Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	The History of Disease Theories, 1750 - 2000
School	Institute of Clinical Sciences
Department	Birmingham Medical School
Module Code	01 27066
Module Lead	Dr Vanessa Heggie
Level	Honours Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-6 hours Seminar-12 hours Project supervision-2 hours Guided independent study-80 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module introduces students to the history of disease theories; that is the changing explanations people in Europe and North America have given for disease causation since 1750. It encourages them to consider the connections between disease theories and scientific research and patient experience, and between medicine and the social and political worlds. Seminars provide training in critical reading skills, as well as the process of digesting long pieces into summaries, and identifying key issues and arguments, and basic skills relating to debating and other forms of oral communication.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which theories of disease causation have varied (within the geographical and chronological limits of the module), and how these relate to broader historical changes; Read, understand, and critically appraise standard works in both history and philosophy of medicine; Contribute constructively to discussions of topics relating to the modules, and discussions of key historical texts – including both primary and secondary literature; Demonstrate an ability to select and appropriately use research literature to support a historical argument.
Assessment	27066-01 : Overall Module Mark : Mixed (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Group project: Podcast Programme 30% shared grade for group work (design of programme), 70% for individual contribution (10 minute audio submission). Reassessment: This programme is considered as a final year of a degree (Honours Level) and therefore no opportunity for reassessment is permitted.
Other	None
Reading List