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TI 231 GEOGRAPHIES OF HEALTH 

Module Weighting: 5 ECTS credits Lecturer:  Dr. Maura Farrell Room: 123a Department of Geography Phone: 00 353 91 49 2376 Email: maura.farrellnuigalway.ie Lectures: Mon 10:00 - 11:00 IT 125 G Floor; Mon 13:00 - 14:00 Larmor Theatre

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Course Description:

This course provides an introduction to the area of health geography, and explores how place and environment impact on health.  Health and health care vary geographically, with important consequences for human wellbeing and social inequality.  Exposure to certain conditions and resources which affect health either positively or negatively, as well as access to services and treatment, vary depending on where we live.  The major topics covered include concepts of health, disease and illness and their measurement; the relationship between human health and the social and physical environment, including health and human modification of the environment; social and spatial inequalities in health, including provision and utilization of health services; migration and health.

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Course Aims:

This course aims to explain how and why these variations occur, focusing on how place, space and community shape health outcomes and health care delivery.  Using examples from different parts of the world, it illustrates the social and cultural construction and production of ill-health from a geographical perspective.  It provides an overview of key concepts and theoretical approaches underpinning the study of health, disease and illness, as well as a broad understanding of contemporary debates and concerns in health geography.

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Course Outcomes:

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

-      Identify and discuss the main concepts applied in health geography
-      outline the main differences between contemporary models of health care
-      discuss the principal theoretical approaches used in health geography
-      explain the nature of health inequalities in both developed and developing countries, and how these are measured
-      evaluate the evidence for health inequalities in an Irish context
-      outline the links between migration and health status in developed and developing countries
-      evaluate the concept of therapeutic landscapes and its links to care and well-being
-      examine the extent to which human modification of the environment impacts upon health
-      discuss the potential spatial and health impacts of bioterrorism

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Method of Assessment:

Mid-term assessment = 30%; 2 hour, end of term = 70%

Detailed course structure and readings

Further details of course structure and key readings are posted on Blackboard

    

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