2025
Human Health and Planetary Health
Name: Human Health and Planetary Health
Code: CMS15069M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
At the end of this course the students are expected to be able to:
I. Describe the main changes in the Earths natural systems that characterize the Anthropocene, as well as explain the complex dynamics and interactions of these changes.
II. Explain health problems in terms of Planetary Health, identifying the impacts of the environment on health and the impacts of human activity, including health, on the planet.
III. Identify and explain the main determinants of anthropogenic change in natural systems.
IV. Identify and categorize the main impacts of global environmental change on human health.
V. Recognize, analyze, and argue the main strategies to promote Planetary Health.
VI. Critically assess the governance strategies necessary to promote a sustainable society, such as the 2030 Agenda.
I. Describe the main changes in the Earths natural systems that characterize the Anthropocene, as well as explain the complex dynamics and interactions of these changes.
II. Explain health problems in terms of Planetary Health, identifying the impacts of the environment on health and the impacts of human activity, including health, on the planet.
III. Identify and explain the main determinants of anthropogenic change in natural systems.
IV. Identify and categorize the main impacts of global environmental change on human health.
V. Recognize, analyze, and argue the main strategies to promote Planetary Health.
VI. Critically assess the governance strategies necessary to promote a sustainable society, such as the 2030 Agenda.
Contents
1. Introduction to Planetary Health: its distinguishing characteristics relative to the ecological determinants. of health, and One Health.
2. Our Changing Planet.
3. Climate Change.
4. Pollution, Biodiversity, and Health.
5. Food Systems and Land Use.
6. Assessing Vulnerability and Risk in the Anthropocene Epoch.
7. Adaptation and Resilience to Planetary Change.
8. Health in the Sustainable Development Goals.
9. Transforming Energy and Industry: Towards a Net-Zero Circular Economy for Health.
10. Sustaining Urban Health in the Anthropocene Epoch.
11. The Role of Health Professionals in Fostering Planetary Health.
12. Addressing Conceptual, Knowledge, and Implementation Challenges.
13. Sustaining Planetary Health in the Anthropocene.
2. Our Changing Planet.
3. Climate Change.
4. Pollution, Biodiversity, and Health.
5. Food Systems and Land Use.
6. Assessing Vulnerability and Risk in the Anthropocene Epoch.
7. Adaptation and Resilience to Planetary Change.
8. Health in the Sustainable Development Goals.
9. Transforming Energy and Industry: Towards a Net-Zero Circular Economy for Health.
10. Sustaining Urban Health in the Anthropocene Epoch.
11. The Role of Health Professionals in Fostering Planetary Health.
12. Addressing Conceptual, Knowledge, and Implementation Challenges.
13. Sustaining Planetary Health in the Anthropocene.
Teaching Methods
The teaching methodologies will be diversified, including oral presentations with multimedia support and didactic software (lectures) and individual and group work, with the presentation and exploration of scientific articles using the problem-based learning (PBL) methodology, thus making contact with the state of the art in this scientific area while creating a rationale for this area of knowledge (theoretical-practical classes). TP classes will also use an inverted classroom methodology (the teaching materials will be previously provided in the Moodle Platform), allowing in-depth exploration of specific topics within the scope of the course. The presentation of a final monograph on an open topic within the scope of the course and the preparation of a diet diary (both elements of the assessment) will also lead students to deepen their knowledge and get involved in the topics covered in this course.
Assessment
The evaluation will be carried out in line with the RAUE (articles 110 and 111).
The theoretical component will include the completion of two tests or an exam in the continuous assessment and an exam in the final assessment. This assessment will have a weighting of 60% of the final grade.
During the continuous evaluation, formative worksheets and quizzes will be given so that students can self-assess their learning.
The practical component will be assessed through participation in discussions of articles and problem-solving (5%), prior preparation for the inverted classroom (5%), completion of the final monograph (20%) and the Food Diary (10% - recording all food consumed - and where it came from - over 3 days).
The theoretical component will include the completion of two tests or an exam in the continuous assessment and an exam in the final assessment. This assessment will have a weighting of 60% of the final grade.
During the continuous evaluation, formative worksheets and quizzes will be given so that students can self-assess their learning.
The practical component will be assessed through participation in discussions of articles and problem-solving (5%), prior preparation for the inverted classroom (5%), completion of the final monograph (20%) and the Food Diary (10% - recording all food consumed - and where it came from - over 3 days).
Teaching Staff
- Ana Catarina Almeida Sousa
- Manuel Ramiro Dias Pastorinho [responsible]
Certificações
