Established by: Programme council for the International Master Programme in Public Health (PRPH), 2016-09-22
Contents
Social epidemiology involves examining and understanding the influence of social circumstances and processes on patterns of health and ill health in populations, especially the unequal distribution of health. The course will explore both theories explaining the relationship between the social phenomena and health as well as methodological tools for studying this relationship. During the theoretical component, the course addresses social science theories of inequalities related to class, gender and ethnicity. During the methodological component, the course addresses practical approaches to estimate and explain social inequalities in health.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding After this course the student is expected to: - Clarify and explain the main concepts, models and theories within social epidemiology. - Clarify and appraise different methodological consideration and approaches within social epidemiology.
Skills and Abilities After this course the student is expected to: - Perform an independent analysis using concepts, models and theories to explain social inequalities in health. - Perform an independent epidemiological analysis of social inequalities in health. - Present and discuss, in oral and/or written form, an independent analysis using concepts, models and theories to explain social inequalities in health.
Judgement and Approach After this course the student is expected to: - Critically review, discuss and evaluate the application of social epidemiology theories and methods in scientific research. - Critically discuss current debates within the field of social epidemiology as well as the strengths and weaknesses of different positions.
Required Knowledge
For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which a minimum of 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences. To be admitted to the course the applicant must have passed the course 3FH038 Epidemiology or have equivalent qualifications.
English proficiency equivalent to English B/6 from Swedish Upper secondary education. Basic entrance requirements for higher studies in Swedish language proficiency is also required if the course is taught in Swedish.
Form of instruction
Teaching on the course is concentrated to three weeks during the course period. Teaching is performed through plenary lectures, group work, hands-on training, seminars and home assignments. Teaching is given in English.
Examination modes
The examination has two parts; 1) Participation in a literature seminar, a methodological home assignment, and a project presentation and 2) a written exam. Only grades of Fail or Pass will be awarded for the first part. The written exam will be awarded the following grades: Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. Overall grades for the course are: Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction. In order to be awarded Pass for the entire course, it is required that all of the examination part must be Passed. To be awarded Pass with distinction, it is required that the written exam is awarded Pass with distinction.
If a student receives a Fail grade on the written exam, they will be required to revise their original exam according to comments provided by the examiner within the time-line determined by the examiner. Students have the right to five rounds of revisions. They will be eligible for a grade of Pass but not Pass with distinction. Only students who have not received a passing grade are eligible to make revisions in order to pass the exam. Revisions are not allowed for those who have already received a passing grade.
If there are special reasons, the examiner has the right to decide whether another form of examination can be used. A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a class, are entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it. Written request must be submitted to the director of studies.
Other regulations
A respite for the start of studies may be granted under special circumstances. Examples of such circumstances are illness, military service, pregnancy, care of children or other nursing responsibilities etc. A negative decision about start-of-study respite may be appealed to Överklagandenämnden för högskolan.
Course roll call Attendance is compulsory for the course roll call. A student may be relieved from this obligation only through a decision by the course coordinator and only under special circumstances. Non-attendance without a valid reason may lead to the seat being given to another applicant. A decision about this is made by the course coordinator.
Students have the right to examine whether previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application is submitted to Studentcentrum/Examina. Details on crediting can be found at Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole or part of the application for accreditation is refused.
