Health and Environment
| Duration | 2 years |
|---|---|
| EC | 120 |
As a student in the Health and Environment programme, you know how closely health and the environment are connected. You are learning to assess risks where human, animal, and environmental health overlap, using data to make decisions that promote a healthier planet. Together, you are tackling major global challenges like climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, urbanisation, and deforestation — all of which impact health across species and ecosystems. Keep engaging with this interdisciplinary approach to prepare for making a real difference in the world.
Year 1
Begin your journey with the Life Sciences Academy (1.5 EC). You will spend ten weeks completing compulsory theoretical Courses (15 EC) that contain lectures, case studies, computer practicals, and literature reviews and discussion. In those ten weeks you will explore one of the three tracks, allowing you to gain knowledge in either Toxicology, Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, or One Health. A track entails three weeks of advanced coursework.
Find detailed information about each track here:
Toxicology
The Toxicology track lets you explore how chemicals and hazards affect humans and animals at a molecular level. You will study how exposures like microplastics and pollutants disrupt the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. Research covers everything from cells to whole organisms, spanning fundamental and applied toxicology.
Planetary Health and Exposure Science
The Planetary health and Exposure Science track introduces you to the exposome concept and advanced methods to study how the environment affects health. You will take part in fieldwork like sampling air, water, and soil, or measuring pesticide and occupational exposures. Data-focused students can analyse epidemiological data from our cohort studies with guidance from expert researchers.
One Health
The One Health track deepens your understanding of how human and animal health connect through environmental, social, ecological, and economic factors. You will study microbiology, infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular epidemiology. Research covers both infectious and non-infectious topics, with opportunities for experimental and observational studies, encouraging collaboration across projects.
In the final two weeks of the ten-week course, all students come together for a joint module. You will integrate topics from different tracks, such as sustainable livestock farming, tackling antimicrobial resistance, pandemic preparedness, and the food chain — from farm exposure to food hygiene and cultural differences. Risk management and communication are also covered to train you in the complete risk analysis process.
Compulsory component
Programme courses
Track courses (choose one out of three)
Elective component
Besides the compulsory courses, you can choose your tailor-made Elective Component (12 EC). For example the Environmental Epidemiology course (BMB504006), which can be followed either face-to-face or online.
Year 2
The second year allows you to delve deeper into specific areas of interest and undertake substantial independent research to prepare for your future career. You will complete your Major Research Project (51 EC) and follow a chosen Profile (33 EC). To conclude your degree, you will complete a Writing Assignment (7.5 EC) that sharpens your skills in scientific writing and critical analysis.