smith,C., Wood,E. (2006). Biology of Disease. Gartland Science.

Ahmed,N., Glencross, H., Wang, Q.(2016). Biomedical Science in Practice. OUP.

Detels, R et al. (2015) Oxford Textbook of Global Public Health 9780199661756

Donaldson, L and Rutter, P. (2017) Donaldsons Essential Public health. 4th Edition ISBN-13
978-1909368958

Ben-Shlomo, Y; Brookes, S and Hickman, M. (2013) Lecture Notes: Epidemiology, Evidence-based Medicine and public health. 6th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN 9781444334784

In this module you will widen your scope to consider the impact of disease at a population and global level by examining public health and epidemiology, focussing both upon the analytical approaches that underpin effective public health activity, and the sociological and socioeconomic considerations that contribute to social determinants of health.