Global Health, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Specific information

The course is given in English.

Entry requirements

• Passed courses/subjects equivalent to up to semester seven of the medical program (210 ECTS credits).
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6 or Engelska nivå 2).
  Exemption from Swedish.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain, at a basic level, major global health challenges related to sexual and reproductive health, child and adolescent health, nutrition, mental health, somatic conditions, and how these vary between and within countries.
• Describe fundamental concepts in public health science.
• Explain basic concepts in economics and health economics, including how cost-effectiveness of different health interventions can be calculated.
• Describe how disease and ill health, as well as changes in these, affect both national and individual economies across different health systems.
• Discuss ethical aspects of global health.

Skills and Abilities

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Apply a scientific approach to a focused medical in-depth study.
• Demonstrate the ability to present an in-depth assignment both in writing and orally.

Judgement and Approach

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Apply an approach aimed at promoting fair and equitable health globally.

Course content

Course Description

Global health is defined as education, research, and clinical practice focused on achieving equitable health for all people worldwide. The aim of the course is for students to understand and analyze the factors that determine health status in a country or across different socioeconomic groups, propose measures to improve health at a societal level, and understand how sustainable development can be driven toward fair and equitable global health.

Special emphasis is placed on understanding the social determinants of health, the organization of healthcare in fragile health systems with limited resources, and the challenges these pose for accessibility and quality of care. The course also addresses cross-border health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, pandemics, and the impact of refugee movements on health.

The course is taught from a medical perspective, which means that prior knowledge equivalent to up to semester seven of the medical program is required to benefit from the course content.

Teaching and working methods

At the Faculty of Medicine, student-centred and problem-based learning forms the basis of teaching. The student takes personal responsibility for the learning process through an active engagement to the learning tasks. 

They work collaboratively in groups based on real-life situations to develop their own knowledge, contribute to the learning of peers, and practice teamwork skills.

In this course, the teaching methods include lectures, webinars, seminars, and group exercises.

Examination

The examination consists of an in-depth assignment presented both in writing and orally. The assignment is carried out in groups but assessed individually. In addition, active participation in compulsory components is required to pass the course.

Active participation means that the student contributes with work, input, and personal reflections of relevance. The compulsory components include webinars, seminars, group exercises, and a residential session.

The course is examined in English.

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.

Application for examination

Instructions on how to apply for examinations are given prior to the beginning of each course.

Re-examination

The date for re-examination should normally be announced by the date of the regular examination at latest; in which case the scope must be the same as at the regular examination.

Examination for students with disabilities

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. 

Nomination of another examiner

A student who has taken two examinations in a course or a part of a course without obtaining a pass grade is entitled to the nomination of another examiner, unless there are special reasons to the contrary.  

Grades

Course literature

The reading list is determined by the Department Board at the Department of BKV no later than two months before the start of the course.
There is no mandatory course literature.

Other information

Planning and implementation of the course is to be based on the wordings in the course syllabus. A course evaluation is compulsory for each course and should include how the course is in agreement with the course syllabus. The course coordinator will analyse the course evaluation and propose appropriate development of the course. The analysis and proposal will be returned to the students, the Director of Studies, and as needed to the Education Board, if related to general development and improvement.

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 the course is cancelled or undergoes major changes, examination is normally offered under this course syllabus, at a total of three occasions, within/in connection to the two following semesters, of which one in close proximity to the first examination.

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