Introductory description

This module aims to facilitate a broad base understanding of non-communicable disease by integrating knowledge and approaches from ageing, endocrine and reproductive health, cancer, healthcare pathways, understanding of susceptibilities and inequalities. These integrated perspectives of health and medical conditions will be consolidated and advanced through case-based learning.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module follows the systems module and will follow the assessments for that earlier block. Again, the module will include taught content with lecture theatre-based presentations and interactive presentations as well as case-based learning sessions, all supported by TEL online content. Students will be expected to be familiar with the demands of CBL and becoming more confident with their developing skills in enquiry based learning and communication with their peers.

In the medical sciences, students will cover the anatomy and physiology of reproductive and endocrine systems. Students will start to investigate some of the challenges associated with reproductive ageing and fertility in an ageing population. The field of oncology will be introduced including topics such as the molecular basis of cancer, tumour physiology, tumour immunology, diagnosis, treatment and management.

In the health sciences, systems of governance, decision making in health and basic health economics will be re-visited framed around the availability of life extending drugs. There will be exploration of ethnic and socioeconomic inequalities in health, the differences between research and therapy and the value in preventative medicine interventions.

The cases in this module will explore contemporary examples of health and susceptibility to disease across the human life, health and socioeconomic span and the problems therein. Students will consider responsible use of new and existing technologies and their potential role in managing problems in health and care in these areas.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1. To illustrate familiarity with the key concepts, principles and theories, which will support a multidisciplinary approach to understanding, prevention and management of non-communicable diseases and promotion of healthy ageing
• 2. To demonstrate a basic understanding of health promotion & disease prevention across the lifespan and for different populations
• 3. To interrelate basic aspects of human anatomy and physiology of the reproductive and endocrine systems in health and disease
• 4. To demonstrate familiarity with the field of oncology and to understand multidisciplinary care of cancer management
• 5. To demonstrate a basic understanding of key health determinants across the lifespan
• 6. To demonstrate an awareness of socio–economic relationships with chronic non-communicable diseases and long term conditions
• 7. To develop and use reasoning skills to engage with others to individually or collectively put forward ideas that can have a positive influence on local and global challenges in health

Indicative reading list

1. Tortora and Derrickson., (2008) Principles of anatomy and physiology. Volume 1&2. 12th edition, Wiley.
2. Lopez-Otin et al., (2013) The hallmarks of Ageing. Cell. 153(6): 1194-1217
3. Heffner and Schust. (2010) The reproductive system at a glance. 3rd edition. Wiley-Blackwell.
4. Hoskin et al., (2009) Clinical oncology: basic principles and practice. 4th edition. CRC Press.
5. Phillips C.J., (2005) Health economics: an introduction for health professionals. 1st edition. BMJ Books.
6. Greer et al., (2016) Strengthening health system governance: better policies, stronger performance. Open University Press.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Interdisciplinary

Students cover the medical themes of ageing, endocrine and reproductive health, and cancer. This content is integrated with the study of the social determinants of health, health inequalities and disease susceptibility as they pertain to non communicable disease. Healthcare pathways, ethical and economic aspects of ill health are also considered. Students discuss relationships, interlinking factors and cumulative impacts, taking an interdisciplinary approach to key health challenges.

International

Students are encouraged to consider the demographics of communicable disease from a global perspective and factors that impact prevalence and mortality worldwide, with key differences in healthcare provision discussed as part of teaching and small group work.

Subject specific skills

Knowledge and understanding of health problems relating to non-communicable diseases and ability to investigate such health problems from the integrated perspectives of Health Sciences and Medical Science
Ability to understand patterns of susceptibility and inequality that give rise to ill health and disease.

Transferable skills

Critical thinking, Self-directed learning, evidence-based approach to problem-solving, time management, integration of information.