This module introduces participants by means of lectures and demonstration to a range of scientific techniques that can be used to analyse and interpret...

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to advise on physical activity at both patient- and population-level. You will learn the...

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to advise on physical activity at both patient- and population-level. You will learn the mechanisms by which physical activity exerts its effects in the prevention and management of chronic diseases; how to assess the risks of participation in physical activity; the principles of exercise prescription; and how to effect long-term behaviour change.

“We need to introduce a carbon tax to tackle climate change!” many claim. What is the evidence supporting this claim - or any claim - made by those...

“We need to introduce a carbon tax to tackle climate change!” many claim. What is the evidence supporting this claim - or any claim - made by those wanting to make or influence policy? In Evidence for Decision-making we explore the nature of policy claims that underpin decision-making and how they relate to evidence and arguments for policy action. The module provides a framework setting out what evidence is, where to find it, how to judge its quality and – crucially – how to use it effectively both for influencing decisions, and for building your personal credibility. This will equip you to use evidence you find and identify what evidence is missing. We explore the epistemic and ontologic roots of evidence from across disciplinary boundaries and build out a set of capacities and sensitivities essential for the modern, interdisciplinary, responsible policy analyst. The focus here is on leveraging analysis for the good of society: supporting justice and fairness to ensure you can be an effective voice for those without voice in policy decisions.

The module provides a foundation for understanding the basics of research for policy and equips those with experience with an intellectual framework to develop their own skills to a higher level. The emphasis here is on using evidence that is already published to build the case for policy action. It provides an intellectual basis for Analytic Methods that addresses the skills required to do data analysis on available datasets and design new data collection for policy.