Module manager: Dr. Maryam Ba-Break
Email: m.m.ba-break@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
The same as the course - MPH Public Health (International)
This module is not approved as an Elective
The module is open to MPH and participants from other Master courses. However, those who are not on MPH will be expected to read selected material in preparation for the module as MPH students will have done more during the Principles of Public Health module. The Non-Communicable Diseases module is a 15-credit module that introduces the concept of epidemiological transition; the changing epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) in Middle and Low-Income Countries (LMICs); the underlying risk factors for these diseases (e.g. nutrition, physical activity, and tobacco); policy measures that can be taken to prevent these trends and to deal with the consequences; program design (models) relevant to NCD, with examples of integrated care for chronic conditions; including community/family, primary and secondary care. Examples of NCDs are: CVDs, diabetes, over-nutrition, psychiatric and related disorders (depression, suicide, drugs, and alcohol abuse), physical trauma, and disability (traffic accidents, results of war). Decolonised approach - Students and lecturers are invited to reflect on diverse knowledge that are not often seen in formal global public health literature. Teaching will allow space for reflections on the experiences students have of their own health systems and working practice. Teaching content emphasises literature, teaching, and learning from “Global South” countries, and uses these experiences to facilitate discussions. Inequities, rights and social justice - Issues of addressing inequities and rights-based approaches are a core part of the module learning and assessment marking criteria. Students will be challenged to use a social justice approach to addressing these challenges. Students are taught on equity, intersectionality, rights and social justice in the module.
On completion of this module, students should be able to discuss the past, present and predicted future international pattern of NCDs, critically discuss and analyse the reasons put forward for the recent emergence of NCDs in LMICSs and their underlying risk factors, and be able to propose measures to monitor, prevent and treat these disorders.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Analyse the demographic and epidemiological transitions, exploring their implications for the prevalence and control of NCDs in diverse global contexts.
2. Analyse evidence for intervention effectiveness in NCDs control.
3. Apply knowledge of health needs assessment, program planning, and implementation to develop and evaluate community-based preventive interventions for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and nutrition-related conditions.
4. Critically assess programme designs and interventions for NCDs and other chronic diseases, evaluating models that integrate community, primary, and secondary care, as well as strategies to enhance adherence, including patient-centred care, expert patients, and nurse-led approaches.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
Technical:
1. Discussion of the past, present, and predicted future international pattern of non-communicable diseases
2. Critical analysis of the factors driving the emergence of NCDs and their risk factors in LMICs, along with proposing measures for their monitoring, prevention, and treatment.
Work Ready Skills:
3. Develop logical, multi-faceted solutions to NCD challenges by applying analytical skills, reasoning, and judgment to identify needs, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.
4. Work independently by setting goals, taking initiative, and actively seeking and incorporating feedback to enhance problem-solving and decision-making.
Academic Skills:
5. Evaluate diverse perspectives, present evidence-based arguments clearly in writing, and manage time effectively by prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining academic integrity.
Digital Skills:
6. The ability to use technology appropriately and ethically to obtain information and enhance online discussion.
Sustainability and Enterprise Skills:
7. Use analytical and critical thinking to evaluate health determinants and factors influencing non-communicable diseases, applying evidence-based decision-making to improve academic work and disease control strategies.
It is not possible to cover all NCDs in detail in one module, therefore, his module provides a general approach to understanding and preparing for the global rise of NCDs using some key examples of NCDs and their risk factors. These include:
- Introduction to the epidemiological and nutrition transition
- Cardio-vascular disease/diabetes control
- Cancer
- Mental health
- Tobacco control
- Obesity control
- Road traffic accidents
- Impact of epidemics on NCDs control
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Seminar | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Private study hours | 126 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 24 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Opportunities for formative feedback to monitor student progress are provided through:
- The Discussion Board on Minerva where the module leader monitors students' selection of topics and essay preparation, answers questions, and provides feedback
- Observation of class dynamics and discussions. Verbal feedback will be given by the lecturers.
- Group work and discussions - verbal feedback on both the content and process will be provided by the lecturer.
- Questions and answers session where students receive feedback on their topic selection, approach, and proposed intervention.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 3,000 words written essay. This assignment assesses: 1) Knowledge of fundamental concepts of a particular non-communicable disease. 2) Ability to analyse the determinants of NCD in a particular context and their health and other implications. 3) Ability to critique the main strategies and programs for the health issue you have chosen to write upon. | 100 |
| Presentation | Individual presentation of the plan for the essay (formative) - Students are given the opportunity to submit their plan for their essay on Minerva and they receive feedback on that before they submit their summative essay | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 12/03/2025
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