Introduction to Public Health Sciences, 7.5 credits

Bachelor's degree or professional qualification worth at least 180 credits in public health science, healthcare or other relevant social sciences subject area. 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.

After completion of the course, students should be able to: - Analytically discuss, in written form, basic scientific concepts, methodological perspectives, and factors that govern public health research, - Describe the evaluation of global trends affecting health, including epidemics, injuries, chronic health problems, and mental illnesses, - Apply knowledge of basic public health concepts by critically comparing different approaches to management of public health problems, health promotion, health economics and health policy, as well as to interpret opposing viewpoints in these fields.

1. Foundations of public health 2. Evidence-based public health 3. Data sources on populations and mortality 4. The burden of disease and other measures of population health 5. Social and behavioral sciences and public health 6. Health economics, health management and policy 7. Health care systems and population health 8. Non-communicable and communicable disease: disease prevention and health promotion 9. Environmental health and safety 10. Philosophy-of-science and public health research

The course includes lectures, seminars, group work, practical exercises, quizzes and student presentations. E-learning techniques such as wikis and blogs will be used during the group work. Students will be introduced to problem-based learning.

The course includes two written individual examinations; one half-time and one final, as well as two group assignments to be submitted in writing and presented and discussed in class. The half-time examination will be used as a progress report as well as a preparation for the final examination and will not be handed in, but discussed in class. The final examination will be graded as pass, pass with distinction and fail, while mandatory assignments will be graded as pass or fail. The grade on the final examination will decide the final grade on the course. Compulsory participation Seminars, quizzes, practical exercises, group assignments, classes involving group work and student presentations, and half-time exam are compulsary. 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 respective part will not be registered in LADOK. Limitation of number of occasions to write the exam The student has the right to write the exam six times. If the student has not passed the exam after four participations he/she is encouraged to visit the study advisor. 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.

After each course occasion there will be at least six occasions for the examination within a 2-year period from the end of the course.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education. The course language is English.