PM3COB-Certificate in Obesity Management (Level 6)

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Miss Kat Hall

Email: k.a.hall@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is intended to be a practically focused educational initiative which will equip healthcare practitioners (and other relevant individuals) with the skills to deliver obesity management services. The knowledge and skills gained during the course will enable participants to work with people who are overweight and obese to modify their lifestyles and promote good health. Candidates will be selected for the course according to their role and capacity to undertake obesity management and will continue to work while undertaking the part-time course.

The module can be studied stand-alone or as part of the MSc in Advancing Healthcare Practice (N.B. a maximum of 20 credits at level 6 can be counted towards the PGCert and a maximum of 30 credits at level 6 can be counted towards the  PGDip/MSc qualification).  Practitioners will be supported to reflect on their experiences by developing a professional portfolio of their learning.

Aims:
The aim of the Certificate in Obesity Management is to provide health care practitioners with an understanding of obesity management. The knowledge and skills gained will enable individuals to effectively assess, advise and treat people who are overweight and obese. The course will support the national initiative to tackle obesity by equipping practitioners with the required skills to engage with and support individuals and communities in order to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce obesity.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

1. Describe the prevalence of obesity


2. List the causes of obesity


3. Understand the consequences of obesity on the health of the population and the associated co-morbidity

Skills

1. Assess a patient and develop an appropriate tailored treatment regime including effective weight management strategies and a variety of interventions


2. Carry out effective monitoring and follow up of individuals


3. Use practical skills in obesity management to initiate innovative methods for supporting individuals


4. Analyse and reflect on local and national strategies in obesity management


5. Tailor obesity management strategies to meet the specific needs of the environment and community in which the practitioner works using knowledge of cultural and other factors


6. Initiate a weight management service to meet the needs of the local population


7. Show an awareness of the guidance which directs practice

Behaviours

1. Continually advance own knowledge, skills and behaviours through continuing development and life-long learning

 

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

This module will focus on a broad range of topics related to obesity including epidemiology, aetiology, prevention, medical/social/psychological consequences, behaviour change and treatment of obesity.  Practical skills such as patient assessment and weight management will also be covered.

Global context:

The information gained in this module will be applicable to a range of healthcare settings, although the module is primarily focused on the UK healthcare system.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will use a range of teaching and learning methods.  The University teaching is based around face to face workshops using a mixture of presentations, problem-based learning and focused discussion facilitated by the programme team, specialist practitioners and other healthcare professionals.  The workshops are underpinned by directed learning via Blackboard and self-directed learning where practitioners are required to use a range of sources to gain information to support development of their knowledge and skills.

 

Students are encouraged to complement their study through workplace-based learning where practitioners will undertake activities to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours.  This will be guided by the professional portfolio of learning.

 

This module is studied over two to six months, and there may be more than one cohort per year, therefore the distinction of hours by term is not possible.  The hours shown for autumn term below are spread over the entire module.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	44
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	86
Wider reading (directed)	28
Essay preparation	35
Reflection	7
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Portfolio	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Professional portfolio of learning
   
   
   
   • Portfolio contents review including evidence of a small project in the workplace to deliver an initiative focused on obesity management
   
   
   
   

Formative assessment methods:

1. Workplace-based assessments during experiential learning


2. Group discussion during workshops


3. Optional formative feedback on draft report of small project

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

1. The professional portfolio of learning must be passed at 50% and contain all mandatory content

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will usually be arranged within a three-month period.  Where required, and determined to be achievable, it will be arranged promptly to not delay any further study.  Individualised timings may be required depending on the specific requirements for reassessment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 16 September 2019