Environmental Health, 7.5 credits

Validation

This course syllabus was validated by the Faculty Board for Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies at Södertörn University on 2022-12-07 according to the stipulations in the Higher Education Ordinance.

Entry requirements

The equivalent of English 6 and a Bachelor's degree in natural sciencesss, social sciences or humanities including a minimum of 90 credits relevant to the environment, sustainability or global development.

Learning outcomes

On completing the course, the student can:

• define key concepts within health geography, cartography and geographical information with relevance to the environment and health
• identify and interpret place-related influences on health status from a societal and an environmental perspective, including geographical differences at local, regional and global levelss
• from a health perspective, interpret concepts, processes, and patterns connected to space and place, including environmental impact and time perspectives
• adequately interpret geographical information correctly, taking into account representativity and generalisations in relation to scale and geographical differences
• apply geographical data for further analysis in a geographical information system
• evaluate the importance of presenting geographical data in relation to differences in scale and representativity

Course content, modules and examinations

The course focus on the spatial connections between environment, health and society. Various geographical circumstances, such as climate, soil, water quality, economic development etc. affect public health and disease distribution. The spread of diseases varies both locally, regionally and globally, where the distribution pattern may be directly or indirectly related to the source. Human behaviour varies due to different cultural traditions, but is also related to economic differences and the surrounding environment. During the course some health-related interrelationships with a spatial distribution pattern are studied and exemplified using geographical methods. The course includes practical exercises using a geographical information system (GIS).

Course design

Teaching is based on lectures, seminars and practical exercises.

Examination format

1001, Environmental Health, theory, 5 credits

• written examination

 1002, Environmental Health, seminars and practical exercises, 2.5 credits

• seminar participation and written hand-in assignments
• computer-based practical exercises with written hand-in assignments

Absence from a maximum of 50% of the seminars can be compensated for by written assignments, following the instructions of the examiner. Compensatory assignments must be handed in within one year of the end of the course.

The grading criteria are distributed prior to the start of a course or module.

If a student has a certificate from Södertörn University for compensatory support, the examiner has the right to decide on an adapted examination or alternative form of examination in accordance with Södertörn University's regulations.

Restrictions on accreditation

The course may not be accredited as part of a degree if the contents are partly or wholly the same as a course previously taken in Sweden or elsewhere.