Tropical Medicine (EMM717)

Develop a comprehensive understanding of tropical medicine and of the distinct environmental, infectious disease, and public health factors associated with working as a practitioner in tropical and resource-limited settings
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Tropical Medicine (EMM717)

Develop a comprehensive understanding of tropical medicine and of the distinct environmental, infectious disease, and public health factors associated with working as a practitioner in tropical and resource-limited settings

Key features

This module will equip students with the knowledge and skills to operate safely and effectively in tropical and resource-limited healthcare settings. They will gain understanding of how infectious disease epidemiology, environmental factors, and sociocultural determinants integrate in clinical decision making in tropical contexts.
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Key topics covered include: 
  • Tropical infectious diseases: malaria, dengue, tuberculosis, parasitic infections and neglected tropical diseases (including animal / snakebite envenomation).
  • Disease prevention and control: vector control, vaccination programmes and WASH initiatives.
  • Clinical practice in resource-limited healthcare settings.
  • Ethical considerations in tropical medicine practice, research and health system strengthening.
  • Sociocultural factors: cross-cultural communication, health beliefs, community engagement and health equity.
  • Travel medicine and pre-travel health advice.
Module code: EMM717
Credits: 20
FHEQ Level: 7 - masters degree
Location: Blended with face to face delivery in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­
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This module is suitable for anyone with an interest in medicine who wishes to gain a practical understanding of working in remote, wilderness or expedition settings within tropical and hot environments.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of the theories and concepts (epidemiological, parasitological and pathophysiological) at the forefront of tropical medicine.
  • Evaluate healthcare delivery systems, ethical frameworks and sociocultural factors that influence the provision of safe and effective medical care in tropical and resource-limited settings.
  • Critically analyse and synthesise contemporary evidence to formulate evidence-based diagnostic and treatment decisions for patients presenting with tropical diseases in resource-limited settings.
  • Critically appraise and evaluate disease prevention and control strategies for tropical infectious diseases and neglected tropical diseases at individual, community and population levels.

Module content

This module is taught through a mixture of scenarios, practical sessions, lectures and interactive debate. This is supplemented through self-directed learning, supported tutorials and completion of a written assignment.
Teaching is run across one week in early summer, on the university campus and on Dartmoor run by Endeavour Medical.
  • Tropical infectious diseases: malaria, dengue, tuberculosis, parasitic infections and neglected tropical diseases.
  • Contemporary evidence in tropical medicine and global health interventions.
  • Disease prevention and control: vector control, vaccination programmes and WASH initiatives.
  • Principles and systems of clinical practice in resource-limited healthcare settings.
  • Ethical considerations in tropical medicine practice, research and health system strengthening.
  • Sociocultural factors in tropical health: cross-cultural communication, health beliefs, community engagement and health equity.
  • Travel medicine and pre-travel health advice.
  • Climate change and emerging infectious disease threats.
  • Scenario-based teaching on Dartmoor.

Module dates

10 May - 15 May 2027
Teaching is run across one week in early spring. The first half of the week is taught on the university campus whilst the second half is a practical skills based residential on Dartmoor. 
All modules run to minimum numbers. In the event of low numbers the module may be rescheduled.
Always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit for planned dates.
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Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms. 
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
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Entry requirements

You will normally be a healthcare professional with a first degree or related academic degree. BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above, or European first cycle equivalent.
Clinicians with a lower grade or without a degree but with appropriate experience may still be eligible.
Overseas students: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent required.

Fees

TBC

Module lead

InterCity Place

You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Prospective student enquiries:
Current student enquiries:
Professional Development Unit, Floor 9, InterCity Place, Faculty of Health, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ PL4 6AB
Monday – Thursday 08:30–17:00 and Friday 08:30–16:30