Occupational Health (Policy and Practice) (MSc-Diploma)
ObjectivesThe MSc/ Diploma in Occupational Health (Policy and Practice) is delivered mainly by on-line study and run by the Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology at the School of Medicine, Cardiff University. The course is aimed at providing instruction in the principles and practice of occupational health. For physicians, completion of this course will cover the majority of the syllabus of the Associateship of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (AFOM) examination.
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements:
Students will be selected on an interdisciplinary basis and are normally required to have a UK higher education degree or equivalent, which may include appropriate experience.
The course is suitable for physicians, nurses and others who have responsibility for the health and safety of employees in business, industry and commerce. In addition to physicians and nurses, potential applicants might include environmental health officers, human resource professionals, trades unionists, health and safety inspectors, managers, civil servants and scientists. Participants must be motivated to undertake self-directed learning.
Academic titleOccupational Health (Policy and Practice) (MSc/Diploma)
Course descriptionCourse Description:
Apart from mandatory attendance at one introductory course in Cardiff, the course is delivered on-line and face-to-face contact is not required. Participants are expected to collaborate through on-line interactions.
Course materials are delivered on-line and participants, divided into groups, will work through tasks and case studies through on-line discussion and collaboration. Students assume responsibility for participating actively in the on-line learning process as a member of their team. Course materials will summarise information and therefore, in some respects, replace lectures. Participants are expected to contribute to the learning process according to their own backgrounds and experience. They discuss their findings and conclusions as a group and present them to their tutors and peers.
The emphasis in this programme is on common problems encountered in the workplace environment. Areas and concepts covered include:
* The prediction, recognition, evaluation and control of biological, physical, chemical and psychosocial hazards in the workplace;
* The application of epidemiology and statistics to workplace problems;
* Problem-solving and critical appraisal of published evidence;
* Clinical, toxicological, psychological, ethical and legal perspectives;
* Placement and fitness for work
* Occupational rehabilitation and employment of the disabled;
* Regulatory aspects of occupational health.
Many of these areas and concepts will have special relevance to a number of participants on the course. However, other professionals will learn the major issues so that their understanding can be enhanced along with their role as part of the team protecting the health resource of their business.
The modular design will allow focus on problem solving skills and development of an evidence based approach. Course materials will identify essential reading and include self-assessment tasks. Written assignments will be completed from a large choice and will form part of the module assessment. This will be supplemented by participation in an e-conference, which will be problem-based.
Module information
There are two stages in the course: the taught component and the Master’s dissertation. These comprise several phases as set out below:
Taught Stage
Phase I: Introductory familiarisation course
Phase II: Delivery of modules
We currently offer the following modules:
* Clinical Occupational Health Practice;
* Health Promotion in the Workplace;
* Management of Occupational Hazards;
* Placement, Fitness and Rehabilitation;
* Epidemiology, Statistics and Evidence-Based Medicine;
* Law and Ethics in Occupational Health Practice;
* Occupational Health Service Management;
* Environmental Management;
* Occupational Mental Health.
The three modules on clinical occupational health practice, epidemiology, statistics and the management of occupational hazards are compulsory. Other modules are under development and may be offered in the future.
Master's Stage
Phase III: Choice of dissertation
Phase IV: Completion of dissertation
Phase V: Award of MSc Degree
Assessment
Assessment occurs at several levels. Throughout the teaching materials, on-line tests are available, which although not compulsory, assist participants in assessing their progress. There is also a summative assessment at the end of each module. This comprises participation in a problem-based e-conference, involving the on-line discussion of case scenarios or other similar focus. In addition, students submit a 3-4,000 word written assignment, which may involve critical appraisal of the literature.
Those who successfully complete all modules, participate in all e-conferences and submit all written assignments to the required standard will be eligible for the award of the diploma. Those wishing to proceed to an MSc are required to successfully submit a dissertation on an approved subject - together with four written assignments from their supervisor.
Special Features:
* The programme combines several unique methods in the training of occupational health professionals, including: combining students from a variety of backgrounds and practice settings; self-directed learning with a strong element of a problem-based approach; small group-tutorial approach and web-based delivery.
* The programme contains an emphasis is on practical solutions
* Minimum attendance is required due to online delivery
* The programme can be Tailored to your own schedule, study style, etc
Other programs related to occupational health and safety