Last modified: 02 Oct 2026 09:47
Through lectures and discussion you critically evaluate the links between human, animal and environmental health and the value of an interdisciplinary One Health approach.
By working with peers to research a topic from the perspective of a specific stakeholder you co-produce knowledge and consolidate your understanding. By presenting your research and engaging in a mock stakeholder workshop, you gain an appreciation of conflicting perspectives and trade-offs in a One Health relevant topic. Topics covered in previous years have included vector-borne disease, antimicrobial resistance and microplastics. Represented stakeholders have included government agencies, non-government organisations, industry.
By preparing a knowledge exchange document or policy brief on a problem, you concisely articulate complex ideas and evidence needed to underpin decisions relevant to practice or policy.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to explore interactions between the health of people, the environment, farmed species and the natural world. Although much of course will consider disease, other aspects of health and well-being will also be considered. The course begins with an exploration of the empirical context and rationale for a One Health approach, including its relevance to stakeholders from different sectors and disciplines.
Case studies will be used to illustrate key concepts and evaluate potential solutions. Case studies will come from a range of countries and contexts, including terrestrial and marine systems. As part of one case study, a computer practical will explore transmission dynamics, disease spread and how models can be used to inform management policies. In a mock stakeholder workshop, groups will take on the role of different stakeholders. The workshop will use presentations and discussions to consider how different stakeholders may perceive a One Health issue and potential mitigation strategies.
Topics that will be considered include: environmental change and disease risk; relationships between measures of biodiversity and disease risk; pollution and health, vector-borne disease and their control; interactions between disease, food production (livestock and crops) and human health; land-use, biodiversity and food security; how social, cultural and economic factors influence disease risk and mitigation; technological advances in disease control; antimicrobial resistance; microplastics; engagement with stakeholders and communicating complex concepts to policy-makers and communities.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 70 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 40 | Feedback Weeks | 43 | |
| Feedback |
1,200-word knowledge exchange document or policy brief. Topic can be anything where One Health approach is relevant, but ideas will also be suggested on MyAberdeen. Feedback will be provided in writing. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | To consolidate evidence and communicate complex ideas to a non-scientific audience. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 39 | Feedback Weeks | 42 | |
| Feedback |
In an assigned group of 3-4 students you will prepare a 12 minute presentation on a specific One Health related issue. Each group presenting on the issue will present from the perspective of a different stakeholder, and the groups will also plan and participate in discussions on the issue. Feedback will be provided orally and in writing. In addition to the presention you will write a short reflective piece (500 words) on the process of the group work. This will cover topics such as how the group organised itself and communicated, contributions from different group members, challenges and how these were tackled and future learning for group work. Feedback for this will be provided in writing. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | To critically analyse case studies on the interactions between the health of people, the environment, farmed species and the natural world. |
| Conceptual | Understand | To demonstrate an understanding of empirical concepts underpinning the One Health approach. |
| Assessment Type | Formative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 38 | Feedback Weeks | 38 | |
| Feedback |
Feedback on outline of knowledge exchange document / policy brief will be provided by instructors and small group of peers. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | To consolidate evidence and communicate complex ideas to a non-scientific audience. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Resit only failed elements, previously passed assessment elements are carried forward; the resit for a failed group oral presentation will be an individual, pre-recorded presentation using Panopto. Individualised written feedback will be provided through MyAberdeen. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | To consolidate evidence and communicate complex ideas to a non-scientific audience. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | To critically analyse case studies on the interactions between the health of people, the environment, farmed species and the natural world. |
| Conceptual | Understand | To demonstrate an understanding of empirical concepts underpinning the One Health approach. |
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