CE4190: Disease in the Developing World

School Continuing and Professional Education
Department Code LEARN
Module Code CE4190
External Subject Code 101317
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Zbigniew Sobiesierski
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2020/1

Outline Description of Module

This course discusses the problems posed by diseases that are specifically tropical or ones that stem from deficiencies in water supply and sanitation provision.  The approach adopted is an ecological one and gives particular attention to control through habitat modification and technology transfer. This course discusses diseases that are particularly associated with the Developing World.  Some are transmitted by vectors and may also have animal reservoirs; others stem from food shortages, or from deficiencies in water supply and sanitation provision. The approach adopted is principally an ecological one and discusses the possibilities of control through habitat modification, technology transfer, raised awareness and medical intervention.  

On completion of the module a student should be able to

Knowledge and Understanding:

  • cite the causative agents of the diseases discussed and have a knowledge of the other biological agents (such as vectors and animal reservoirs) involved in their transmission chains.
  • understand the varied influences of environmental factors on disease transmission, including climatological factors and the habitat requirements of vector and host species.
  • appreciate that discrepancies often exist between the objective reality of disease risks and local perceptions of these risks.
  • appreciate the necessity for improved awareness in these circumstances.

Intellectual Skills:

  • integrate information provided in lectures and private study
  • present ideas and arguments effectively and coherently in written form, and to communicate them in oral presentations, as appropriate

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

  • prepare reports on disease issues that achieve a professional standard of presentation in layout, orderly citation of references and use of biological nomenclature 

How the module will be delivered

Lectures, discussions and case study exercises (20 hours contact).

A full range of visual aids will be employed and students given critical feedback on their written reports. 

Skills that will be practised and developed

  • make critical and effective use of published and electronic information sources to consolidate material presented in the lecture programme. 

How the module will be assessed

Summative assessment takes the form of:

An oral, group-based seminar presentation (40%);

An essay based on the presentation, and including feedback received (40%).

A practical class test using slides and microscopes (20%)

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Disease In The Developing World N/A

Syllabus content

  • Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes
  • Diseases transmitted by ticks and mites
  • Diseases transmitted to man from other mammals
  • The heath implications of faulty water supplies and poor sanitation
  • Disorders associated with malnutrition and the environmental background to these problems
  • Regional case histories illustrating the role of habitat alterations, educational progammes and medical interventions in disease control
  • Travellers’ health; regulations and mechanisms for minimising health risks to travellers to Developing World  countries
  • Health problems following natural disasters
  • The role of traditional medicine in local health care 

Essential Reading and Resource List

Please see Background Reading List for an indicative list.

Background Reading and Resource List

Journal: - Social Science and Medicine

Feachem, R.G., Bradley, D.J., Garelick, H. & Mara, D.D. (1983). Sanitation and Disease. Health Aspects of Excreta and Wastewater Management. John Wiley, Chichester.

Werner, D.B. & Bower, B.L. (1982). Helping Health Workers Learn. The Hesperian Foundation, Palo Alto, California.

Manson-Bahr, P.E.C. & Apted, F.I.C. (1982). Manson’s Tropical Diseases. Ballière Tindall, London. 


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