Public Health Informatics, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Public Health Informatics is an often neglected field in public health methodology studies, where focus traditionally has been on statistical methods and issues of study design. This course deals with organisation, validity and maintenance of data and databases, with special focus on the needs of longitudinal studies and hierarchical data. The course content is relevant both to research and routine data systems in public health services globally, taking many examples from resource-poor settings.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should: • be able to work with relational database management systems • understand public health and community-based applications of database management • understand the linkages between effective data management and epidemiological design and analysis

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

The course includes two intensive weeks of teaching and practical work during the overall course period, together with directed background reading. Teaching is given in English.

Examination modes

An individual written assessment involving case-study material related to the principles taught in the course is required from each student. The grading scale is Fail, Pass, and Pass with distinction. A student who fails two examinations has the right to a change of examiner according to the University 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. Examplesof 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.