Module manager: Anne-Sophie Jung
Email: A.S.Jung@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Mar to 30 Apr, 1 Mar to 30 Apr (2mth)(adv yr), 1 Sep to 31 Oct, 1 Sep to 31 Oct (adv yr) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Students are required to meet the programme entry requirements prior to studying the module.
N/A
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module introduces students to health emergency preparedness and response across a range of health indicators, institutional arrangements, and emergency types, with a particular focus on pandemics.
The aim of this module is to identify and analyse the complexities of health emergency preparedness and response, and associated core capacities and strategies, across a range of emergency types (epidemics, pandemics, biological and chemical risks, and nature disasters). The module aims to explain the interrelationships that effect preparedness and planning, such as understanding the social and economic effects of health emergencies (direct costs), their impacts on our physical and mental health (disease burden), as well as the potential cost of response policies (indirect costs). As part of this matrix, it is crucial to have knowledge of the key international and national preparedness and response coordination mechanisms, the role of the media and communication during health emergencies, and examine the post-Covid pandemic preparedness architecture.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Identify and analyse the various types of health emergencies and their human, social and economic impacts.
2. Identify and critically evaluate international and national policies and institutional mechanisms for responding to various health emergencies.
3. Identify and critically analyse key strategies, core capacities and frameworks for preparing and responding to health emergencies.
4. Critically evaluate the role of communication strategies during health emergencies.
5. Evaluate the benefits and costs associated with emergency planning and response.
6. Critically evaluate the current pandemic preparedness and response agenda.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Be able to identify and critique multilevel preparedness strategies and institutional arrangements for major health emergencies.
2. An ability to identify and critically analyse international and national response strategies and institutional arrangements for health emergencies.
3. An ability to creatively and critically assess the appropriateness of preparedness and response strategies across a range of human, social and economic benefits and costs.
4. The use of critical thinking to critique policy and address problems.
5. Be able to communicate complex, interrelated problems, and potential solutions to policy makers.
Indicative content for this module includes:
- Health Emergencies: International and National response and co-ordination mechanisms
- Planning for disasters and emergencies
- Public health interventions in emergencies
- Mental health response to emergencies
- The role of the media in supporting / perpetuating health emergencies
- Post-Covid Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion forum | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| WEBINAR | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| WEBINAR | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Independent online learning hours | 42 | ||
| Private study hours | 95.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 12.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Online learning materials will provide regular opportunity for students to check their understanding (for example through formative MCQs with automated feedback). Regular group activity embedded into learning will allow self and peer assessment providing opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors. These activities are part of the teaching and learning methods and are not to be considered as formative assessments.
Students will be asked to submit a concept note and outline of their proposed white paper topic on week 4 for peer-to-peer review and feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Scenario Emergency Preparedness Plan | 100 |
| Assignment | Concept note (peer-to-peer feedback) Formative | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team