The module aims to provide a foundation for other modules by giving an introduction to key terms and concepts that underpin public health sciences and practice. The module contrasts individualised and population approaches to improving health, and discusses the relative influences of genetic, prenatal and lifestyle determinants of disease. It will focus on understanding the social determinants of health, understanding the theories, measurement and empirical evidence related to specific social conditions and experiences such as socioeconomic position, discrimination, social networks and support, work conditions, ecological level neighborhood and community social conditions, and social and economic policies. Biological and psychological mechanisms by which social conditions influence health will be discussed. The course builds on a basic understanding of society and health and of epidemiology.
This module will also include the analysis of the sociological aspects of health and illness in populations to favour a better understanding of public health practice. It will cover the common concepts of the sociology of health and illness; the role of medicine in society; structural explanations for social patterns and experiences of illness; the role of social, cultural and psychological factors in the aetiology of illness and disease; inequalities in the access to health care, including social class, gender, culture and ethnicity.

Main teachers

• Jose Jesus Martin Martin (Spain)
• Antonio Daponte Codina (Spain)

Workload and ECTS

Class workload	Total workload	ECTS
120	190	8