Course syllabus for

Non-communicable diseases, injuries, natural emergencies and conflicts in a global health perspective, 3 credits

Icke-smittsamma sjukdomar, skador, naturkatastrofer och konflikter i ett globalt perspektiv, 3 hp
This course syllabus is valid from spring 2017.
Please note that the course syllabus is available in the following versions:
Course code
3GB015
Course name
Non-communicable diseases, injuries, natural emergencies and conflicts in a global health perspective
Credits
3 credits
Form of Education
Higher Education, study regulation 2007
Main field of study 
Global Health 
Level 
AV - Second cycle 
Grading scale
Fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG)
Department
Department of Global Public Health
Decided by
Programnämnden för folkhälsovetenskap
Decision date
2009-05-15
Revised by
Programme Committee 5
Last revision
2016-10-20
Course syllabus valid from
Spring 2017

Specific entry requirements

Bachelor's degree or vocational degree worth at least 180 higher education credits. Proficiency in the English language documented by an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL with a total score of at least 79 (internet based), 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), IELTS with a total score of at least 6,0 (no band less than 5,0), or other documentation that certifies English language skills equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school.

Objectives

After completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- Describe and analyse the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, lung diseases, diabetes and mental health), injuries, natural emergencies and conflicts on global health in countries at different economic levels.
- Describe and analyse different factors influencing NCD and injuries and corresponding preventive actions.
- Understand and analyse how the negative impact of NCD and injuries can be reduced and how this should be prioritised in countries with different economic conditions.
- Describe and assess how conflicts and natural emergencies affect global health.
- Formulate and assess strategies and interventions of greatest importance to mitigate negative effects on health, caused by emergencies and conflicts, disease transition and rising incidence of injuries.

Content

- The course will illuminate various aspects of non-communicable diseases, injuries, natural emergencies and conflicts both from the perspective of individuals and of the society.
- The importance of different NCDs and different type of injuries for global health and in countries with various
economic conditions.
- Different background and risk factors for various NCDs and injury mechanisms and strategies to prevent them.
- Different types of natural emergencies and conflicts and their impact on health.
- The importance of the local and regional context regarding social and economic circumstances, the functional level of health care, as well as the awareness and readiness among politicians and the public.
- Needs assessment in emergency situations and the role of international organisations.
- Health system challenges and response strategies due to disease transition, rising incidence of injuries and increasing prevalence of chronic conditions .

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures, seminars, group discussions and individual work.

Examination

Individual examination in the form of a written essay and oral presentation in group seminar.

To obtain the grade Pass on the course the student must be awarded Pass on both examinations. To obtain the grade Pass with distinction the student must be awarded Pass with distinction on one of the examinations and Pass on the other one.

Compulsory
Compulsory attendance applies to all seminars and group assignments.  The course director assesses if and, in that case, how absence can be compensated.  Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the course director's instructions, the student's results for the course will not be registered in LADOK.

Limited number of examinations
Students who have not passed the regular examination are entitled to participate in five more examinations. If the student is not approved after four examinations, he/she is recommended to retake the course at the next regular course date, and may, after that, participate in two more examinations. If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no additional examination or new admission is provided.

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.

Transitional provisions


Examination will be provided during a time of two years after a possible cancellation of the course. Examination can take place according to an earlier literature list during a time of one year after the date when a major renewal of the literature list has been made.
 

Other directives

The students will have the opportunity to give continuous feedback and input during the course to ensure that the course is as student-driven as possible.

The course will be evaluated in accordance with the guidelines established by the board of Education.

The course language is English.

Literature and other teaching aids

Pruitt, Sheri Innovative care for chronic conditions : building blocks for action : global report Annandale, Steve
Hunter, DJ; Reddy, KS Noncommunicable diseases 3:369 (2013) :14, s. 1336-43

Global action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases 2013-2020
von Schreeb J.
Needs assessments for international humanitarian health assistance in disasters.
Karolinska Institutet: 2007