This module will address the multidisciplinary aspects of urban environmental quality and its impact on human well-being. It will provide a critical appreciation of the factors which influence health, well-being and quality of life within contemporary urban environments, demonstrate the importance of genomics and health informatics in developing strategies for improving the health and well-being of urban citizens, explore the importance of urban design and the contribution of the development of food smart cities in improving both urban health and liveability, and understand the increasingly important role of ICT in facilitating delivery of effective and responsive urban health, well-being and quality of life strategies

The module will run over 12 weeks. This will normally include 4 weeks for you to complete the assessments to be graded. Over this period you will work through weekly self-instructional material (a mixture of text and video materials and web resources) provided via the VLE. These materials will provide a structured programme of specific activities and tasks that you will be asked to complete. This will involve reading and critically engaging with key texts, papers and other information sources. This work will mainly be undertaken on an individual basis, but at regular intervals throughout the module you will be expected to interact and share material, ideas and thoughts with the tutors and other students. It is expected that students allocate a minimum of 15 hours to engage and interact with their tutors and peers on the module.

Required texts:
1. Russell P. Lopez, The Built Environment and Public Health, 2nd edition. Jossey-Bass, 2012.
2. Andrew Dannenberg, Howard Frumkin, and Richard Jackson, Eds. Making Healthy Places: Designing and Building for Health, Well-being, and Sustainability, Island Press, 2011.
Recommended text:
3. Patrick M. Condon. Seven Rules for Sustainable Communities: Design Strategies for the Post-Carbon World. Island Press, 2010.

In addition, 2-4 papers will be assigned for weekly reading and discussion. Their content will cover land-use policy, design and planning; healthy communities and food systems; case studies of sustainable smart solutions that promote public health; and reports, documents, and resources from US, UK, and international organizations.

Computer facilities for accessing UAB Canvas / Blackboard Collaborate and Staffordshire University's e-resources, and appropriate software packages.

Admission into the UAB / Staffordshire Joint Master’s Degree Program in Sustainable Smart Cities.

PORTFOLIO of weekly tasks and problems (2000 word equivalent) weighted at 40% (Learning outcomes 1 – 5).

REPORT critically reviewing how smart city policies and practices can be used to help improve urban liveability, health and well-being (2500 words) weighted at 60% % (Learning Outcomes 2, 3, 4).