ECOLOGY AND PLANETARY HEALTH

TTh: 8:30-10:00

Course Overview

Welcome to the First-Ever Course on Planetary Health to be offered in the Philippines!

This BSPH course is a great chance for you to know about the new field of Planetary Health and the central role that biological systems and ecological research play in it. As scientists, it is important that we consider both the macro and micro level of analysis, not just of biological processes, but also of planetary phenomena. From climate change to changing landscapes, to natural disasters, to emergence of diseases and pandemics, biological systems are placed at the front and center of the discussion.

This course will highlight the importance of the study of biological systems, the conduct of biological systems research, and their relationship to the emerging field of Planetary Health. We will explore the interconnections of ecology, biodiversity, climate change, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, and conservation in the context of the environment-human health interface. We hope to look at earth and humans using the biological and planetary health lenses towards a future-proof Philippines.

Part I. LAUNCH

An Old Wine in a New Bottle

In 2015, the Rockefeller Foundation-Lancet Commission on Planetary Health marked the birth of Planetary Health as a global and scientific movement. It is a field focused on “characterizing human health impacts of human-caused disruptions of Earth's natural systems”.

This part traces the beginnings of Planetary Health with emphasis on how Biological Systems knowledge and research are placed in the core of this field.

Part II. BUILD

BSPH and Selected Research

Unraveling the dynamic interconnections of the various biological systems research themes within the planetary health framework and its importance in confronting real problems, is of paramount importance.

Let us take a closer look at the biological systems research in the Philippines and their relationship to the health of the planet.

Part III. ADVANCE

Towards a Future-Proof Philippines

After launching the idea of planetary health and building its foundations around concrete ecological and biological systems research and concepts, we are now more equipped to take a look at planetary phenomena, problems, issues and anthropogenic realities that surround humans and the earth, with the use of biological systems and planetary health lenses.

After completing this course, the students should be able to:

discuss various biological concepts and their relationship to Planetary Health;
relate the importance of biological systems research to health in the Philippines; and
formulate a biological science perspective for health in the Philippines.