This module provides a broad overview of the major principles and practice of public health as an integral component of the postgraduate programme in public health. This module is intended to be studied as an opening module in study session 1. The postgraduate challenge for this module is provided by:
? An historical analysis of the changes in public health (per se) with a focus on the origins of disease and disease causation
? An introduction and overview of epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioural science and health care management.
? A historical analysis of public health legislation with a focus on the development of the National Health Service
? An emphasis on the health needs and service provision for specific population groups will illustrate the current status of public health and
public health service provision
? A focus on national government directives to improve population health will provide a central tenet
? Three main areas of public health practice will be reviewed: health protection and prevention; health and social care; and health improvement.
? Embedded within the above, underlying values and ideology of `health for all? will be explored.

This module will be predominantly distributed via the `Blackboard? virtual learning environment.
An optional one-day workshop (based at the University) will be offered to accompany this module which will include; guest speakers will be invited to talk about aspects of public health, discussion groups and case studies will be used to illustrate the broad-nature of public health. Students will work through course material delivered through VLE which will guide reading of key texts and papers as well as specifying tasks for completion for formative assessment.

Additional Assessment Information:
Students will be required to complete 1 piece of summative assessment.

End of module written essay (100% of overall module mark) to assess LOs 1 ? 3. Max word limit 3,000.

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via
Structured written feedback identifying strengths, limitations and guidance for improvement.
General feedback on electronically submitted formative

Donaldson, L. J. & Donaldson, R. J. (2003). Essential Public Health. (2nd edition). Berkshire: Petroc Press. ISBN: 1 900603 87X

Additional reading will be given throughout the module and in the learning pack acompanying the module.

Course textbooks and learning materials as suggested.
Suitable computer with internet access (specifically to the University server and Blackboard)