OT4002 - Fundamentals of Occupational Science

What will I learn on this module?

Upon the completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of the the relationship between occupation (everyday activities that people find meaningful and purposeful), and health and wellbeing. You will develop knowledge from occupational science to develop your understanding of how engaging in occupation impacts on the health and wellbeing of individuals. You will also learn about health promotion and community engagement from an occupational perspective. You will also explore how health and environmental factors impact on an individual’s motivation and ability to engage with everyday activities in order to develop your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of occupational science that underpins the practice of occupational therapy.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a range of student-centred approaches, designed to help you make the transition to university learning and to help you develop knowledge and understanding of occupation and occupational science; online lectures will be utilised to introduce you to key module concepts, with practical and interactive seminar sessions utilised to explore these concepts in interactive and experiential ways through a blended approach of online and face to face learning. In particular, practical sessions will be utilised to encourage engagement in, and reflection on, the link between engagement in every-day activities, and health and wellbeing, Student-led directed learning will also be important to help you to develop knowledge about key scientific and theoretical concepts which will be introduced during the module.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The identified module tutor, alongside the module teaching team, will structure a blend of face-to-face and on-line learning 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 will enable you to evaluate your own progress within the module in relation to occupational analysis and identify areas for development. Assessment preparation with the module teaching team will form an integral part of the module.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

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.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Explore and identify factors that contribute to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities
2. Discuss the link between occupational participation and engagement and health and wellbeing

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Develop digital literacy in relation to contemporary public health policy to an understanding of human occupation

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Explore cultural and societal influences affect health and wellbeing.

Explore the relationship between the wider determinants of heath and health inequalities through engagement with public health data

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment – group assessments

Submission of 500 word outline of an occupational analysis. (MLO 1 and 2)

Summative assessment- 2000 words analysis

You will be required to complete a 200 word detailed written analysis of an occupation and demonstrate how this links to health and wellbeing (all MLOs)

Students will be given clear guidance on confidentiality and anonymity.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Throughout the lifespan humans engage in a range of occupations which impact on health and wellbeing. During this module we will explore how particular activities and occupations such as exercise, cooking, or socialising within a range of environments contribute to health wellbeing. In an interactive and reflective way, this module will enable you to develop knowledge about the link between how individuals engage in occupations and their personal health and wellbeing, and that of their families, networks and communities.

This module will start with an exploration of your own occupations and the impact these have on your health and wellbeing before exploring health promotion and community engagement from an occupational perspective. The module will also consider how occupation can be utilised to improve the health of individuals and communities. Students will reflect and learn from their own health behaviours, the activities of those around them, and information available from contemporary literature and culture.

Course info

UCAS Code B925

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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