Applied Epidemiology 2 - Determinants of Health, 10 credits

A Bachelor’s degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in public health science, healthcare or other relevant social sciences subject area. And proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6.

That the student has completed courses with approved results equivalent of 45 credits at the Master’s Programme in Public Health Sciences specialisation Public Health Epidemiology.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• identify and account for how determinants for public health  problems are studied and be able to reflect and account for strengths and weaknesses in different study designs.
• identify and account for the specific requirements that can be set on the design when studying determinants of health in different contexts.
• compile and critically review current scientific literature, with regard to determinants for public health problems , and be able to communicate knowledge of the determinants of diseases.
• carry out and interpret statistical analyses of population based data to describe determinants for health.

During the course, comprehensive presentations will be made of how to apply different epidemiological methods to study different issues, in practice, when it comes to determinants for public health diseases. The course comprises determinants in a broad perspective, from micro to macro level. Different methodologies will be described, for example twin studies and nested case-control. Statistical methods applicable for the study of determinants will be presented. The teaching will to a large extent be based on current research projects. Strong emphasis will be given on methods for studies in different populations and institutional settings”.

The course consists of lectures, literature studies, individual work and group assignments. The student shall create a portfolio consisting of five written presentations. The assignments for the portfolio consist of questions that should be answered with support of data analyses, lectures, seminars and literature. At least two times during the course, the student shall present their work orally to the entire group. For the oral presentations the student should prepare questions that should be discussed in the group.

Seven times during the course assignments should be submitted in writing to the course director that grades it in consultation with the lecturer responsible for the lectures of the subject. Six of the assignment are mandatory subjects but the seventh is a choice between two suggested subjects. Grading criteria will be distributed along with the assignments. The grade is weighted by the tasks, information about this is given with the assignment. The final grading is based on a summary of all assignments. The grades used are fail, pass, pass with distinction in six of the assignments, one is graded fail or pass.

Compulsory parts
Compulsory attendance at seminars. Absence is compensated by additional written assignment concerning the part of the course that the absence applies to. The assignment is submitted no later than 3 weeks after the day of absence to the course coordinator. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated for absence in accordance with the course director's instructions, the student's results for the course/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.

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.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.

The course language is English.