Introduction Course, 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. And proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6.

The aim of the course is to give a general introduction to the master programme as a scientific education and provide students with the basics of its three subject areas health economics, health policy and medically guided healthcare management (medical management). In addition, students are introduced to the basics of public health and epidemiology in order to give the medical foundations of evidence-based decision-making in health policy, resource management and governance of healthcare.

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

• Discuss basic scientific concepts, methodological perspectives of relevance for research in health economics, policy and management as well as public health and epidemiology
• Apply basic concepts in health economics, policy and management in the analysis o topical challenges in healthcare globally, nationally, regionally and locally
• Apply basic scientific concepts in public health and epidemiology in disease prevention and health promotion
• Understand and reflect upon philosophical concepts and ethics in health sciences research

During the course the main concepts, principles and methods of health economics, policy and management as well as public health and epidemiology. will be introduced:

1. Orientation in health economics, policy and [medical] management
2. Foundations of public health and epidemiology and applications in clinical practice
3. Perspectives on theory of science, philosophy and ethics.

 
The topics introduced under the three domains will include:

• Principles and frameworks of health economics, health policy and medical management
• Project management
• Concepts, principles and methods of public health and epidemiology
• Social, environmental and behavioral determinants of health.
• Philosophy of science and ethical perspectives on research in the disciplines introduced

Each above mentioned domain includes interactive seminars, cases, practical exercises, lectures, e-learning, and quizzes. The seminars aim to develop practical skills, professional attitude and critical thinking, and therefore include several types of interactive student-driven activities. Course activity will also include group work and student presentations.
 

• Individual and group written assignments.
• Individual contribution in written report and oral presentation of group work.
• Individual contribution during other compulsory course activities.

Requirements for the grade Pass with distinction (VG) are VG on the written assignment and on at least one of the other assignments, and pass (G) on remaining assignments.

Compulsory participation
Attendance in mandatory parts. The course director assesses if and, in that case, how absence can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated 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
A student that has failed in a regular examination has the right to participate in additional five examinations. If the student has not passed the exam after four participations he/she is encouraged to visit the study counsellor.

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 Higher Education.

The course language is English.