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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2021/2022

Information in the Degree Programme Tables may still be subject to change in response to Covid-19

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Deanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences : Public Health Research

Postgraduate Course: Societies, Reproduction and Health (PUHR11065)

Course Outline
SchoolDeanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis course provides a comprehensive and multi-faceted understanding of societal issues in 'reproductive health' - family formation, sexuality, and sexual health/well being. A multi-disciplinary approach is needed because reproductive and well-being/health outcomes intersect in numerous ways with: relationships (intimate, family and community), socio-economic position/setting; society (legislative and cultural context); contraceptive technology; and health service provision.

[Pregnancy and birth will not be covered since there is a pre-existing 10-credit course in Maternal Health (GLHE11014)]
Course description Reproduction is the natural process by which humans are brought into the world, but it is shaped by social factors, as are sex, conception and childbirth. 'Reproductive wellbeing' is broader than reproduction, encompassing also: strategies to prevent unwanted pregnancy/birth; feelings arising in the course of sexual behaviours (even where there is certainty, or hope, that reproduction will not follow); sexual orientation/identity; and infections that are transmitted sexually. Thus health policy and health service provision can impact on reproductive well-being.

Reproductive/sexual behaviour encompasses many types of human interactions ranging from: enduring intimate relationships to fleeting encounters, mutually negotiated to abusive and coercive, enhancing social and individual well-being to causing distress and often long-term harm.

The course will apply theories and methods used in understanding and interpreting global health, focussing on the determinants that shape reproductive health/wellbeing, and issues of inequality and inequity. Topics include the intersection of reproduction and reproductive rights with gender and gender identity and other social divisions; the expression of reproductive right in national legislation and health policy.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs Students will be responsible for their computer equipment and internet access costs.
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2021/22, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  None
Course Start Flexible
Course Start Date 09/08/2021
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Lecture Hours 5, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 1, Online Activities 35, Feedback/Feedforward Hours 5, Formative Assessment Hours 5, Revision Session Hours 1, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 46 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %


Feedback In addition there will be feedback for all online assessments, both formative as the work progresses, and summative feedback at the end. There will also be detailed individual feedback on the summative written assessment.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the complex intersection of reproduction and society across the lifecourse
  2. Apply knowledge and understanding to reproductive health practice and policy in different professional and social contexts
  3. Critique emerging knowledge and debates in global reproductive health
Reading List
Reproduction and Society Interdisciplinary readings. Eds Carole Joffe & Jennifer Reich, Routledge 2015

Additional papers/reports (various)
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Intellectual skills and abilities
- Understanding of the value multi-disciplinary perspectives
- Insight to the multiple influences on 'reproductive' outcomes/ wellbeing, and their intersection
- Realisation of the key importance of societal context in respect of 'reproductive' wellbeing
- Critical evaluation of reproductive health policy/ interventions
- Understanding of the challenges attending the devising of interventions to improve 'reproductive' well-being

Skills and abilities in Communication
- Developing/consolidating respect for beliefs and values of cultural groups other than one's own, and tact in exploring/describing these
- Experience in accessing findings from reports based on differing approaches - statistical, qualitative, policy analysis etc
- Fluency and experience in writing in different styles including essays, technical report, policy documents, briefings)
- Ability to develop, deliver and contribute to complex arguments

Skills and abilities in Personal Effectiveness
- Time management, resource allocation and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work alone or as part of a group
- Professionally produce and edit written material

Technical/practical skills
- Policy and report analysis
- Ability to evaluate complex problems
- Effective writing and communication through a variety of modalities
- Training to undertake advanced independent research
Keywordsrelationships,family,reproductive health,sexuality,well-being,contraception,abortion,sex
Contacts
Course organiserDr Pam Warner
Tel: (0131 6)50 3248
Email: Pam.Warner@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Rosemary Porteous
Tel: (0131 6)50 9835
Email: Rosemary.Porteous@ed.ac.uk
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