Environmental Impacts on Health and Disease

Overview

Academic Lead: Dr Stavroula Kanoni

Syllabus: SUM701S_Environment_and_Health [PDF 125KB]

This summer school will provide clear understanding of the different types of environmental exposures that are related with pathogenic mechanisms of human diseases. The first section will review the natural environment (land, water, air, energy) and its impact on health indicators as well as nutritional content of food and nutraceuticals. The second section will focus on the built environment (housing, urban vs. rural landscapes, transport, work) and the relation of our living conditions with health outcomes. The third section will review the effects of the psychosocial environment (mental health, stress, socialization, financial status) on the public health. The fourth section will expand on the microenvironment features (microbiome) and the epigenetic effects (gene-by-environment interactions) that modulate disease mechanisms. The final section of the course will focus on the combined and synergistic impact of all different types of the environment on health indicators. It will also showcase the added value of multidisciplinary approaches to evaluate the combined impact of environment on health and disease.

Course content is subject to change.

Course aims

The course aims to provide an introduction in key areas of  environment and health and enable students to understand the interplay of different environmental exposures with human health. 

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops and field trips. 

Learning outcomes

You will:

• understand fundamental principles of the environmental effects on human health
• evaluate the different types of environmental exposures
• appraise and interpret the role of the environment as a key factor in pathogenic mechanisms of human disease
• fundamental knowledge in the area of environment and health

You will be able to:

• display skills in summarizing and disseminating results in oral and written communication
• demonstrate skill in critical appraisal and analysis of the scientific literature and the ability to judge and interpret methods and results
• integrate information from a variety of sources to construct a coherent presentation on a scientific topic 
• engage and communicate effectively with diverse communities including the lay public and professionals involved in research and clinical practice
• adapt the principles of environmental health and critical evidence-based discovery to new and unfamiliar settings  

Fees

Additional costs

All reading material will be provided online, so it is not necessary to purchase any books.

For course and housing fees visit our finance webpage

Entry requirements

We welcome Summer School students from around the world. We accept a range of qualifications

How to apply

Have a question? Get in touch - one of the team will be happy to help!

Applications close 26 May 2025