History of Public Health – key milestones and achievements

Core Principles of Public Health

Structure and function of Public Health Systems

Introduction to health policy and legislation

Introduction to health promotion and disease prevention

Safeguarding & PREVENT duty.

Basic concepts of epidemiology

Basic concepts and measures (incidence, prevalence)

Descriptive vs. analytical epidemiology

Epidemiological Study Designs - Types of studies, advantages and limitations

Evaluating the quality of epidemiological studies

Introduction to Biostatistics

Descriptive statistics and probability concepts

Principles and types of public health surveillance

Role of health surveillance and monitoring in disease control and prevention

Evaluating the quality of epidemiological studies

Apprentices will write and deliver a presentation on a case study of a historical public health initiative of the learner’s choice. Suggested examples will be provided by academic staff, though apprentices will be able to select a different case study if an appropriate one can be identified.

Learners will research their chosen initiative, providing an overview and contextual information, and incorporating epidemiological data relevant to the case. Learners will then explore how health surveillance supported or inhibited the public health interventions utilised in the case.

The presentation will run for 15 minutes with 5 minutes of questions. It will cover all learning outcomes.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the history, core principles and structure of public health systems.

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrate a basic underpinning understanding of epidemiology and biostatistics and their application to public health.

Knowledge & Understanding

Application

Analysis

Evaluate the role of health surveillance and monitoring in assessing population health trends and informing public health interventions.

Enquiry

Analysis

Key concepts will be delivered through lead lectures delivered through the university’s Virtual Learning Environment. This will then be followed by online synchronous discussion groups/seminars allowing learners to explore key issues and discuss the application to their particular working contexts.

VLE (Virtual Learning Environments)

Library support

Academic Mentor support

Group tutorials

Lectures

Seminars

Carr, S., Unwin, N. & Pless-Mulloli, T. (2007) An introduction to Public Health and Epidemiology. 2nd edition. Open University Press.

Magnuson, J.A. and Dixon, B.E. (2020) Public health informatics and information systems. Springer Nature.



Naidoo, J. and Wills, J.(2010) Developing Practice for Public Health and Health Promotion E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Rosen, G., (2015) A history of public health. Jhu Press.



Wilson, F. & Mabhala, A. (2008) Key Concepts in Public Health. Sage.

In this foundational module, you will embark on a journey through the historical milestones and achievements of public health. You will explore the core principles guiding public health practices and delve into the structure and functions of public health systems. You will learn about health policy, legislation, and the essentials of health promotion and disease prevention, including safeguarding and PREVENT duties. You will also gain a solid grounding in epidemiology with an introduction to biostatistics and the vital role of health surveillance in disease control and prevention. This comprehensive introduction sets the stage for a deeper understanding of public health's impact on communities.