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PHPS40040

Academic Year 2024/2025

Public Health Practice and Policy (PHPS40040)

Subject:
Public Health & Population Sci
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Patricia Fitzpatrick
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In this module students are introduced to the principles and breadth of public health in practice and the roles and responsibilities of public health practitioners.

Students are introduced to the role and sources of health information and are provided with practical examples of use for public health. Policy development for public health is covered. The procedures for health impact assessment, needs assessment and audit are described. The principles of advocacy for public health are introduced with examples of advocacy in practice and students apply this knowledge to assess international examples of advocacy. The public health responses to smoking, alcohol, drugs and injury are covered. Students apply theoretical knowledge of health impact assessment and health needs assessment to practical examples. Students will learn how to prepare memos on various public health issues, including environmental issues, for different audiences.

The module is delivered as a series of lectures and seminars (with full student participation, working in small groups). Documents are posted for additional student learning.

Students prepare a group presentation as part of assessment.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course students will
1.Have an understanding of the concepts of public health and the organisation, structure and function of the health services
2.Understand roles of public health practitioners
3. Be able to identify sources of health information for public health
4.Understand the requirements for successful public health practice (including advocacy, audit & league tables, health impact assessment, health needs assessment)
4. Be able to apply theoretical knowledge of health needs assessment, health impact assessment and advocacy to practical examples and scenarios
5. Be able to apply knowledge to practical clinical audit
6. Be able to apply their knowledge to the preparation of public health memos/preparation for media and other responses, suited to varying audiences


Indicative Module Content:

Public health structures & functions
Public health policy development
Public health response to smoking and substance abuse
Public health advocacy & application
Health impact assessment & application
Health needs assessment & application
Health information
Audit & league tables
Preparation of public health memos for different audiences, preparation for media appearance
Presentation skills

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

12
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Lectures

17
Seminar (or Webinar)

3
Total

102

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students will learn through lectures, seminars based on prior review of materials posted, debate, student group presentations

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment at end of module Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
70
 No
Group Work Assignment: Group Presentation Week 7, Week 8 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive feedback on the group presentation after the presentation. General class feedback will be provided on assignment. Individual feedback on assignment available on request

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 33 Wed 10:00 - 11:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 32 Wed 10:00 - 11:50
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