Public Health Sciences - Concepts and Theories, 7.5 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. Proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6 is also requested.

After completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Explain basic concepts from theory of science relevant to public health research.
• Discuss key public health concepts and contrast theories used in public health work and research.
• Analyse and present (in written and orally) population health status over time from a global perspective and reflect upon the importance of different social determinants of health.
• Relate ethical principals to public health work and research.

During the course the main concepts, principles and methods of public health research and practice will be introduced in relation to two main domains:
1. Foundations of public health science, concepts used in public health science, major public health problems and the social determinants of health.
2. Public health perspectives on theory of science and ethics.

The topics introduced under the two domains will include:

• Basic concepts and methods within the field of public health science.
• Use of theory in public health research.
• Introduction to basic health measures.
• Introduction to the social determinants of health.
• Introduction to basic concepts from theory of science and ethics irelevant for public health work and research.
• Generic scientific and academic skills.

Teaching methods includes keynote lectures within the above-mentioned domains, seminars, practical exercises, and peer-learning. The seminars aim to develop knowledge and skills in the field of public health as well as critical thinking. The course include several types of interactive student-driven activities; eg. group work and student presentations.

The course includes a individual written final examination as well as a group assignment to be submitted in writing and orally presented and discussed in class. It is mandatory for each student to equally contribute to the group assignment as well as providing peer-review.

The individual final examination will be graded as pass, pass with distinction or fail, while the mandatory group assignment will be graded as pass or fail. To obtain the grade Pass on the course the student must be awarded Pass on both the group assignment and the final written examination. To obtain the grade Pass with distinction the student must be awarded Pass with distinction on the final written examination and Pass on the group assignment.

Compulsory participation
A few lectures, peer-reviewing, student presentations, group assignment and the final written exam are compulsory. The course coordinator assesses if and, in that case, how absence from compulaory parts can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the course coordinator's instructions, the student's results for each respective part will not be registered in LADOK. Absence from a compulsory part may result in the student not being able to recoup until the next time the course is given.

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. If the student fail all six examinations/tests, no further opportunities for examinations are given. 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 also regarded as an examination. An examination for which the student registered but did not participate in will not be counted as an examination.

If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities, the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc. Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

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 Committee for Higher Education.

The course language is English.