This Master's level unit aims to enable the critical evaluation of public health practice in its political, social and historical context. You'll gain an understanding of national and international public health issues. The unit will build on your previous experience and knowledge of public health and can form a foundation for studying further units.

Indicative Content

• Examination of the scope of the term `public health` and its contextual historical origins (local and global) You'll gain an understanding of national and international public health issues. The unit will build on your previous experience and knowledge of public health and can form a foundation for studying further units.
• Definitions of health, and the social and cultural factors which affect assumptions regarding health
• The scope of the term `environment` and the potential and actual effects on human health
• Macro and micro elements of the `environment`, or `settings` which affect health and well-being
• Sources of knowledge determining what is health? How these are developed, and the dominant discourses related
• Examination of what constitutes evidence, including evidence of causation and the extent to which public health practice and policy development is evidence based
• Critique of epidemiological evidence of environmental effects upon health
• The roots of global and local inequalities in health, and the actual and potential effects upon public health and wellbeing
• Critique of the underlying policy developments underpinned by the historical origins of the public health movement
• Critical consideration of the global politics of public health and sustainable development
• Evaluation of the range of agencies which affect health and wellbeing
• Reflective and critical appraisal skills

Learning and Teaching Methods

The delivery of this unit will involve students participating in a variety of learning activities such as:

• Lectures accessed in person or electronically, in order to gain expert insights into the context and scope of public health
• Tutorials accessed in person or electronically to enable the independent acquisition and appraisal of knowledge 
• Discussions and seminars which may be face-to-face or online, to encourage critique of theory and practice through debate and development of presentation and  dissemination skills
• Independent reading and study to develop library skills and to acquire and appraise knowledge.
• Quizzes, watching audio visual materials, listening to podcasts. 

This unit is one of the core units for the MSc Public Health.

This course requires 100% attendance.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this unit the student is expected to: 

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the historical and political contexts, and the theoretical basis of public health practice
2. Demonstrate critical evaluation of the impact of environmental influences upon human health 
3. Demonstrate the ability to independently and critically evaluate the role and potential function of agencies involved in maintaining and promoting the public’s health 
4. Demonstrate deconstruction of the underpinning assumptions about health as a construct
5. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of inequities and inequalities in health and well-being, and their potential impact
6. Demonstrate critical evaluation of the evidence base for public health practice.

Assessment

All learning outcomes will be assessed by coursework – 100% (3000 word equivalent)