THE CARDIFF SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES

THE CARDIFF SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES Department of Applied Community Sciences & Protection Centre for Occupational & Environmental Public Health BSc (Hons) ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH JOINING INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE BRING THIS DOCUMENT WITH YOU TO THE INDUCTION WEEK 2015/16 Updated June 2015 1

CONTENTS 1. General Information... 1 2. Welcome from the Dean of School... 2 3. About the Cardiff School of Health Sciences... 3 4. About the Centre for Occupational & Environmental Public Health... 6 5. Programme Information... 7 6. Programme Structure... 10 7. Initial Advice on Studying at University... 11 8. Induction Programme... 12 9. Online Enrolment... 13 Information in this document is correct at the time of publication. 2

1. General Information Title of Awards: Validating Body: Accreditation Body: HEFC(W) Quality Type of Programme: Normal Length: BSc (Hons) Environmental Health HND Environmental Studies Cardiff Metropolitan University Chartered Institute of Environmental Health At the last assessment the Programme was assessed as being Excellent by the Funding Council Modular BSc (Hons) Environmental Health 3 year Full Time Modular School: Department of: Dean of School: Programme Director: The Cardiff School of Health Sciences Applied Community Sciences & Protection Professor Adrian Peters Mr Andrew Curnin 029 2041 6854 adcurnin@cardiffmet.ac.uk If you have a question or issue directly relating to the academic programme that is not addressed in these joining instructions, please contact the Programme Director. 1

2. Welcome from the Dean - Professor Adrian Peters The Cardiff School of Health Sciences: improving health through education and research A very warm welcome to the Cardiff School of Health Sciences. You will be joining a vibrant community of over 2000 students with 160 staff committed to delivering a first class education on our broad portfolio of health courses. Most of our degrees are professionally recognised allowing direct entry into your chosen profession and forming an excellent springboard for your career. You are entering the University at an exciting time in our 150 th year, following a multimillion pound investment in the Llandaff Campus that has included a 5 million development of the School s facilities, a new Cardiff School of Art and Design, Cardiff School of Management, Learning Centre extension and Student Centre with gym facilities and excellent student support services. The information in this pack will give you a feel for the School and the course you are joining. Please do not hesitate to contact your Programme Director if there are any questions that we have not answered. Your time at University is important and will give you the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships and a range of skills and experiences that endure. We provide an environment in which your academic, professional and social developments thrive and Cardiff, as the capital city of Wales with a large student population, is well placed to meet all your social needs. Finally, I look forward to welcoming you in person during Freshers week in September. I encourage you to play a full role in the School and take every opportunity afforded you. I am certain you will find your time at this University highly rewarding and the start of a lifelong relationship with us. 2

3. The Cardiff School of Health Sciences The School is located on the Llandaff Campus and has four Departments offering courses at BSc and MSc level, many of which offer both an academic and professional qualification. We also offer a foundation degree, two foundation year certificates that lead to specific undergraduate programmes and a small number of Higher Certificates and Diplomas validated by BTEC/EDEXCEL. In addition to professional body accreditation our programmes are approved by the appropriate regulatory bodies including the Health Care and Professions Council, Care Council for Wales and General Dental Council where this is required. The departments and examples of the courses they offer are detailed below: Department of Applied Community Sciences - Environmental Health (BSc, HND) - Health and Social Care (BSc, HND, HNC) - Housing (BSc, HND, HNC) - Social Work (BSc) - Applied Public Health (MSc) - Food Safety Management Hong Kong (MSc) - Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing (MSc) Department of Applied Psychology - Foundation Social Sciences (Foundation Certificate) - Psychology (BSc) - Forensic Psychology (MSc) - Health Psychology (MSc) - Practitioner in Forensic Psychology (PGD) - Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (DForen. Psych.) Department of Biomedical Sciences - Foundation Health Sciences (Foundation Certificate) - Biomedical Science (BSc, HND, MSc) - Sports Biomedicine and Nutrition (BSc) - Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) (BSc) Department of Healthcare - Complementary Therapies (BSc) - Dental Technology (FD, BSc, MSc) - Food Science and Technology (BSc, HND, MSc) - Human Nutrition and Dietetics (BSc, Post Graduate Diploma, MSc) - Podiatry (BSc) - Public Health Nutrition (BSc) - Speech & Language Therapy (BSc) - Musculoskeletal Studies [Lower Limb] (MSc) - Advanced Dietetic Practice (MSc) - Food Technology for Industry (MSc) Each Department has a Head who sits on the School Management and Planning Team with the Deputy Dean (Learning and Teaching), Associate Dean (Research), Associate Dean (Enterprise), Associate Dean (Internationalisation) and School Business Support Manager. 3

This team, chaired by the Dean, is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the School. Each programme has a Programme Director, many will have year tutors and all students are assigned a Personal Tutor as part of our academic support framework. It is important that you engage with your tutor as they can signpost you to other services as required. Our students elect student representatives for each programme who make an active and important contribution to Programme Committee meetings. There are also opportunities for students to have a voice in the management of the School; through the Staff Student Liaison panel; Learning and Teaching Committees; Health and Safety Committees Whole School meetings and at a number of events across the University. The School promotes active engagement in sport as a social exercise or competitive endeavour. Campus Sport in conjunction with the Athletics Union provide a range of intramural sports opportunities and students can access the gym in the Student Centre at Llandaff Campus, an outdoor exercise area and the excellent sporting facilities at the Cyncoed Campus, which houses the National Indoor Athletics Centre, tennis centre, gym and swimming pool. The award winning Cardiff Met Rider bus runs a regular service between the Student Accommodation, Llandaff and Cyncoed Campuses and into the city centre. Included in this pack is specific information for your chosen programme. For more information on our School or programme, please visit our website or contact your Programme Director. Research in the Cardiff School of Health Sciences The Cardiff School of Health Sciences has a strong research culture; informing your curriculum and teaching and extending knowledge and evidence base for professional practice development. In the most recent UK wide Research Excellence Framework, (REF) 2014, 74% of our research was rated as internationally excellent or world leading. This contributed to the University s position as top new university in the UK for research quality. We have invested heavily in our research infrastructure with new research laboratories for biomedical science and food science and technology, a psychology research centre, health assessment suite and a post-graduate centre for our PhD students, who now number over 60 with strong research groups in Biomedical Science, Environmental Health, Food Science & Technology and Psychology with a growing number of practitioner PhDs in Dietetics, Podiatry and Speech and Language Therapy. Our great strength is our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach and we produce world-class applied research that informs practice in Wales and beyond. For example, our work on exercise, diabetes, and healthy ageing includes collaborations between biomedical science, psychology and physiologists to better understand the complex relationships between lifestyle the ageing process and illness associated with ageing; extending our knowledge in this critically important area and influencing healthy ageing initiatives. Recent research grants 4

awarded in this area include Welsh Government funded work on growing a healthy older population in Wales looking at the influence of gardening and allotment keeping on healthy aging and a large European funded study, Frailomics, examining biomarkers of frailty, an important indicator of health in the older population. Research across the School is extensive and varied. For more information on our research please visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/cshs and follow the link to research. Working with Partners We are proud of our work with local communities, employers and industry in Wales and beyond. From developing homework clubs on science with black and minority ethnic communities in Cardiff to working with the pharmaceutical industry on drug discovery methods, we make a significant contribution to the social, cultural and economic well-being of Wales and the UK. We work in partnership with the Cardiff and Vale University Hospital Board to deliver key collaborative projects including running NHS Podiatry Clinics in our own Wales Centre for Podiatric Studies, improving patient care and clinical education for our students. The internationally recognized Food Industry Centre based in the School is supported by the Welsh Government to engage with Welsh food manufacturers to ensure they are competitive players in the food sector. To date this has led to the development of over 100 jobs in the industry and benefitted our students with opportunities for work placements, industry projects and innovative employment in the food industry. We work closely with industry on waste, pollution and occupational health and safety, and host one of the specialist chemical centres of Public Health England s Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards and the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Public Health Management of Chemical Incidents. Staff from the School contribute to the work of a new Cardiff Met International Training Centre announced by the World Health Organisation in May 2011 in Thailand and officially launched here in April 2012. Our role in providing lifelong learning opportunities through Continuing Personal and Professional Development is important and we have excellent relationships with employers providing a host of CPD opportunities across the School s disciplines. We have strong links with local authorities and the third sector, providing post qualification training for Social Workers, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in health and social care and working closely with housing associations, including a recent Knowledge Transfer Partnership with a major local supported-housing organisation. Our strong links with partners is key to our ability to provide you with relevant work experience placements critical to your professional development and employability. 5

4. About the Centre for Occupational & Environmental Public Health The following programmes are offered within the Centre: MSc Applied Public Health MSc Occupational Health & Safety BSc (Hons) Environmental Health HND Environmental Studies Full-Time or Part-Time 1 yr FT/2 yr PT 1 yr FT/2 yr PT 3 yr FT 2 yr FT Research and Consultancy within the Centre for Public Protection Our research activities are applied in nature and designed to influence and support public, private and overseas organisations. These activities greatly enhance and inform curriculum development and delivery. Key areas of research activity include: Air pollution and health, Occupational health and safety, Psychological factors influencing the perception of and response to risk Food safety In September 2001 a Research and Enterprise Centre was established (Centre for Health Safety and Environment). This was established with the broad aim of drawing together the expertise and experience of staff within the School to provide consultancy, education and training services to private and public sector organisations. The Centre for Health, Safety and Environment (CHSE) provides specialist consultancy and research services such as: Health and safety policy documentation, preparation and audit Risk assessments Occupational and environmental noise surveys Occupational and environmental monitoring Assistance with legal compliance Assessment and management of the potential occupational health risks from bioaerosols CHSE also provides a range of bespoke and accredited training programmes in the fields of occupational health and safety, health protection and communicable disease control. 6

5. Programme Information Introduction The student will be offered a Programme of study to honours level, which will provide the skills necessary for a multi-disciplinary approach to the diverse environmental health problems of modern society. Rationale and Aims The Programme aims to produce professional graduate Environmental Health Practitioners with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to: (i) (ii) (iii) Evaluate the risk to public health of local, national and international environmental health problems facing society. Evaluate and determine appropriate problem solving strategies (taking into account the social, economic and political implications in order to improve the level of public health. Implement the derived environmental health control strategies. In order to achieve these aims the curriculum is designed to develop the intellectual skills necessary for the identification of Environmental Health Problems and their solution or amelioration. This will involve data collection, data analysis, monitoring of the environment and the synthesis of control strategies. In addition, the curriculum will develop the ability of the student to apply these techniques in the most effective manner having regard to all the implications of their implementation. Programme Objectives The Programme objectives are to enable the student to: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) Carry out appropriate monitoring techniques in order to determine the levels of environmental factors, which may affect human health. Formulate a programme of investigation, using the most appropriate monitoring techniques in order to identify the factors, which are likely to have an adverse effect on health. Implement the derived programme of investigation. Analyse the collected data and compare with accepted standards, codes of practice and guidance notes. Judge the risk to the health of the community of environmental factors. Synthesise and evaluate control strategies, which are capable of ameliorating the risk to health, having regard to the social, economic, legal, administrative and political implications of their implementation. Implement and monitor the selected strategy using the most appropriate legal, administrative and technical systems. 7

The achievement of these objectives is dependent upon the student understanding the diverse academic disciplines and their application, in an integrated way, to the protection of human health. This multi-disciplinary approach will be introduced in the first year of the Programme and developed as an essential skill in the latter stages through the programme, leading to modules at Level 6 where many different study areas are integrated. This Programme of study is therefore designed to introduce the student to the range of problems that exist within the field of environmental health and to analyse existing remedies. The student will then be required to formulate and evaluate alternative control strategies and will also be required in the final stages of the Programme to select the most appropriate solution to the particular problem and be able to justify the selection. Modular Design of the Programme The Programme has been designed as a series of interlinking modules which allow knowledge to be built progressively throughout the Programme in a systematic fashion. The modules are all designed to be equivalent to 100 hours of student effort (for a 10-credit module). The BSc (Hons) Environmental Health programme is a three year full time Programme, with the students attending for 32 weeks per year. Students may optionally choose to take the opportunity of a placement year between the second and final years of full-time study. In order to obtain the BSc (Hons) Environmental Health degree, each student will be required to successfully complete the study of 360 credits. Each student will study modules totalling 120 credits per year, taught over 3 terms. The HND Environmental Studies programme is a two-year full time programme, with students attending for 32 weeks per year. Students enrolled on the HND Environmental Studies are required to successfully complete the study of 240 credits. Unless otherwise stated, the programme follows the regulations for initial modular degrees as outlined in the Academic Handbook. As a professionally accredited degree, the programme follows a defined route all modules are compulsory and there are no options. Modules in the programme are worth either 10 or 20 credits. The notional study time for a 10- credit module is 100 hours. This represents the total study time taken for an average student to complete the module successfully; it includes formal contact time (spent with a member of staff), as well as guided study, self-directed study, revision and assessment. You will normally be taught approximately 20 hours per week over four days. In addition you are expected to set aside private study time to review lecture notes, and to prepare for tutorials and assessments. 8

Levels of Study Modules within the scheme are assigned to levels. Levels 4, 5 and 6 correspond sequentially to the three years of a full-time Honours degree. Level 4 modules concentrate on the more basic aspects of the subject, laying the foundations on which later modules are based. Many of the modules encountered by the students at Level 4 may be completely new subjects. Level 5 modules add greater academic depth to the subject material or are more applied, practical, investigative or analytical in nature. Generally, Level 5 modules: - require students to show greater independence in their learning. - extend the depth of study in specific subject areas. - introduce more specialised areas only briefly discussed at Level 4. - require students to apply their knowledge. Level 6 modules extend or expand on work covered at Levels 4 or 5. Generally, modules at Level 6: - require the application of a student's higher cognitive and research skills. - require students to identify and solve problems. - integrate and advance knowledge gained from earlier modules. - provide learning experience on specific vocational areas. - further the transition from dependent to independent learning. 9

6. Programme Structure BSc (Hons) ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Year One ENH4001 Foundation Law ENH4009 Occupational Health & Safety I ENH4002 Environmental Science (20 Credits) ENH4003 Environmental & Public Health Practice (20 Credits) ENH4017 Food Safety Management I (20 Credits) ENH4010 Research & Study Skills (20 Credits) ENH4006 Built Environment (20 Credits) Year Two ENH5004 Occupational Health & Safety II ENH5009 Environmental Protection ENH5002 Housing Law and Practice (20 Credits) ENH5010 Promoting Change and Managing Risk ENH5006 Public Health Epidemiology ENH5012 Professional Employability (20 Credits) ENH5011 Principles and Practice of Risk Assessment ENH5008 Applied Research Methods ENH5007 Food Safety Management II (20 Credits) Final Year ENH6001 Management of Outbreaks ENH6008 Food Safety Management III ENH6002 Environmental Protection & Management (20 Credits) ENH6012 Occupational Health and Wellbeing ENH6010 Influencing Policy for Health & Sustainable Development ENH6013 Improving Occupational Health & Safety Performance ENH6011 Environmental Health Intervention Development ENH6006 Research Project (20 Credits) The HND Environmental Studies programme follows a structure identical to Years One and Two of the BSc (Hons) Environmental Health degree. 10

7. Initial Advice on Studying at University Studying at university may be a different approach and experience to other studies you have previously undertaken. One of the key features of studying at university is becoming an independent learner. This doesn t mean that you re on your own, or that you can t ask for help it means that you have found out enough about the requirements of your subject and the expectations of your lecturers to be able to effectively plan your studies. The programme team will offer support, advice and skill development sessions, particularly in the early stages of the degree. There s also lots of online support available from Cardiff Met s Academic Skills team, which you ll be able to access once you ve enrolled at Cardiff Met. There are no short-cuts or magic formulae, but it may help you to start thinking about how you study and areas you could work on before you arrive at Cardiff Met. For example, when you study, are you time-oriented ( I m going to spend 3 hours studying Environmental Science this afternoon ) or task-oriented ( I m going to skim-read the three chapters from the textbook on water treatment that the lecturer recommended, and make notes on the key treatment processes ). Generally speaking, a task-oriented approach will be more effective setting yourself clear goals enables you to be more focussed quality is better than quantity. Here are some basic study skills resources that we suggest you have a look at: Cottrell, Stella (2008) The Study Skills Handbook (3 rd edition). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan The best study development text published in the UK in the last decade, Cottrell's book is a true study friend. It is still the only dyslexia-friendly study skills text on the wider market. Cottrell's approach is that you need to know yourself before you can adopt the characteristics of a successful learner i.e. her 'CREAM strategy' standing for 'creative, reflective, effective, active, and motivated'. We strongly recommend you purchase a copy of this book the RRP is 12.99 but you will often find it much cheaper than this online e.g. at Amazon. It s on the required reading list for the Research & Study Skills module in Year 1, and will serve you well throughout the degree. Monash University Language and Learning Online (2010) http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/index.xml This site is an essential addition to your study skills bookmarks. It provides constructive practical advice on a broad range of key academic skills subjects and is ordered in an approachable user friendly manner. Offering both generically applicable, and discipline specific guidance, the site is highly recommended. Joe Landsberger 'Study Guides and Strategies' http://www.studygs.net/ Divided into clear sections, this site has useful information and tips on all areas of academic study. Particularly handy is the 'featured guide of the week'. 11

Induction Programme An Induction programme will be organised to help you adjust to the demands of studying at degree level. A series of workshops will be held during Induction week relating to programme structure and content; assessment; teaching and learning strategies and a presentation by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) will take place later in the term. PROGRAMME Monday 21 st September 2015 11.00am AM/PM Corporate Induction: Welcome by the Vice Chancellor NIAC (National Indoor Athletics Centre) Cyncoed Campus Freshers Fayre NIAC Tuesday 22 nd September 2015 Corporate Welcome Room A0.31 (New Lecture Theatre) 09.15 10.35 Dean/Head of Department Welcome: Professor Adrian Peters / Jane Mudd Student Services : Sport Talk : Library Talk : Moodle Talk : Valerie Gould Dave Watts Library Staff Denise Buckley 11.00 14.00 Meet the Staff & your Fellow Students (Room A0.21) Lunch will be provided. Wednesday 23 rd September 2015 (Room A0.17) 10.00 12.00 Studying at University Alastair Tomlinson, Henry Dawson, Gayle Davis 13.00 15.00 Programme Essentials Alastair Tomlinson, Andrew Curnin, Gayle Davis 12

Thursday 24 th September 2015 9.00 10.00 Student ID Card Collection T1.03, Learning Centre 10.30 15.30 Away day - meet 10.30am at main front reception, Llandaff campus. Friday 25 th September 2015 (Room A0.31) 10.00 12.00pm All years programme Induction 12.00-13.00pm All years buffet lunch (Hall 2) The information below applies to applicants entering at Year 2 or 3 only 13.00 15.00pm Programme Induction with final year students (Room A021) The Session dates for 2015/16 are as follows:- Programme Induction with second year students (Room A019) Induction Week: 21 st September 25th September 2015 Autumn Term: Monday 28 th September 2015 Friday 11 th December 2015 Spring Term: Monday 11 th January 2016 Friday 18 th March 2016 Summer Term: Monday 11 th April 2016 Friday 10 th June 2016 Exam period: 9 th May 27 th May 2016 Resit Examination Period THIS IS TO BE CONFIRMED BUT NORMALLY LAST WEEK IN AUGUST & FIRST WEEK IN SEPTEMBER 13

9. Online Enrolment Enrolment is an important process which confirms your status as a Student. You can complete the online enrolment process from any computer through our Self Service system. Please note that in order to self enrol; your status must be Unconditional Firm (UF). Please begin your enrolment process by going to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/enrolment, step-by-step guidance is provided. This process is essential in that it will allow you access to your student loan (if applied for), payment of fees, programme information systems and importantly enable you to obtain your Student ID Card. A scheduled time for collection of your ID card will be given to you during your Induction: Meet Your Tutor session. 14