Global & Planetary Health

Course goals

At the end of this module, the student can:

• Explain the major concepts and terms in Global Health, including the Sustainable Development Goals, equity, and the social determinants of health.
• Understand the major concepts in environmental health and how they apply to the global health context.
• Describe ethical and human rights issues in global and environmental health.
• Identify the key actors and processes in global and environmental health governance.
• Understand the impacts of climate change on health and the environment.
• Describe the role and potential impact of innovation on health and the environment.
• Describe current challenges in global and environmental health.

Content

Period (from – till): 19 May 2027 – 04 June 2027 (BMS_P4_A).

Teachers
Gisela van der Velden, Course coordinator
George Downward
Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch

Course description 
The relationship between human activities and our planet is an inextricable part of our day-to-day existence. These activities can have profound effects on the overall “health” of our planet, which in turn can have disastrous consequences on our livelihoods and health. Ongoing environmental crises including climate change and air pollution have inequitable impacts globally – disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income communities. Therefore, to understand health and lifestyle impacts globally, and specifically of these populations, an appreciation of the interplay between environmental, global, and planetary health is required. 
Global and Planetary Health in the Life Sciences aims to introduce the principles of global health and their relationship to environmental health. Participants will learn key concepts in both disciplines which will be underscored by real-world case studies and practical exercises. The key objective of the course is to provide an introduction to fundamental concepts of global and environmental health and to facilitate engagement and reflection on current global and environmental health developments.

Profile description:
More information can be found on the Profile page on the Students' site here.

Course Schedule 
The course dates are as follows: 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28 May and 2, 3, 4 June 2027

Examination 
The course will be assessed based on the group presentation and the provided peer review. Both will be assessed with a Pass/Fail

Registration:
Life Science and Society profile students are enrolled automatically and have priority. Other students apply via OSIRIS student. More information about the registration procedure can be found here on the Students' site. The maximum number of participants is 24.

Application for the Profile takes place via OSIRIS Case. The details of the application procedure is detailed on the Students' Site here.


Mandatory for students in own Master’s programme:
NA

Optional for GSLS students:
Yes