Public Health (Online)

Core modules:

Critical Reflections in Global Health - Online

Global health has been described as the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organised efforts of society, with the goal being the attainment of biological, physical, and mental well-being of all members of society. In this module, which is delivered online, we take an inter-disciplinary approach to explore these themes. We will consider some of the key concepts of global health, explore some of the determinants of health, and consider some of the key functions and methods applied to address global health issues. We will then reflect on these themes in relation to the practice of global health through the lens of specific health challenges. Throughout the module themes such as inequalities in health, complexities in our response, and the political, social, and economic context within which we work will be repeatedly raised and discussed.  The module will explore a diverse range of subjects that include socioeconomic and health inequalities, health intelligence, and sexual and reproductive health. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to develop and use a reflective learning approach to consider shifts in your perception and understanding of the issues raised.

15 credits

Epidemiology Online

As one of the core disciplines of Public Health, epidemiology is concerned with the methods of studying health related states and events to control health problems. The module, which is delivered online, covers epidemiological measures, main study designs, screening and surveillance. The primary objective is to introduce students to the principles, tools and applications of epidemiology and to help develop their practical skills through a range of activities.

15 credits

Health Promotion - online

The module aims to elaborate on the theoretical background of health promotion with the aim of developing a critical awareness of the key concepts, debates and methods. The module aims to evaluate a range of health promotion strategies in different fields.

15 credits

Introduction to Statistics and Critical Appraisal Online

The unit, which is delivered online, introduces students to basic concepts and techniques such as hypothesis testing and confidence interval estimation in statistics. Students will learn some simple statistical methods and the principles behind some advanced methods such as regression. It will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and critically appraise statistics in research literature.

15 credits

Introduction to Research Methods Online

This module, which is delivered via online learning, provides students with an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods and to the types of skills necessary for the planning, data gathering and dissemination stages of health-related research. Topics covered include: -Research Design; -Methods of Data Collection; -Approaches to Analysing Data and Writing a Research Proposal. The course provides a foundation for further learning in specific research methods. It is primarily designed for new students beginning Masters courses in the Division of Population Health and there is an emphasis on research techniques used in public health and health services research (HSR).

15 credits

Systematic Approaches to Evidence Assessment Online

This module , which is delivered online, provides the skills and knowledge required to conduct rapid assessments of the evidence base and then to apply these assessments to health management and/or clinical practice. It introduces and explains rapid review methodologies that seek to optimise the balance between rigour and relevance, ensuring the timely and judicious use of evidence that is both user sensitive and context dependent. This module will also address the growing demand for knowledge translation of research findings, specifically within the context of developing countries. A key feature is production of a culturally-sensitive action plan that takes into account local feasibility and implementation issues.

15 credits

Dissertation Online

The unit, which is supervised online, enables students to develop an understanding of the processes and the skills required to undertake a supervised research project in health care. Having successfully completed the unit, a student will be able to: demonstrate researcher skills commensurate with the achievement of a Master's degree; demonstrate independence of inquiry; produce a cogently argued piece of writing that demonstrates researcher competence and the ability to operate independently; address issues of research design, methodology, ethics and theoretical arguments, and locate their own research in relation to these issues.

60 credits

Optional modules - two from:

Using Policy to Strengthen Health Systems Online

This module, which is delivered online by distance learning, seeks to build on students' own experiences and knowledge of health policy and health systems. Over the course of the module, students will work individually and also in small online groups to develop a critical understanding of health policy and particular health systems, and to develop ideas and proposals about how these health systems can be strengthened, and who might benefit or not benefit. These improvements can be targeted at any combination of the regional, national, district, and community level. In this module, policy is understood in a broad way, as courses of action and inaction which shape health systems, and health systems are understood both as broad public health systems (including the social determinants of health), and as particular forms of organisation of health care (both formal and informal). The module is suitable for students with broad health and health care understanding, but also for those with more limited knowledge and experience of health systems.

15 credits

Further Statistics for Health Science Researchers Online

The module will cover fundamental statistical concepts, including both simple statistical methods and the more widely used advanced methods of multiple linear regression, survival analysis and generalised linear models. It will be a practical module, including the teaching of the statistical software SPSS, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and analyse a study to answer specific research questions; to understand and critically appraise the literature more thoroughly; and to present research findings in a suitable fashion.This is a Distance Learning version of the face-to-face HAR6045 module.

15 credits

Communicable Disease Control Online

The control of communicable diseases is a key function of public health. This module covers the core principles of communicable disease control including infectious disease surveillance, outbreak management, immunisation programmes, as well as the prevention and control of infectious diseases. It will also present a broad range of common infectious disease topics including HIV, tuberculosis, meningitis, diarrhoeal illnesses and hospital acquired infections. Students will gain a firm foundation in both factual knowledge and an understanding of how to apply this knowledge for the control of infectious diseases at the population level. This module will be delivered by online learning.

15 credits

Leading and Managing Health Services Online

This module integrates the principles of managing health care services and leading on rapid changes and advances in regional, national and international contexts. Principles of health management will be demonstrated through case-based teaching, in order to enable students to understand how to solve common management problems. Cases will be used to illustrate the complexity of the operating environment for health systems and health services. Students will be supported in developing critical thinking about the relative effectiveness of different approaches to management by analysing their own health care services within a broader cultural, political and policy context.

15 credits

Core modules:

Critical Reflections in Global Health - Online

Global health has been described as the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organised efforts of society, with the goal being the attainment of biological, physical, and mental well-being of all members of society. In this module, which is delivered online, we take an inter-disciplinary approach to explore these themes. We will consider some of the key concepts of global health, explore some of the determinants of health, and consider some of the key functions and methods applied to address global health issues. We will then reflect on these themes in relation to the practice of global health through the lens of specific health challenges. Throughout the module themes such as inequalities in health, complexities in our response, and the political, social, and economic context within which we work will be repeatedly raised and discussed.  The module will explore a diverse range of subjects that include socioeconomic and health inequalities, health intelligence, and sexual and reproductive health. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to develop and use a reflective learning approach to consider shifts in your perception and understanding of the issues raised.

15 credits

Epidemiology Online

As one of the core disciplines of Public Health, epidemiology is concerned with the methods of studying health related states and events to control health problems. The module, which is delivered online, covers epidemiological measures, main study designs, screening and surveillance. The primary objective is to introduce students to the principles, tools and applications of epidemiology and to help develop their practical skills through a range of activities.

15 credits

Optional modules - two from:

Introduction to Research Methods Online

This module, which is delivered via online learning, provides students with an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods and to the types of skills necessary for the planning, data gathering and dissemination stages of health-related research. Topics covered include: -Research Design; -Methods of Data Collection; -Approaches to Analysing Data and Writing a Research Proposal. The course provides a foundation for further learning in specific research methods. It is primarily designed for new students beginning Masters courses in the Division of Population Health and there is an emphasis on research techniques used in public health and health services research (HSR).

15 credits

Systematic Approaches to Evidence Assessment Online

This module , which is delivered online, provides the skills and knowledge required to conduct rapid assessments of the evidence base and then to apply these assessments to health management and/or clinical practice. It introduces and explains rapid review methodologies that seek to optimise the balance between rigour and relevance, ensuring the timely and judicious use of evidence that is both user sensitive and context dependent. This module will also address the growing demand for knowledge translation of research findings, specifically within the context of developing countries. A key feature is production of a culturally-sensitive action plan that takes into account local feasibility and implementation issues.

15 credits

Introduction to Statistics and Critical Appraisal Online

The unit, which is delivered online, introduces students to basic concepts and techniques such as hypothesis testing and confidence interval estimation in statistics. Students will learn some simple statistical methods and the principles behind some advanced methods such as regression. It will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and critically appraise statistics in research literature.

15 credits

Using Policy to Strengthen Health Systems Online

This module, which is delivered online by distance learning, seeks to build on students' own experiences and knowledge of health policy and health systems. Over the course of the module, students will work individually and also in small online groups to develop a critical understanding of health policy and particular health systems, and to develop ideas and proposals about how these health systems can be strengthened, and who might benefit or not benefit. These improvements can be targeted at any combination of the regional, national, district, and community level. In this module, policy is understood in a broad way, as courses of action and inaction which shape health systems, and health systems are understood both as broad public health systems (including the social determinants of health), and as particular forms of organisation of health care (both formal and informal). The module is suitable for students with broad health and health care understanding, but also for those with more limited knowledge and experience of health systems.

15 credits

Further Statistics for Health Science Researchers Online

The module will cover fundamental statistical concepts, including both simple statistical methods and the more widely used advanced methods of multiple linear regression, survival analysis and generalised linear models. It will be a practical module, including the teaching of the statistical software SPSS, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and analyse a study to answer specific research questions; to understand and critically appraise the literature more thoroughly; and to present research findings in a suitable fashion.This is a Distance Learning version of the face-to-face HAR6045 module.

15 credits

Health Promotion - online

The module aims to elaborate on the theoretical background of health promotion with the aim of developing a critical awareness of the key concepts, debates and methods. The module aims to evaluate a range of health promotion strategies in different fields.

15 credits

Communicable Disease Control Online

The control of communicable diseases is a key function of public health. This module covers the core principles of communicable disease control including infectious disease surveillance, outbreak management, immunisation programmes, as well as the prevention and control of infectious diseases. It will also present a broad range of common infectious disease topics including HIV, tuberculosis, meningitis, diarrhoeal illnesses and hospital acquired infections. Students will gain a firm foundation in both factual knowledge and an understanding of how to apply this knowledge for the control of infectious diseases at the population level. This module will be delivered by online learning.

15 credits

Leading and Managing Health Services Online

This module integrates the principles of managing health care services and leading on rapid changes and advances in regional, national and international contexts. Principles of health management will be demonstrated through case-based teaching, in order to enable students to understand how to solve common management problems. Cases will be used to illustrate the complexity of the operating environment for health systems and health services. Students will be supported in developing critical thinking about the relative effectiveness of different approaches to management by analysing their own health care services within a broader cultural, political and policy context.

15 credits