Environmental Data for Public Health Challenges 2025-2026

The Environmental Data for Public Health Challenges module presents and explains the use of environmental data to brief senior policy makers and politicians on one of four significant global public health challenges.

The four challenges include the impacts of microplastics on human health and the environment, addressing issues related to wastewater management, understanding and mitigating the impact of wildfires, and the environmental and health implications of adopting electric vehicles. It will lead students through each of the challenges, and after picking one of them, will guide the student through the formulation of critical information for presenting a policy brief, sourcing and management of environmental data and critical interpretation of analysis outputs and presenting information, (text, tables and graphs) in a clear and understandable way. Students will work predominantly within teams and the module will encompass a Team Based Learning (TBL) approach. 

Throughout the module, students will develop the skills to critically evaluate a diverse array of environmental data. This may encompass both measurements and models, allowing them to gain insights into various practical scenarios. The TBL approach involves engaging in practical sessions, learning how to apply these methods to address complex public health challenges and fostering a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. 

Module Aims

1. Understand the principles of team-based learning and effectively participate in collaborative learning activities. 
2. Understanding the structure, purpose, and key components of a policy brief. 
3. Understand your chosen public health challenge, including exposure pathways, hazard and risk, and policy interventions. 
4. Identify and apply the principles of effective data visualization, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and interpretability in their tables and graphs. 
5. Create and deliver a clear and concise written summary that effectively addresses the requirements of a policy brief, including the use of structured arguments, relevant data, visual aids, and persuasive communication techniques. 

Module Leads