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Anthony Laverty and Christopher Millett

This course teaches you about the global health harms caused by tobacco and the efforts underway to combat these. You'll analyse the strategies and tactics used by the tobacco industry, and their allies, to keep people buying their products, and you'll reflect on the role played by public health research in pushing back against this pressure with the ultimate aim of improving health.

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This course teaches you about the global health harms caused by tobacco and the efforts underway to combat these. You'll analyse the strategies and tactics used by the tobacco industry, and their allies, to keep people buying their products, and you'll reflect on the role played by public health research in pushing back against this pressure with the ultimate aim of improving health.

No matter your previous experience in this area, by the end of this course, you'll be able to describe the global harm to health caused by tobacco use and how policy is responding to this. You'll also be able to critique tobacco industry strategies that undermine tobacco control and discuss ways in which robust and timely research in strengthening tobacco control is key to policy and practice.

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Syllabus

Recommended Tobacco Control Policies
This module outlines the harmful health consequences of tobacco seen across the globe, as well as, some policies and interventions aimed at reducing these health harms and countering tobacco industry influence.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for beginners and intermediate learners interested in tobacco control
Appropriate for healthcare practitioners, public health researchers, and tobacco control advocates
Course taught by renowned researchers Anthony Laverty and Christopher Millett
Provides a comprehensive overview of tobacco-related health harms and control strategies
Includes modules on tobacco industry tactics and the role of research in tobacco control

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Reviews summary

Global tobacco control: policy & research

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of global tobacco control. Students frequently highlight the eye-opening modules on tobacco industry interference and the critical role of robust research in policy, finding them highly relevant and practical. The course is praised for its well-structured syllabus and knowledgeable instructors who provide clear and engaging explanations, often utilizing impactful case studies from a global perspective. While many find it valuable for understanding complex challenges, some reviewers note that certain readings can be dense or that the pace might be slow for those with prior experience, suggesting it's particularly beneficial for beginners in public health.
Knowledgeable instructors deliver clear and engaging content.
"The instructors were knowledgeable, and the case studies truly brought the material to life."
"The instructor explanations were clear and engaging."
"It seamlessly blended theory with real-world implications, making it incredibly practical for my career."
Critically examines industry influence and research's counter role.
"The modules on industry interference were particularly eye-opening, detailing tactics I wasn't fully aware of."
"The emphasis on agile policy and the critical role of robust research was very timely."
"The historical context of industry tactics was fascinating, and the current research initiatives presented were highly relevant. A must-take for policy advocates."
"The insights on industry interference were particularly strong. I appreciated the focus on research evidence for policy."
Provides a deep, practical understanding of tobacco control.
"This course provided an incredibly insightful and comprehensive overview of tobacco control."
"It deepened my understanding of the complex challenges in tobacco control. The emphasis on agile policy and the critical role of robust research was very timely."
"The course delivers on its promise. It covers the health impacts and industry strategies effectively... The foundation it provides is strong and highly relevant for my work."
"Truly exceptional. The depth of analysis on tobacco industry interference was profound. The course equipped me with a critical lens to view public health policy."
Some readings are dense; forum activity varies.
"While the content was strong, I found some of the readings a bit dense, and the forum discussions weren't as active as I hoped."
"My only minor critique is that some of the readings were very academic and could be supplemented with more accessible materials."
"Good course, though sometimes the lectures felt a bit dry."
Highly beneficial for newcomers, potentially basic for experts.
"The pace was a bit slow for me as someone with prior knowledge in public health. Beginners might find it very useful, but I was looking for more advanced insights."
"I found the course very basic. It didn't offer much new information for someone already working in public health."
"While the core message is important, the delivery could be more engaging, and the content more advanced. I expected more depth given Imperial College."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Tobacco Control: Agile Policy, Research and Practice with these activities:
Review respiratory physiology
Recovering your knowledge of respiratory physiology will reactivate your understanding of this foundational aspect of smoking effects.
Show steps
  • Review lecture notes from a previous physiology course.
  • Complete practice questions on respiratory physiology.
Explore the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx)
GHDx provides access to a wealth of global health data, enabling you to explore tobacco-related health indicators across countries and regions.
Show steps
  • Create a GHDx account and familiarize yourself with the platform.
  • Explore the tobacco-related indicators available.
  • Generate visualizations and analyze data to identify patterns and trends.
Analyze Data on Tobacco-Related Health Outcomes
Improve your ability to interpret and apply data on the health consequences of tobacco use.
Show steps
  • Review the module on health harms caused by tobacco use.
  • Identify reputable sources of data on tobacco-related health outcomes.
  • Analyze data on tobacco-related mortality, morbidity, and other health indicators.
  • Draw conclusions and make recommendations based on your analysis.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Discuss the Role of the Tobacco Industry in Undermining Public Health
Enhance your understanding of the tactics used by the tobacco industry and strategies to combat them.
Show steps
  • Review the module on tobacco industry interference.
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Discuss the tactics used by the tobacco industry.
  • Identify strategies to counter tobacco industry influence.
Read 'The Health Consequences of Smoking: A Report of the Surgeon General'
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the health harms caused by tobacco use, equipping you with evidence-based arguments.
View CDC Yellow Book 2020 on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the Executive Summary and Chapter 1: Introduction.
  • Focus on Chapter 2: Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke.
  • Review Chapter 3: Cancer.
Organize a discussion group on tobacco control policy
Engaging in discussions with peers will foster critical thinking and allow you to exchange perspectives on effective tobacco control policies.
Browse courses on Public Health Policy
Show steps
  • Identify a group of interested participants.
  • Choose a topic for discussion and prepare relevant materials.
  • Facilitate the discussion, encouraging active participation and diverse观点.
Build a Campaign to Counter Tobacco Industry Influence
Develop skills in developing and implementing effective tobacco control campaigns.
Show steps
  • Research successful tobacco control campaigns.
  • Identify target audience and message.
  • Develop a campaign plan.
  • Implement the campaign.
  • Evaluate the campaign's effectiveness.
  • Present findings to stakeholders.
Analyze tobacco industry marketing tactics
Examining real-world tobacco industry marketing campaigns will enhance your understanding of their strategies and the impact they have on public health.
Browse courses on Marketing Tactics
Show steps
  • Collect examples of tobacco industry marketing materials.
  • Analyze the target audience, messaging, and persuasive techniques used.
  • Discuss the potential public health implications of these tactics.
Contribute to the Smoke-Free Cities Atlas
By contributing to this open-source platform, you will gain experience in data analysis, visualization, and collaboration on a global health project.
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with the Smoke-Free Cities Atlas and its data sources.
  • Identify a specific area or topic to focus on.
  • Analyze data, create visualizations, and write a brief report on your findings.
Assist at a smoking cessation clinic
Gain practical experience in supporting individuals who are trying to quit smoking, deepening your understanding of the challenges and strategies involved.
Show steps
  • Contact local smoking cessation clinics and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Complete any required training and background checks.
  • Assist clients with setting quit goals, developing coping mechanisms, and accessing resources.
Write a blog post on the latest tobacco industry tactics
Writing a blog post will help you synthesize your knowledge, improve your communication skills, and share valuable information with a wider audience.
Show steps
  • Research and identify the latest tobacco industry tactics.
  • Write a clear and engaging blog post, supported by evidence from credible sources.
  • Promote your blog post through social media and other channels.
Develop a tobacco control advocacy campaign
Creating an advocacy campaign will provide you with hands-on experience in developing and implementing strategies to promote tobacco control.
Browse courses on Public Health Advocacy
Show steps
  • Identify a specific tobacco control policy or issue to focus on.
  • Research the issue, identify target audiences, and develop key messages.
  • Plan and implement a multifaceted campaign using various communication channels.

Career center

Learners who complete Tobacco Control: Agile Policy, Research and Practice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Tobacco Industry Analyst
Tobacco Industry Analysts are responsible for analyzing the tobacco industry and its impact on public health. This course would be particularly beneficial for those interested in working in tobacco control, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies and tactics used by the tobacco industry to keep people buying their products.
Tobacco Control Researcher
Tobacco Control Researchers are responsible for conducting research on the health effects of tobacco use, the effectiveness of tobacco control interventions, and the behavior of tobacco users. This course would provide a strong foundation in the science of tobacco use and the methods used to conduct tobacco control research.
Public Health Policy Analyst
Public Health Policy Analysts are responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating public health policies. This course would be particularly beneficial for those interested in working in tobacco control, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global health harms caused by tobacco use, the strategies and tactics used by the tobacco industry to keep people buying their products, and the role played by public health research in pushing back against this pressure. The course would help Policy Analysts build a foundation in tobacco control, which is essential for success in this field.
Health Policy Advocate
Health Policy Advocates are responsible for advocating for policies that promote health and prevent disease. This course would be particularly beneficial for those interested in working in tobacco control, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global health harms caused by tobacco use and the strategies used by the tobacco industry to keep people buying their products.
Health Communications Specialist
Health Communications Specialists are responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. This course would be beneficial for those interested in working in tobacco control, as it provides a strong foundation in the science of tobacco use and the strategies used by the tobacco industry to market their products.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists are responsible for studying the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. This course would be particularly beneficial for those interested in working in tobacco control, as it provides a strong foundation in the science of tobacco use and the methods used to conduct tobacco control research.
Public Health Lawyer
Public Health Lawyers are responsible for using the law to promote health and prevent disease. This course would provide a strong foundation in tobacco control law, which is essential for success in this field.
Public Health Planner
Public Health Planners are responsible for developing and implementing public health programs. This course would be particularly beneficial for those interested in working in tobacco control, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global health harms caused by tobacco use and the strategies used by the tobacco industry to keep people buying their products.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators are responsible for educating the public about health issues and promoting healthy behaviors. This course would be beneficial for those interested in working in tobacco control, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global health harms caused by tobacco use and the strategies used by the tobacco industry to keep people buying their products.
Social Marketer
Social Marketers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. This course would be particularly beneficial for those interested in working in tobacco control, as it provides a strong foundation in the science of tobacco use and the strategies used by the tobacco industry to market their products.
Clinical Trial Manager
Clinical Trial Managers are responsible for managing clinical trials of new drugs and treatments. This course would provide a strong foundation in the science of tobacco use and the methods used to conduct tobacco control research.
Healthcare Policy Analyst
Healthcare Policy Analysts are responsible for analyzing healthcare policies and their impact on health outcomes. This course would provide a strong foundation in the science of tobacco use and the strategies used by the tobacco industry to keep people buying their products.
Global Health Consultant
Global Health Consultants are responsible for providing technical assistance to governments and organizations working to improve health outcomes in developing countries. This course would be particularly beneficial for those interested in working in tobacco control, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global health harms caused by tobacco use and the strategies used by the tobacco industry to keep people buying their products.
Healthcare Management Consultant
Healthcare Management Consultants are responsible for providing advice to healthcare organizations on how to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. This course would be particularly beneficial for those interested in working in tobacco control, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the global health harms caused by tobacco use and the strategies used by the tobacco industry to keep people buying their products.
Medical Writer
Medical Writers are responsible for writing and editing medical and scientific documents. This course would provide a strong foundation in the science of tobacco use and the strategies used by the tobacco industry to keep people buying their products.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Tobacco Control: Agile Policy, Research and Practice .
Offers a comprehensive overview of the topic of tobacco control. It covers a wide range of topics, including the global health consequences of tobacco use and the strategies and tactics used by the tobacco industry.
Adds more depth to the course. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and is valuable as a reference tool and for additional reading.
Useful reference tool and provides background knowledge. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions. This book is valuable as a current reference.
Explores the role of research in informing tobacco control policy and practice. It examines the different types of research that are needed, as well as the challenges involved in conducting and using research in this field.
Adds more depth to the course. It is valuable as a reference tool and for additional reading, and can provide background knowledge.
Provides a detailed analysis of the tobacco control policies and interventions that have been implemented around the world. It includes data on the effectiveness of these policies and interventions.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the global tobacco epidemic. It provides data on tobacco use, tobacco-related diseases, and tobacco control policies. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities of tobacco control.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the tobacco control issue. It examines the health consequences of tobacco use, the strategies and tactics used by the tobacco industry, and the policies and interventions that can be used to reduce tobacco use.
Provides a history of the tobacco control movement. It examines the different strategies and tactics that have been used by tobacco control advocates to reduce tobacco use and its associated harms.
Provides a guide for health professionals on how to provide tobacco control services. It covers a wide range of topics, including how to counsel patients on tobacco use and how to help patients quit smoking.
Provides a guide for communities on how to develop and implement effective tobacco control programs. It covers a wide range of topics, including how to assess the needs of the community and how to develop and implement tobacco control policies and interventions.

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