Applied Epidemiology 2 - Determinants of Health, 14 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 and discussed . Statistical methods applicable for the study of determinants will also 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, statistical training, individual work and group discussions .  During the course, the student is expected to be active during both lectures and discussions. The individual work includes weekly compulsory formative assignments. Individual work also includes the examination.

 The examination is based on a written assignment and an oral presentation during which the student should both present and act as discussant. The grades for the written assignment are Fail, Pass, and Pass with distinction, and the oral presentation is graded as Fail or Pass. Grading criteria will be distributed along with the assignment in the beginning of the course.  In case of Fail on the individual written assignment, completion of the grade up to a passing grade can be allowed if the student is close to the limit of passing. The assignment must then be submitted within two weeks after the examiner has announced the need for completion.

Late submission of the written assignment is not accepted. In this case, the student is referred to a re-examination occasion.

In order to pass the course, participation in all formative assessments and a grade of at least Pass should be achieved on the written assignment and the oral presentation. The grade on the written assignment decides the final grade in the course.

Compulsory parts
Compulsory parts include both the formative and summative assignments and attendance at the oral presentations, both as presenter and acting as discussant. The examiner assesses if and how absence from compulsory parts can be compensated. Before the student has participated in compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the examiner´s instructions, the student's results for the course/respective part will not be registered. Absence from a compulsory part may result in the student having to wait to compensate until the next time the course is given.

Limitation of number of occasions to write the exam
Students who have not passed the regular examination are entitled to participate in five more examinations. If the student has not passed the exam after four participations he/she is encouraged to visit the study advisor. If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no additional examination or new admission is provided.
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.

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.