Advanced Course in Health Economics, 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.

To be eligible for the course, the student is expected to have successfully completed courses equivalent to 45 credits on the Master's programme in health economics, policy and management.

To give an understanding of practical and methodological issues related to different decision analytic modelling approaches for the economic evaluation of health care programmes.

After completion of the course, students should be able:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe and compare different decision modelling approaches in economic evaluation

Skills and abilities

• develop a decision model using a computer programme
• analyse the cost-effectiveness of a health care programme based on a decision modelling approach and by using a computer programme
• analyse and present the results of an economic evaluation based on decision tree and Markov modelling

Judgement and approach

• critically appraise and review decision models for economic evaluation
• reflect on the potential and limitations of modelling in economic evaluation and its role for different actors in society

The course covers critical assessment of decision models, decision tree and Markov modelling by using a computer programme , Microsoft Excel including to structure the model, populate the model with data, analyse the cost-effectiveness, present and interpret the results of the uncertainty analysis.

The course includes interactive lectures, seminars, group work, student presentations and individual assignments.

Participation and individual contribution in the group assignment (written tasks and oral presentation) as well as giving feedback on other student assignments (opposition group). Participation in the individual assignment.

Requirements for the grade pass (G) are: participation in compulsory parts, pass (G) on the group assignment (written task and oral presentation), pass (G) on the mid-course individual assignment, pass (G) on the feedback to colleagues, and pass (G) on the individual assignment. Requirements for the grade pass with distinction (VG) are: participation in compulsory parts, pass (G) on the group assignment (written task and oral presentation), pass (G) on the mid-course individual assignment, pass (G) on the feedback to colleagues, and pass with distinction (VG) on the individual assignment.

Compulsary participation
Attendance in mandatory parts is required.

The examiner 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 examiner's instructions, the student's results for respective part will not be registered. Absence from a compulsory activity may result in that the student cannot compensate the absence 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 blank exam is regarded as an examination session. 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.