Course syllabus for Global public health
Versions of this syllabus:
Essential data
Specific entry requirements
120 credits in health care or medicine.
To participate in the second part of the course the student must have fulfilled the course requirements for part one.
Outcomes
The overall aim of the course is for students to gain an understanding of the concept of global public health, the factors that determine the health status of a population, how population health can be improved, and the role of society and the health system in this regard.
Learning objectives
Learning outcomes for knowledge and understanding are categorised by level according to the SOLO taxonomy (S2–S5), and learning outcomes for skills and abilities are categorised according to Miller’s pyramid (M3–M4).
Knowledge and Understanding
To pass the course, the student must be able to:
- describe the history and development of global health over the last century, from colonialism to today’s global health policies (S3)
- describe the global burden of disease, how it varies with a country’s income level, and the ongoing epidemiological transition (S3)
- discuss how economic, political and social factors, as well as environmental factors such as climate change, affect health and access to healthcare in a population (S4)
- describe different types of healthcare systems globally and their funding, how this affects the health of the population, the meaning of “Universal Health Coverage”, and be able to relate this to the Swedish healthcare system (S3)
- reflect on global health challenges and opportunities based on international frameworks such as human rights, current global goals from the UN and other international actors, as well as on the opportunities, limitations and ethical issues surrounding health aid and international health initiatives (S4)
- reflect on their own and other students’ attitudes and approaches when operating in a context with different conditions for public health practice than those in Sweden (S5).
Competence and Skills
To pass the course, students must be able to:
- locate and critically evaluate data from established sources of global and national health statistics, (M3)
- recommend different priorities for improving a population’s health, based on both cost-effectiveness and ethical considerations (M3)
Judgement and Approach
To pass the course, students must be able to:
- demonstrate a respectful, professional and ethical approach when interacting with patients, family members, students, teachers, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders in Sweden and internationally.
Content
The course integrates and builds upon previous knowledge in global health, with a focus on the determinants of health, prevention, health systems, resource allocation, priority setting, and ethical considerations. The importance of interdisciplinary and interprofessional perspectives in understanding and improving health at the individual, population, and societal levels is emphasized. The course examines how health systems are organised and function in different contexts, and how available resources influence opportunities for disease prevention and treatment. The roles and collaboration of different professions within healthcare and public health are discussed, together with the importance of intercultural competence.
The course includes work-integrated learning through a study visit to a country with different conditions for public health and healthcare than those in Sweden. The study visit provides an opportunity to examine public health practice, health systems, and the roles and collaboration of different professions in another context. Encounters with healthcare professionals and other public health actors in both urban and rural settings provide perspectives on how disease burden, resource availability, and organisational conditions influence efforts to improve health and deliver healthcare.
The combination of theoretical studies and experiential learning provides a foundation for a deeper understanding of global health challenges and for developing an evidence-informed and contemporary view of global health.
The course also provides tools for the critical appraisal and interpretation of global health data and scientific evidence. Particular emphasis is placed on data quality, the importance of context in interpreting data, and evidence-informed decision-making in global health.
Teaching methods
The course comprises lectures, seminars, group work, web-based quizzes and role-play, as well as, in the latter part of the course, experiential learning in a country with different conditions for public health and healthcare than those in Sweden. The course is taught by lecturers from a variety of professional backgrounds with extensive international experience.
Code of Conduct: Students travelling abroad are required to sign Karolinska Institutet’s (KI’s) Code of Conduct before commencing the second part of the course. According to the Code, the student must:
- follow the advice and instructions provided regarding personal safety, thereby avoiding putting themselves, fellow travellers or their host at risk.
- follow the instructions provided prior to departure and during their stay abroad, as well as the rules applicable at foreign educational institutions, hospitals, workplaces or similar venues.
- act with respect for the host country’s culture and traditions, social structure and religion, and observe the dress and conduct codes applicable in the country in question.
- show respect for other students, teachers, patients and families, as well as for healthcare staff.
- be a good role model for other students and not jeopardise KI’s relationships with its partners.
- follow the agreed course programme and respect the educational traditions and teaching methods of the host institution.
- take active responsibility for their own learning and follow the agreed course programme and safety instructions.
If a student breaches the code of conduct, this may result in them failing the course. The examiner may also terminate a student’s study abroad (or equivalent) programme with immediate effect if the student demonstrates such serious shortcomings in knowledge, skills or attitude that the safety or trust of other students, KI and our collaboration with local partners is jeopardised. If the practical placement is terminated, the student’s degree programme will be informed and the student may be required to return home early.
Examination
- Written summative assessment
- Written assessment in the form of a reflective assignment
- Assessment of professional conduct
Professional behaviour is assessed throughout the course. Students are expected to demonstrate a respectful, professional and ethical approach as well as the ability to collaborate interprofessionally with fellow students, teachers, patients, healthcare professionals and other public health stakeholders. Serious or repeated deficiencies may result in failure of the intended learning outcome relating to professional behaviour.
Compulsory participation
Participation in seminars, group activities, role-play sessions and the study visit is compulsory. The examiner assesses if, and how, absence from compulsory educational elements can be compensated for. Before the student has participated in the compulsory educational elements or compensated the absence in accordance with the examiner's instructions, the final course results will not be reported. Absence from a compulsory educational component may mean that the student cannot compensate for the missed compulsory educational element until the next time the course is given.
Students who have not passed the regular examination are entitled to participate in five more examinations. The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of a blank examination is regarded as an examination. An examination for which the student registered but not participated in will not be counted as an examination.
If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.
Other directives
Language of instruction
The language of instruction is English, but some teaching may be conducted in Swedish. Both Swedish and English literature may be used in the course.
Course evaluation
Course evaluation is carried out in accordance with Karolinska Institutet’s guidelines.
Literature and other teaching aids
Mandatory literature
Current scientific articles and compendiums.
#### **Recommended literature**
Introduction to Global Health
Kathryn H. Jacobsen
ISBN: 978-1284234930