Public health surveillance in Europe, 5 credits

Bachelor's degree or vocational degree worth at least 180 higher education 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.

By the end of the module the students are expected to be able to:

* explain and describe the structure and implementation of surveillance systems and how those systems operate, coordinated and interact with each other at national, regional and international level

* Explain and discuss the regulatory documents underlying the current planning and operation of the different public health surveillance systems

*Practically use the current different surveillance system databases to develop reports and researches, at the same time discuss and reflect on the practical strengths and weaknesses characterizing the different surveillance systems


* Discuss, compare and critically reflect how results from the European surveillance system should relate to recommendations and guidelines in, for example, the area of diet and physical activity

* Show evidence of a professional attitude towards cooperation in groups and practice of team skills

* Categories of health indicators
* Surveillance system and information requirements at an international level
* The relevance and feasibility of certain indicators at an international level
* The quality control measures applications associated with different surveillance systems
* Positive attitude and practices in the group work

The European dimension is incorporated in all data and examples of research literature explicitly:
European/International, especially regarding Health Information from the Health Monitoring Programme (HPM), ECHI I and II, ECHIM, FAO, and from Eurostat, OECD, CDC and the WHO.

The course will use a problem-based learning approach. Fundamental concepts will be covered in didactic lectures, supported by prior reading and followed by seminars, group work and discussions.

For each type of monitoring learning process, students will be asked to do one or more of the following:

1. Critically review, and present to the group, the strengths and weaknesses of data and data collection methods relevant for public health issues at a European level.

2. Write a report (in a team) on how surveillance data on a specific public health topic could be interpreted and translated into an analysis of this problem at a European level (for example overweight surveillance, data validity, availability, magnitude of the problem, and development over time. Presentation of the findings to the group for comments and discussion

3. Write individual short report reflecting on the group work, individual participation and lessons learnt
 

a. The examination of the complicated structure and implementation of surveillance systems on national and international level; an individual written report is used. To examine the learning outcomes related to the regulatory documents underlying the current planning of surveillance systems, critically evaluate components of the European surveillance system and how results from the European surveillance system should relate to recommendations and guidelines; an oral and written presentation is used. An individual report summarizing the group work report and reflecting on the group work experience, in addition to monitoring of each student performance will be used to assess the development of professional attitude and practice in the team work

b. Seminars and practical sessions are compulsory. Absence from seminars must be compensated for by a written assignment. Absence from a practical session must be compensated for by taking part of the same session next time it is given.

c. Grades are given according to the 3-graded scale; fail/pass/pass with distinction

d. Criteria for grades are handed out upon course start.

Students who have failed ordinary examination have the right to be reexamined five more times. This applies to examination of all compulsory modules. Students who have passed an examination have no right to be reexamined for a higher grade. Students who have failed two times have the right to be examined by another teacher.

The course has been cancelled and was offered for the last time in the autumn semester of 2011. Examination according to this syllabus will be provided until the autumn semester of 2024, for students who have not completed the course with a passing grade.

* The course will be evaluated in accordance with the guidelines established by the board of Education
* The course corresponds to former course 4FH015