Italian

Barbuti S., Bellelli E., Fara G.M., Giammanco G., Igiene, Ed. Monduzzi, ultima edizione.

The recommended textbook is supplemented by lecture notes and additional readings suggested by the instructor. Teaching materials used during lectures, as well as any supplementary materials provided by the instructor, are available on the course e-learning platform.

The course aims to provide students in Pedagogical Sciences with theoretical knowledge and practical tools to understand the main health issues arising in educational settings. Particular attention is devoted to the fundamentals of epidemiology, the prevention of infectious diseases, and the principles of nutrition in relation to the needs of children, adolescents, families, and communities.

1. Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
* understand the fundamental concepts of health, disease prevention, and health promotion;
* describe the main epidemiological indicators and the distribution of diseases within populations;
* understand the modes of transmission of the main infectious diseases;
* explain direct, indirect, and specific prophylactic measures, particularly in educational settings;
* describe the principles of a balanced diet during the different stages of growth;
* understand the role of biological, environmental, social, and educational determinants of health.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding

Students will be able to:
* interpret basic epidemiological data concerning population health;
* identify the main risk and protective factors in educational settings;
* apply appropriate hygiene and preventive measures to limit the spread of infectious diseases;
* identify healthy eating behaviours and potential nutritional risks;
* design educational interventions promoting hygiene, disease prevention, and healthy eating habits;
* adapt interventions to the characteristics of the target population and educational context.

3. Making judgements

Students will be able to:
* critically evaluate information, data, and messages concerning health, vaccinations, infectious diseases, and nutrition;
* identify reliable scientific and institutional sources;
* analyse the health needs of children, adolescents, and educational communities;
* select preventive and educational strategies consistent with scientific evidence and the needs of the target population;
* recognise the boundaries of their professional competence and the need to collaborate with healthcare professionals.

4. Communication skills

Students will be able to:
* communicate epidemiological, preventive, and nutritional information clearly and appropriately to different target groups;
* raise awareness among children, adolescents, and families of the importance of infectious-disease prevention and healthy nutrition;
* collaborate with educators, teachers, families, healthcare services, and other local professionals;
* present and document health education and promotion projects.

5. Learning skills

Students will develop the ability to:
* independently update their knowledge of epidemiology, disease prevention, and nutrition;
* consult and use guidelines, epidemiological reports, and reliable scientific sources;
* integrate health-related knowledge with pedagogical competencies;
* apply the acquired knowledge in different educational, social, and professional settings;
* critically reflect on the effectiveness of health education interventions.

As specified in the Academic Regulations.

The course consists of 2-hour lectures delivered according to the academic schedule. The lectures adopt an interactive approach, encouraging active student participation and discussion with the instructor on the topics covered.

Oral Examination
The assessment consists of an oral examination designed to evaluate the level of knowledge and competencies acquired by the student in relation to the course learning objectives.
During the examination, students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the course, presenting them in a clear, accurate, well-organized manner and using appropriate technical and scientific terminology. The assessment will also consider the student’s ability to establish connections between different topics, apply the acquired knowledge to basic healthcare and professional contexts, and present relevant and well-reasoned arguments independently.

The assessment will be based on the following criteria:
a) level of knowledge and understanding of the topics;
b) accuracy and completeness of the content;
c) ability to analyze, establish connections, and apply acquired knowledge;
d) clarity and organization of the presentation;
e) appropriate use of discipline-specific terminology;
f) ability to provide relevant and well-reasoned answers to the questions posed by the instructor.

The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. The examination is considered passed with a grade of 18/30 or higher. Honours (cum laude) may be awarded to students who demonstrate comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, excellent ability to establish connections and critically integrate the acquired knowledge, and full command of the discipline-specific terminology.

This course contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Office hours are available by appointment and should be arranged in advance with the instructor via email at: tommaso.staniscia@unich.it