University of Roehampton, London Online Launches Public Health Outbreak Simulation

-- Interactive simulation designed to fuel interest in and aid understanding of public health

LONDON, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- What happens when a public health crisis follows a major disaster? The University of Roehampton, London Online has launched an interactive simulation that encourages participants to use their skills, logic and deductive reasoning to help save thousands of lives in the aftermath of a fictitious massive earthquake in the virtual country of Manresa.

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"Save Manresa" is an interactive role-playing activity that provides an exciting window into the world of public health. It is aimed at encouraging professionals to not only learn more about public health, but also consider careers in the field.

Focusing on the aftermath of a fabricated major natural disaster and its potentially catastrophic impact on public health, "Save Manresa" allows participants to visualise themselves as public health professionals responding to the disaster in an effort to stop a disease outbreak and save lives. Participants gather facts, ask questions, talk to the local people and use their knowledge and skills to stop the mysterious outbreak. The public is invited to experience Roehampton Online's "Save Manresa" simulation — suitable for all ages — free of charge.

The simulation has been specifically designed to give users an opportunity to see whether they would be interested in a career in public health and also to generate interest in the study of public health online via Roehampton Online's new Master of Public Health (MPH) programme.

"As innovators in education, we're delighted to offer this kind of interactive simulation that gives the public the opportunity to experience what might be involved in public health challenges — the rational decisions that need to be made, the risks involved, the excitement and the opportunities to be able to make a difference — just like a career in public health does," said Professor Raymond Lee, PhD, of the University of Roehampton, who was involved in the development of the MPH programme. "Ultimately we want this simulation to help generate interest in public health and our new online MPH programme, which is anchored by a critical awareness that public health challenges are no longer local or national, but instead global, requiring involvement of a diverse range of disciplines to be able to address them."

The new MPH is Roehampton Online's first health programme and offers online collaboration with a diverse, global student population and expert faculty. It features an interdisciplinary approach that enables students to learn from one another and collaborate across geographic regions and disciplines to address health challenges.

The online format of the MPH programme allows students to connect with public health practitioners in other countries and regions, providing them with a global perspective and access to international expertise from a diverse range of disciplines — an advantage over a traditional classroom. The MPH programme is designed for professionals and practitioners already working in specific areas related to public health who are looking to advance their skills and knowledge in the field, as well as those looking to transition into a career in public health.

For more information on Roehampton Online masters programmes, please visit www.roehampton-online.com/programmes.

About the University of Roehampton, London Online
The University of Roehampton, London, has been providing quality education through its colleges for more than 170 years. The University has one of the most diverse communities of students in the United Kingdom and maintains a strong tradition of commitment to equality. Today, it continues this tradition of excellence by providing working professionals around the world with access to high-quality online masters degree programmes at an exceptional price.

In partnership with online learning expert Laureate International Universities — a global network of high-quality, innovative, accredited institutions of higher education — the University of Roehampton, London Online connects a diverse community of adult learners through an engaging online learning experience. The University's programmes are designed to enrich students' knowledge and help them develop practical skills that can be applied in their job immediately and promote career advancement. For information about Roehampton's online programmes, visit www.roehampton-online.com.