Module Descriptors
DISEASE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
BIOL50373
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 5
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Angela Priestman
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 0
Independent Study Hours: 150
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • PORTFOLIO weighted at 60%
  • COURSEWORK -ESSAY weighted at 40%
Module Details
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Any level 1 module in Biology or Forensic Field
Module Texts
Students will be directed to a range of texts and electronic resources, details of which will be provided in the module handbook. The range of topics covered precludes the use of a single text; guidance to resources will be given on a week by week basis.
Module Resources
Access to computer with internet connection. Printing and email capability. Remote access to University web pages and Library and Learning Resource Centre
Module Learning Strategies
This module is delivered via Blackboard?. Nominally students are expected to spend 2 hours per week on the course pages (24 hrs total). Directed reading and other activities suggested by the tutor will occupy a further hour per week (12 hsr total) ? but will also form the basis of your independent study (114 hrs) enabling you to fully realise the learning outcomes of the module.
Module Indicative Content
This module examines the impact of the environment on disease and dysfunction. It will examine the biological basis of the problem and place this within the context of wider issues which affect non-communicable disease.
Introductory sessions will consider aspects of current global epidemiology and the factors that influence prevalence including concepts of susceptibility, genetic pre-disposition, exposure and dose. Subsequent sessions will examine the impact and links between environmental toxicants and disease; carcinogenesis, teratogenesis and mutagenesis. The module will also examine wider public health issues relating to environment and health such as food and related disease, water quality and pollution and its impact on health, air quality including atmospheric pollutants and respiratory disease. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to reflect upon lifestyle choices and behaviour and its compounding effect on environmental causes of disease. Reference to human risk perception and assessment will also be made. The module will utilise many examples which may change on a year-by-year basis.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.

100% coursework
Portfolio (60%) of tasks relating to module topics (1,2)
Essay (40%) examining the tentative nature of links between specific environmental factors and human health (1, 3) (2000 ? 2500 words)

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback throughout the module. Please refer to the module handbook for further details.