Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledesc
ript/index.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Environment, Health and Sustainable Development
Module code
1125
Module Organiser
Dr Sari Kovats
Contact email
Sari.Kovats@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Public Health & Policy
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ)
Credit
This module is weighted as equivalent to 10 credits, within the larger 60-credit
Term 1 super-module for each MSc course. Credits are not awarded for this
module individually, but only for successful completion of the Term 1 supermodule.
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body
Keywords
Toxic agents, environmental hazards, pathogens, ecology, water, sanitation,
climate, globalisation, health in emergencies, vulnerable groups,
communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, goals/MDGs, research,
urban, local/regional, international/global, governance, poverty, equity
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To introduce students to the concepts needed to analyse the interactions
between human activities, the environment and human health
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
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Describe the range of environmental hazards that damage health,
including: air pollution, water and sanitation, inadequate housing, and
chemical hazards;
Explain equity and sustainability as central principles in environmental
health risk management;
Assess global environmental changes in terms of causes and their
implications for human health;
Evaluate how environmental issues are addressed in current public
health practice.
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Target audience
This module is optional for students on the MSc Public Health, and it is
compulsory for students who wish to take the MSc Public Health Environment
and Health stream. It forms a suitable introduction to the modules
Environmental Health Policy (1300) and Environmental Epidemiology (1301).
CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):
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How environmental hazards affect human health
Measures taken to reduce the risk of environmental hazards
Emerging problem of global environmental changes
Links between health, environment and development, international and
local policy contexts
How environmental issues are addressed in current public health practice
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
A handbook and a reader is provided to students
Teaching and learning
methods
The module will be organised around 10 sessions. Most sessions will consist of
a one-hour lecture and a seminar or groupwork of one and a half hours
Assessment details
Assessment will be by exam (Part A in Paper 2 for MSc Public Health).
Assessment dates
Assessment will take place in June 2016.
For students who are required to re-sit the Paper 2 examination, the next
assessment date will normally be the following May/June.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 10 weeks at 0.5 days per week; this module runs on
Wednesday mornings.
Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Wednesday 7 October 2015 and finish
on Wednesday 16 December 2015.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot Term 1
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule.
Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 100 hours, consisting of:

Contact time ≈ 30 hours
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Directed self-study ≈20 hours
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Self-directed learning ≈ 20 hours
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Assessment, review and revision ≈ 30 hours
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APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
No specific requirements for the module
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers are typically 25 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
Student selection
This module is compulsory for students who wish to take the MSc Public Health
Environment and Health stream.
Partial Registration (partial participation) by LSHTM research degree students
is allowed for this module.
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students and LSHTM research degree
students. Other applicants meeting the entry criteria will usually be offered a
place in the order applications are received, until any cap on numbers is
reached. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list and given priority the next
time the module is run.
Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:

For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline is the end
of Term 1 Orientation Week, Friday 2 October 2015.

If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time. The School gives priority to the needs of students registering for
Masters and Research Degrees, and so places on any module may be limited
- early application is therefore advised. Formal registration will take place
on the morning of the first day of the module.
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16
Last revised 24 June 2013, by Sari Kovats; 10th July 2015, minor updates by Sarah Bathie
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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