Programme syllabus for Master Programme in Public Health Sciences

Masterprogrammet i folkhälsovetenskap

Outcomes

Outcomes of Second Cycle Education According to the Higher Education Act

Second level education shall essentially build on the knowledge that students acquire in first level education or corresponding knowledge.

Second level education shall involve a deepening of knowledge, skills and abilities relative to first level education and, in addition to what applies to first level education, shall:

• further develop the students' ability to independently integrate and use knowledge,
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable independence or for research and development work.

Degree Outcomes According to the Higher Education Ordinance

Objectives of the Degree of Master according to the Higher Education Ordinance
Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master students must:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in their main field of study, including both a broad command of the field and considerably deeper knowledge of certain parts of the field, together with insight into current research and development work; and
• demonstrate deeper methodological knowledge in their main field of study.

Skills and abilities
For a Degree of Master students must:

• demonstrate an ability to integrate knowledge and to analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even when limited information is available;
• demonstrate an ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate issues and to plan and, using appropriate methods, carry out advanced tasks within specified time limits, thus contributing towards the development of knowledge, and to evaluate this work;
• demonstrate an ability in both national and international contexts to clearly present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, in dialogue with different groups, orally and in writing; and
• demonstrate the skill required to participate in research and development work or to work independently in other advanced contexts.

Judgment and approach
For a Degree of Master students must:

• demonstrate an ability to make assessments in their main field of study, taking into account relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work;
• demonstrate insight into the potential and limitations of science, its role in society and people's responsibility for how it is used; and
• demonstrate an ability to identify their need of further knowledge and to take responsibility for developing their knowledge.

Outcomes of the Study Programme at Karolinska Institutet

On completion of the education, students must:

• demonstrate deeper knowledge of the determining factors of ill-health,and how these affect public health,
• demonstrate deeper skills in using public health science methods in public health promotion work,
• demonstrate deeper knowledge of applying theories and models in connection with public health science analyses and action-based work within a chosen specialisation, and
• demonstrate an ability to compile, critically evaluate and present data collated by the students themselves.

Content and structure

The programme offers courses which, in their scope and progression, enable students to meet the requirements of a Degree of Master of Medical Science with a Major in Public Health Sciences within a chosen area of specialisation. The programme forms an educational basis for postgraduateresearch training in public health sciences.

Specialisations
Health economics and health promotion
The education aims to reinforce students' analytical abilities and skills in using health-promotion and health-economic methods within both public health work and health and medical care. Particular emphasis is placed on developing theories and models, and on compiling, critically evaluating and presenting scientific texts and data collated by the students. In terms of health economics, in-depth knowledge and skills are provided in using microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, econometric analysis, statistics programs and other evaluation methods. In terms of health promotion, in-depth knowledge and skills are provided in planning models, implementing policies, intervention strategies, evaluation methods and quality assurance for national and international public health work.

Public health epidemiology
The specialisation in public health epidemiology provides knowledge of epidemiological methods that are relevant within public health science. Students obtain qualified knowledge of epidemiological and biostatistical methods, data management, and methods for outcome evaluations of public health measures. The emphasis is on applied epidemiology, in order to develop skills in describing, analysing and reflecting on various public health issues, and in critically reviewing epidemiological studies.

Mental health promotion and suicide prevention
The education provides deeper knowledge of the interaction between biological, psychological, social and cultural vulnerability and protection factors and external pressures in the incidence of mental illness and suicide. The education teaches skills for the critical review of policies and intervention programmes for suicide prevention and promoting mental health. Current stress research is highlighted, as are perspectives on mental health and scientifically evaluated suicide prevention within clinical
and non-clinical vulnerable groups.

Safety promotion
Safety promotion aims to provide a qualified analysis and understanding of measures which promote safety and prevent injuries from a local, national and international perspective. Students learn to plan, carry out and assess public safety work.

Applied public health nutrition
The aim of the education is to give students deeper knowledge of the relationship between diet and physical activity and heath/ill health, as well as risk groups and what affects diet and exercise habits. Methods are also taught for measuring and assessing patterns of disease, diet habits, physical activity and the structure of the body, and for planning, implementing and assessing interventions.

Courses
The education begins with a joint introductory course in public health science, which is compulsory for all specialisations. This is followed by a specialisation-specific introductory course worth 7.5 credits. During the first term, students also follow a joint course in qualitative methods. The course in quantitative methods is a joint course for all specialisations, except public health epidemiology, which instead follows the course Methods for studying the distribution of health.

During terms 2 and 3, students study subject theory courses within their specialisations worth 50 credits. The education concludes with a compulsory degree project worth 30 credits.

During terms 1-3, time is spent preparing the degree project through ongoing dissertation seminars. This work is part of the More about methods and ethics course, which is worth 10 credits and comes under term 3 of the syllabus.

Other guidelines

Grading scale

The grades used are Fail, Pass or Pass with Distinction. Alternative grading scales may apply to elective courses or cross-programme
courses. The grading scale is detailed in the course syllabus.

Language of instruction

The teaching language is English.

Specific eligibility requirements within the programme

In order to proceed to term 3, a student must have passed courses corresponding to 45 credits.

In addition, there may be course-specific entry requirements (see the relevant course syllabus).