This module examines traditional core themes associated with geographies of health as well as newer themes allied to the transformation of our social and environmental contexts by globalisation and its complex interactions with health and well-being. The module analyses the contours of mortality and morbidity and examines how these are shaped by a multitude of factors and events at the global, national and local scales. Gross inequalities at the global and national scales are studied to expose some fundamental structural determinants of health and well-being. Human health at a variety of scales is also examined to reveal its ecological, socio-cultural, economic and institutional determinants. Traditional elements associated with the emergence and diffusion of infectious diseases, ancient killer diseases like malaria and cholera, as well as more recent phenomena, like HIV/AIDs and SARs are examined with reference to detailed cases. The health implications associated with Western diets and lifestyles and their diffusion across the world are also considered and policy responses evaluated. The module evaluates the strengths and limitations of health statistics drawn from a variety of institutions and countries.

Key themes explored include: globalisation and its multiple and complex implications for health, how human modification of the environment (e.g. air and water pollution) and changing social trends (e.g. migration) impact on health, the way that social processes operate in space to produce inequalities in health and health provision, changing trends and patterns of nutrition, and the extent to which aspects of the built environment, such as residential and work space, transport systems, sanitation and personal security impact on physical and mental health.

One examination (100%) [Learning outcomes 1 – 6]
2 hours in length – two essays in two hours (each worth 50%)

10 Lectures to introduce the core themes and perspectives (10 hours)
10 Seminars/workshops employing a variety of strategies to encourage students to engage with the material in-depth (6 hours)

The remaining 130 hours should be used to prepare for the seminars, workshops and examination.

Anthamatten, P and Hazen, H (2011) An Introduction to the Geography of Health [London, Taylor Francis]

Gatrell, A. and Elliott, S (2014) Geographies of Health [London, Wiley-Blackwell]

None.

1) Critically evaluate contemporary spatial and temporal patterns of health at various scales and their dynamic nature especially their social and environmental contexts.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, APPLICATION)

2) Demonstrate an advanced and critical understanding of some of the issues associated with the use of health statistics at the global, national and local levels.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING, ANALYSIS)

3) Demonstrate an advanced and critical understanding of the important historical and contemporary health trends across the globe and their complex nature.
(ANALYSIS)

4) Critically evaluate the role of physical and human factors to the prevalence of diseases with reference to a variety of case studies.
(ENQURY, ANALYSIS, APPLICATION)

5) Critically evaluate the roles and responsibilities of various agents and organizations in health delivery and promotion, their potential and limitations, as well as their contentious character.
(ENQUIRY, ANALYSIS, KNOWLEDGE, REFLECTION)

6) Convey facts, concepts and information effectively.
(COMMUNICATION)