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 the complicated structure and implementation of surveillance systems on national and international level • Know and understand the regulatory documents underlying the current planning of surveillance systems for the European Union and WHO • Be able to discuss how results from the European surveillance system should relate to recommendations and guidelines in, for example, the area of diet and physical activity

• 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 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 and from Eurostat, OECD 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 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

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. 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.

If the course is closed or extensive changes have been made the students have the right to be examined according to this syllabus within two years time.

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