View Specification DocumentBSc (Med Sci) & BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Specialist Course 4: Public Health MED4044
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Medicine Dentistry and Nursing
- Credits: 30
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course in Public Health gives students insight into the scientific application of knowledge about health behaviour and the epidemiology of disease in populations as mechanisms towards improving health. Students will gain understanding in how behaviour may be influenced, how the antecendents of disease may be measured and monitored, and how to use a multi-sectoral approach to influence change successfully.
Timetable
On average approximately 6 x 1.5 hour sessions per week in Semester One, and 2 x 1.5 hour session per week in Semester 2.
Requirements of Entry
Mandatory Entry Requirements
Actively enrolled in an MBChB or BDS and normally have successfully completed at least the first 3 years. Exceptionally, some external students from specific partner institutions may join the course after completion of two years of MBChB or BDS (or equivalent); however award of the intercalated degree will be withheld until they have subsequently completed the required number of additional credits (or equivalent) at their home institution.
Recommended Entry Requirements
Will normally be placed within the top 50% of the year and have demonstrated good academic progress.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Core Course
BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Research Project
BSc (Med Sci), BSc (Dent Sci) Clinical Medicine Statistics
Assessment
Assessment
65% written examination in April/May
35% review essay completed during 2nd semester
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
The aims of this course are to provide students with insight into the scientific application of knowledge about health behaviour and the epidemiology of disease in populations, as a route towards improving health; to demonstrate how behaviour may be influenced, how the antecendents of disease may be measured and monitored; and the importance of adopting a multi-sectoral approach to influence change successfully.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Assess the importance of public health practice with regard to population health;
■ Evaluate the determinants of health and how they contribute to health and health inequalities
■ Explain the use of quantitative (epidemiological) methods relevant to public health;
■ Compare the relevance of health promotion and prevention strategies, including how legislation may impact on this.