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This foundational module will explore the interdependencies between natural systems and human disease in a time of rapid environmental change. Acknowledging diverse and changing perspectives on health and the environment across history and cultures, students will be introduced to emerging concepts and issues in this field, fundamental approaches to assess evidence for causal relationships between environment and disease as well as begin to develop an understanding of the complex socioecological systems within which remedial action can be taken.

Teaching Delivery

This module is taught in 20 weekly lectures and 10 weekly PGTA-led seminars.Ìý

Indicative Topics *Based on module content in 2023/24, subject to possible changes.Ìý

• Emerging fields in health and environmentÌý
• Defining the AnthropoceneÌý
• Airs, Waters and PlacesÌý
• Global health and the global burden of diseaseÌý
• The great acceleration and planetary boundariesÌý
• Evidence of association between environment and diseaseÌý
• Chemical and plastic pollutionÌý
• Climate and healthÌý
• Biodiversity and infectious diseasesÌý
• Biodiversity and nutritionÌý
• Indigenous ecologies and healthÌý
• Natural hazard and displacementÌý
• Late lessons from early warnings and the Precautionary PrincipleÌý
• Environmental justice and the commercial determinants of healthÌý
• Socio-ecological systemsÌý
• Nature-based solutions to urban designÌý
• Valuing nature and ecosystem servicesÌý
• Politics of hopeÌý
• Encounters between people and ecosystemsÌý

Module aims and objectives

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Reflect on how relevant disciplinary knowledge(s) have been historically and culturally constructed
• Describe contemporary health issues related to global environmental change through a cross-disciplinary perspective
• Synthesise knowledge from multiple disciplines to assess the strength of scientific evidence for an association between environment and health
• Apply systems thinking approaches to develop a qualitative understanding of the wider contexts within which remedial action may be taken.