Evaluation in public health, 5 Credits

Contents

The course is an introduction to methods for evaluation of public health programmes. The course combines concepts and experience from different disciplines in order to facilitate a comprehensive perspective: measures of exposure levels, of positive and adverse health effects caused by the intervention, and of the distribution of health and other effects in the population.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to:
– Explain the different health evaluation approaches discussed in the course.
– Explain advantages and drawbacks with the different methods and discuss which method would be preferable in a given situation.
– Review public health evaluations that have been done in health care and discuss strengths and weaknesses of those evaluations.
– Independently develope a means of disseminating the findings from an evaluation study.

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.

English proficiency equivalent to English A or English 5 from Swedish Upper secondary education. (IELTS (Academic) with minimum score 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL (Paper based with minimum score 530 and minimum TWE 4). TOEFL (Internet based with minimum score 72 and minimum Written 17)). 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 two weeks during the course period. Teaching is conducted through lectures and group exercises. There are also a seminar where students present and discuss their critiques of an evaluation. This seminar is 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 shall in a seminar present his/hers critique of an evaluation in public health; and they will also be required to submit a dissemination strategy for an evaluated intervention. The grading scale is Fail, Pass, and Pass with distinction for the written exam, and  Fail or Pass for the evaluation critique and dissemination strategy. In order to be awarded Pass for the course, the grade Pass is required for the written exam, the evaluation critique and the dissemination strategy. In order to be awarded Pass with the distinction for the course, the grade Pass with distinction is required for the written exam and the grade Pass is required for the evaluation critique and the dissemination strategy. For students who have not received 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 did not receive a passing grade on the evaluation plan. 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
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.

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