Health, Environment and Sustainability, 3.5 Credits

Contents

The aim of this course is to enhance the understanding of how health interrelates with globalisation and environmental and climate change, and how sustainable solutions can be developed on the local and global level in order to address future challenges.
The course includes the following topics:

• Global processes such as environmental changes and climate change
• Qualitative and quantitative methods in environmental health research
• The sustainable development goals / Agenda 2030
• Health impact assessment
• Climate adaptation
• Policies within environmental and climate politics

The course contents addresses environmental changes arising from anthropogenic and natural courses, and how knowledge and solutions are created in collaboration of different actors. The course investigates how the world and the environment are changing, focusses on overarching policy and sustainability measures, and covers theories and methods for research in environmental health and health impact assessments.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After the course the student will be able to 

• Explain the relationship between environment, climate change and health
• Understand approaches and global processes for sustainable development, and evaluate how these can influence human health
• Demonstrate a general understanding about approaches and methods within environmental epidemiology.

Skills and Abilities
After this course the student will be able to

• Describe how processes and global issues around environmental changes and health can be addressed.

Judgement and approach
After this course the student will be able to 

• Critically reflect the sustainability goals and global development with a focus on environment and health.
• Critically evaluate research within environmental epidemiology.

Required Knowledge

For non-programme students applying as freestanding course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which a minimum of 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental and health protection or social sciences. English proficiency equivalent to English B/6 from Swedish Upper secondary education.

Form of instruction

Lectures, seminars, role play, computer and group exercises. All teaching will be in English.

Examination modes

The examination constitute two parts; 1) home assignment, and 2) project. The first part is given the grade VG (Pass with distinction), G (Pass), U (Fail), while the second part is graded with G (Pass), U (Fail). The whole course is graded Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). In order to be awarded Pass for the entire course, it is required that both examination parts must be passed. To be awarded Pass with distinction, it is required that the home assignment is awarded Pass with distinction.

The home assignment is a written essay in the form of a literature review. If the student fails in the home assignment, there is the possibility of complementary assignments according to a time plan determined by the examinator. The student gets a maximum of five complementary assignments. It is not possible to get a higher degree than "Pass" for complementary assignments.

If a student receives a Fail grade on the project, the examinator will decide about a complementary assignment to be submitted within a specified time. The student has the right to a maximum of five complementary assignments.

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 is entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it. A written request should be submitted to the director of studies.

Deviations for the course syllabus' examination may be made for a student who has been subject to a decision granting pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adaption of the examination form shall be considered based on the student's needs. The form of examination is adapted within the framework of the expected study results of the course syllabus. At the student's request, the course coordinator shall promptly decide, in consultation with the examiner, on the appropriate form of examination. The decision shall then be communicated to the student.