Global Public Health: An Introduction, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course in global public health is an introduction to graduate studies in public health. The combination of rapid socioeconomic, demographic and global environmental changes, and their potential health impacts, requires a broad conception of the determinants of population health. The course starts with a presentation of public health terminology and different methods to measure health. Changing demographic and epidemiological patterns are described. Key concepts such as global change and social determinants to health are discussed. Drivers behind the globalization prosesses are defined. A range of current health issues are analysed such as environmental health, mother and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases. The students will apply the knowledge by developing a case study from his/her own county.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to: - describe the changing demographic and epidemiological patterns globally- understand the various dirvers and forms of global change - define key concepts such as global change and globalization - cite a range of examples of global health issues in terms of their impacts on human health within the fields of environmental, mother and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases

Required Knowledge

For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which S are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences. a minimum of 30 ECT. English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic Training – minimum score 5.0 with no individual score below (4.5) (Tests taken before January 2005 not admissible) or TOEFL – minimum score 500 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE, Alternatively 173 on computer based test with iBT 61 is also required. Language test scores are not required if you have completed a minimum of two years of studies at an accredited university or college with English as the medium of instruction or you have had one year of graduate studies and have written your thesis in English. For more information please see: http://www8.umu.se/phmed/epidemi/utbildning/mph-requirements.htm

Form of instruction

Teaching on the course is concentrated to three weeks during the course period. Teaching is conducted through lectures and group exercises. There are also seminars where students discuss scientific papers. The seminars and group exercises are compulsory. Teaching is given in English.

Examination modes

The examination is done in two parts. At the end of the course there is a written exam. During the course the student will in pairs of two orally present a case study from their own countries. The grading scale is Fail, Pass, and Pass with distinction for both the written exam and the case study. In order to be awarded Pass for the course, the grade Pass is required both for the written exam and case study. In order to be awarded Pass with distinction for the course, the grade Pass with distinction is required both for the written exam and pass or pass with distinction for the case study. For students who do not receive a passing grade at the first written exam on the course, a re-sit exam is arranged. Correspondingly, an extra seminar is arranged for students who do not receive a passing grade on the case study. A student who fails two examinations has the right to a change of examiner according to the University’s set of rules. A request to change examiner should be sent to the Board of the Faculty of Medicine.

Other regulations

Start-of-study respite 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 Attendence 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-attendence without a valid reason may lead to the seat being given to another applicant. A decision about this is made by the course coordinator.

Academic credit transfers are always reviewed individually according to the University’s set of rules and academic credit transfer regulations.