Health Economics and Ethics, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master programme in Economics

Entry requirements

• Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen in Economics, or equivalent
  and
• completed course in Econometrics
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (English 6/B)

(Exemption from Swedish 3)

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course the students should at an advanced level be able to: 
- analyse and apply theories and methods of health economics 
- interpret and critically assess health economic evaluations and their role in public policy 
- critically discuss ethical principles of health care decision making 
- analyse and integrate economic, political and ethical policy issues related to health care.

Course content

The course covers traditional health economic theory and methods, and introduces emerging topics in health economics. The course also includes in-depth study of a contemporary topic in health economics that the teacher and the student decide together.

The course content includes: 
* The demand and supply of health care 
* Market failures in health care 
* Cost effectiveness analysis 
* Measurement of quality of life 
* Decision analytic modelling 
* Ethical implications of health care decision making 
* Justice theories related to health care

Teaching and working methods

The course is taught through lectures, seminars and assignments. Homework and independent study are necessary complements to the course. Language of instruction: English.

Examination

Examination takes the form of an individual written examination, course assignments, a project work, and active participation in seminars. Detailed information can be found in the study guide. 

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department