Environmental Health (Apprenticeship) BSc (Honours)

This module provides you with knowledge of vectors of disease and their health impact; together with human anatomy and its hierarchical organisation from cell to organ system. An understanding of how the main body systems and mechanisms involved maintaining a "state of health" will be developed along with an introduction to how these systems can malfunction. Grounding in practical anatomy and health impact of vectors will be provided which includes "hands on" and laboratory exercises to support identification and recognition of the main vectors that pose health impact and anatomical features of organs and structures of the body. The module also provides a foundation in IT and communication skills, including presentation in a variety of formats to foster technological agility.

This module develops an understanding of the concepts of health and ill-health and factors which influence and contribute to an individual’s “state of health”. You will examine how physical, chemical, biological, social and psycho- stressors impact on human health and the environment. Through examination of aetiology, epidemiology, microbiology and demography knowledge and understanding of illness and well-being will be developed. You will explore the relationship between food, lifestyle, health and disease and develop an appreciation of the importance of the above in preventing of disease and facilitating health improvement.

The module familiarises you with fundamental scientific principles that underlie the assessment of chemicals and physical agents, by providing the mathematical concepts to underpin environmental health. The module equips you with skills in scientific information gathering, data analysis, and presentation. We will cover topics in chemistry, physics, and applied maths which will serve as a foundation for advanced studies in specialised environmental health modules.

This module develops appropriate administrative, communication and practical skills required for successful academic and professional progress. It develops an appreciation of governance and the legal systems, including legal doctrines, using communicable diseases control as a backdrop. It provides you with a clear understanding of the role of public health and increases awareness of the multiple strategies to improve the health of the population in a variety of settings (community and national). Health promotion and health protection principles will be explored and applied to practice. The role of public and private stakeholders in public health will be examined.

This module provides theoretical and applied professional knowledge, competence and opportunities for skill development in the field of food safety. Key issues from legal, professional, technical, and managerial perspectives will be identified and evaluated with an informed and critical approach to current practice. The module will develop an understanding of the importance of communication and collaboration in the field of food safety. Laboratory sessions, site visits, mock settings, case studies, videos, guest visits and student experiences will supplement the learning and help to embed theory into practice and to support your roles as future practitioners.

This module covers housing development including individual design, neighbourhood development and explores the impact of housing on health and wellbeing and ow this has public implications at an individual, regional and national basis. The housing and health needs of a range of social and geographical communities will be considered with a view to developing effective, integrated, evidence-based strategies and interventions. It also explores the relevant legislative and non-legislative remedies available to intervene on individual and strategic levels to deliver safer and healthier housing and local environments. It provides you with an understanding of the principles, terminology and methods underlying the construction and performance of residential buildings and the practical and cognitive skills to recognise building defects and to be able to specify suitable diagnostic treatment.

This module makes you aware of the role of global sustainability and environmental and health impacts of pollution. It will provide information on the harmful chemicals present in the environment and the environmental changes resulting from human activities (with reference to natural processes). The module gives you an understanding of the scientific, legislative, technological and economic aspects relating to the sources, effects, assessment and control of pollution.

This module provides you with a deep understanding of physiological and psychological risks arising from workplace settings and the methods employed to mitigate these risks. The module will also explore leadership, followership and coaching approaches to develop positive safety cultures and climates including the role of influence at various layers of the organisation. The module will develop skills in planning, auditing, reviewing in a variety of roles.

This practical based module develops a detailed knowledge of the composition and properties of foodstuffs and the relationship with safety, fitness, and quality within an overarching public health framework. It will develop a deeper understanding of the role of communication approaches applicable to dealing with foodstuffs to support your roles as future practitioners. Visits, videos, guest lectures, practical demonstrations and student experiences will supplement your learning and help to embed theory into practice. This will prepare you for your professional examinations and interviews on the identification, wholesomeness, and fitness for human consumption of a range of food and food products to meet the professional practice requirements of the CIEH.

This module provides you with a deep understanding of the design and implementation of public and environmental health interventions, and the role of communication in improving health outcomes with a clear focus on empathy and inclusion. This will include examination of cultural competence, empathy and awareness of ethical considerations applicable to a range of public health issues so as to effect inclusive interventions.

This module provides you with the skills to plan, implement, analyse and report project-based work, in preparation for the final year project module. The module also develops core research skills for scientific research design. Specific research skills include analytical techniques and provides you with an insight into the translation of science into real-world solutions and the factors affecting innovation, and knowledge production and transfer.

This module seeks to prepare you for your future practice in environmental or public health. Using a case study approach the module will seek to summate your learning and integrate this with professional experiences. The module will prepare you the End Point Assessment (EPA) for Environmental Health Practitioner, enabling you integrate ‘on-the-job’ and ‘off-the-job’ learning to support the development of the knowledge, skills, professional behaviours and values required by the Degree Apprenticeship. 

This is a professional programme and you will be taught via a work-integrated blended learning approach which will comprise:

• Work based learning, consisting of on the job development and application of skills, knowledge and professional behaviours. Your progress will be monitored through regular tutorials with tutors and supervised in the workplace by your coach
• Module workshops will be taught by professional practitioners and specialist staff will introduce new relevant academic and professional content
• Specialist workshops will be delivered face-to face and/or online
• Contextualised work based projects, where skills, knowledge and behaviour can be applied in a professional working environment
• Online learning, including structured individual and/or group online learning activities and tasks that involves facilitated tutor and peer group feedback to support learning development.

The apprentice will be required to submit a range of evidence of work-integrated learning for assessment that reflect aspects of practice as a Senior Leader. This can include learning journals, portfolios, role playing, work-based projects, reports, professional development plans and a business transformation project.

End-point Assessment

All apprenticeships in England are required to include an End-point Assessment (EPA) to test that apprentices have demonstrated all the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for full occupational competence as specified in the nationally approved Apprenticeship Standard. For degree apprenticeships, the EPA can either be integrated within the degree or separate to the degree programme.

The specific requirements for EPA for BSc Environmental Health Apprenticeship apprenticeship is detailed in the nationally approved End-point Assessment Plan and this can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships website.

Formative assessment such as online learning exercises, peer evaluation, group activities and feedback of sample work will be used.  
 
Your knowledge and comprehension are assessed by case study portfolios, problem solving activities, coursework essays, management reports, reflection, case studies and presentations couple with the completion of an undergraduate dissertation and apprenticeship end point assessment. 
 
Cognitive (thinking) skills are assessed by management reports, problem solving activities, essays, and oral examination and laboratory data analysis reports, development of a dissertation and through the apprenticeship end point assessment 
 
Practical skills are assessed by presentation, problem solving exercises, apprenticeship end point assessment and oral examinations. The latter relates to the final year Practical Food Inspection as part of the accreditation of the award with the CIEH.