DA5025 - Occupational Science and Public Health

Core concepts will be introduced through online lectures. A blended learning approach including Seminar and practical group sessions will also be utilised in order to explore topics in an interactive way and to further understand how theory, policy and evidence is being applied to authentic public health topics and initiatives. The voice of people who experience inequalities, injustice or have direct experience of public health initiatives will be represented within the module and sessions will help students to engage in critical dialogue. Campus based sessions will be utilised during consolidation weeks enabling you to synthesise workbased learning, practice placement learning alongside the theoretical and practical university based sessions.

The identified module tutor, alongside the module teaching team, will structure a range of blended learning including face-to-face opportunities to support your learning within the module and to assist you to work towards the module assessment. The module guide, the electronic reading list, and information communicated throughout the module within sessions and on the e-learning portal will all signpost you to resources to support your academic development.

A formative assessment opportunity will be integrated within the module. Staff and/or peer feedback will assist you to evaluate your own progress within the module and identify areas for development. Assessment preparation with the module teaching team will also be an integral part of the module.
The summative assessment will be a conference-style poster which analyses a contemporary public health topic from an occupational perspective.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Discuss regional, national and international public health policy and priorities and debate the influence of occupations and the relevance to occupational therapy.
2. Understand and apply occupational science concepts in relation to groups, communities and populations

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Review information from a range of sources to inform decision making.
4. Present health information in a clear and accessible manner.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate and articulate an inclusive approach which respects and values diversity and a commitment to addressing inequality.

Formative assessment:
Students will present a visual representation (or a draft poster) of how an occupational perspective informs a public health concern.

Summative assessment:
A conference-style poster presenting an analysis of a contemporary public health topic from an occupational perspective.

Students will be given clear guidance on confidentiality and anonymity.

You will receive written feedback summarising strengths and areas for development from your summative assessment.

This will promote achievement of all MLO’s

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This module will bring an occupational science perspective to local and global health and wellbeing issues. Drawing on concepts such as occupational justice, occupational marginalisation and occupational apartheid, you will explore how human activities and behaviours are influencing contemporary population health challenges (for example obesity, food insecurity and climate change), but also how occupation can be a solution for communities to move towards sustainable health and wellbeing.

You will be supported and encouraged to engage with local, national and global debates on health in order to develop and apply your own understanding of occupational perspectives of populations and public health concerns linked to the practice of occupational therapy.
The development of knowledge and skills on this module will increase an appreciation of the political, sociocultural and environmental factors of human occupation and relationship to health and wellbeing