Ref 4461/2009-350 Syllabus - Master Programme in Public 4FH10 Established by the Board of Higher Education, 22 November 2006 Confirmed by the Board of Higher Education, 6 November 2009
Page 2 (9) 1. Basic programme information 1.1. Programme code 4FH10 1.2. Programme title Masterprogrammet i folkhälsovetenskap Master Programme in Public The programme has five specialisations: - Folkhälsoepidemiologi Public health epidemiology - Hälsoekonomi och hälsofrämjande arbete Health economics and health promotion - Mental hälsa och suicidprevention Mental health promotion and suicide prevention - Säkerhetsfrämjande arbete Safety promotion - Tillämpad folkhälsonutrition Applied public health nutrition 1.3. Number of credits 120 credits (120 ECTS credits) 1.4. Starting date The syllabus applies to students who commence their studies in or after autumn 2010. 1.5. Specific eligibility requirements Bachelor's degree or professional qualification worth at least 180 credits in public health science, healthcare or other relevant social sciences subject area. English language skills equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school. 1.6. Qualification Medicine masterexamen med huvudområdet folkhälsovetenskap (Degree of Master of Medical (120 credits) with a Major in Public ) Upon request, a student who meets the requirements for a qualification is to receive a diploma
Page 3 (9) 2. Objectives 2.1. Objectives of second level according to the Higher Education Act Second level education shall essentially build on the knowledge that students acquire in first level education or corresponding knowledge. Second level education shall involve a deepening of knowledge, skills and abilities relative to first level education and, in addition to what applies to first level education, shall, further develop the students ability to independently integrate and use knowledge, develop the students ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and develop the students potential for professional activities that demand considerable independence or for research and development work. 2.2. Objectives of the Degree of Master according to the Higher Education Ordinance Knowledge and understanding For a Degree of Master students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding in their main field of study, including both a broad command of the field and considerably deeper knowledge of certain parts of the field, together with insight into current research and development work; and demonstrate deeper methodological knowledge in their main field of study. Skills and abilities For a Degree of Master students must demonstrate an ability to integrate knowledge and to analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even when limited information is available; demonstrate an ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate issues and to plan and, using appropriate methods, carry out advanced tasks within specified time limits, thus contributing towards the development of knowledge, and to evaluate this work; demonstrate an ability in both national and international contexts to clearly present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, in dialogue with different groups, orally and in writing; and demonstrate the skill required to participate in research and development work or to work independently in other advanced contexts. Judgment and approach For a Degree of Master students must demonstrate an ability to make assessments in their main field of study, taking into account relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work; demonstrate insight into the potential and limitations of science, its role in society and people s responsibility for how it is used; and
Page 4 (9) demonstrate an ability to identify their need of further knowledge and to take responsibility for developing their knowledge. 2.3. Objectives of the Master Programme in Public at Karolinska Institutet In addition to the national objectives for a Degree of Master, the following objectives apply for the Master Programme in Public at Karolinska Institutet. On completion of the education, students must demonstrate deeper knowledge of the determining factors of ill-health, and how these affect public health, demonstrate deeper skills in using public health science methods in public health promotion work, demonstrate deeper knowledge of applying theories and models in connection with public health science analyses and action-based work within a chosen specialisation, and demonstrate an ability to compile, critically evaluate and present data collated by the students themselves. 3. Description of the main field of study The main field study, public health sciences, is an interdisciplinary field, and consists of medicine (epidemiology, social medicine, occupational medicine, etc.), social and behavioural science (sociology, psychology, political science, economics, etc.) and humanities (philosophy, ethics, anthropology and history). The subject thus covers a number of paradigms and a number of explanatory levels, which may be biological, psychological, social or cultural. Through studies within the main field of study, students develop knowledge about the importance of social structure, the environment, working life, the healthcare system and lifestyle habits in terms of public health. The students also develop knowledge about how the incidence of illness and illhealth can be related to background factors in society and the external environment, and methods for carrying out such analyses. Furthermore through their studies students also learn methods for working to promote health and prevent disease, health policy and the importance of public health work for various population groups. Studies within the main field of study form the basis both for research and for the education and practical application of public health sciences. The area of knowledge is applied at local, national and international levels, in cooperation with authorities, individual organisations and health and medical care. The area of knowledge forms the basis for evidence-based disease-prevention and health-promotion work. 4. Content and structure The programme offers s which, in their scope and progression, enable students to meet the requirements of a Degree of Master of Medical with a Major in Public within a chosen area of specialisation. The programme forms an educational basis for postgraduate research training in public health sciences.
Page 5 (9) 4.1. Specialisations Health economics and health promotion The education aims to reinforce students analytical abilities and skills in using health-promotion and health-economic methods within both public health work and health and medical care. Particular emphasis is placed on developing theories and models, and on compiling, critically evaluating and presenting scientific texts and data collated by the students. In terms of health economics, in-depth knowledge and skills are provided in using microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, econometric analysis, statistics programs and other evaluation methods. In terms of health promotion, in-depth knowledge and skills are provided in planning models, implementing policies, intervention strategies, evaluation methods and quality assurance for national and international public health work. Public health epidemiology The specialisation in public health epidemiology provides knowledge of epidemiological methods that are relevant within public health science. Students obtain qualified knowledge of epidemiological and biostatistical methods, data management, and methods for outcome evaluations of public health measures. The emphasis is on applied epidemiology, in order to develop skills in describing, analysing and reflecting on various public health issues, and in critically reviewing epidemiological studies. Mental health promotion and suicide prevention The education provides deeper knowledge of the interaction between biological, psychological, social and cultural vulnerability and protection factors and external pressures in the incidence of mental illness and suicide. The education teaches skills for the critical review of policies and intervention programmes for suicide prevention and promoting mental health. Current stress research is highlighted, as are perspectives on mental health and scientifically evaluated suicide prevention within clinical and non-clinical vulnerable groups. Safety promotion Safety promotion aims to provide a qualified analysis and understanding of measures which promote safety and prevent injuries from a local, national and international perspective. Students learn to plan, carry out and assess public safety work. Applied public health nutrition The aim of the education is to give students deeper knowledge of the relationship between diet and physical activity and heath/ill health, as well as risk groups and what affects diet and exercise habits. Methods are also taught for measuring and assessing patterns of disease, diet habits, physical activity and the structure of the body, and for planning, implementing and assessing interventions. 4.2. Courses The education begins with a joint introductory in public health science, which is compulsory for all specialisations. This is followed by a specialisation-specific introductory worth 7.5 credits. During the first term, students also follow a joint in qualitative methods. The in quantitative methods is a joint for all specialisations, except
Page 6 (9) public health epidemiology, which instead follows the Methods for studying the distribution of health. During terms 2 and 3, students study subject theory s within their specialisations worth 50 credits. The education concludes with a compulsory degree project worth 30 credits. During terms 1-3, time is spent preparing the degree project through ongoing dissertation seminars. This work is part of the More about methods and ethics, which is worth 10 credits and comes under term 3 of the syllabus. 4.3. Teaching language The teaching language is English. 5. Transitional provisions -- 6. Other guidelines 6.1. Grading scale The grades used are Fail, Pass or Pass with Distinction. Alternative grading scales may apply to elective s or cross-programme s. The grading scale is detailed in the syllabus. 6.2. Requirements for admission to higher studies term In order to proceed to term 3, a student must have passed s corresponding to 45 credits. In addition, there may be -specific entry requirements (see the relevant syllabus). 7. Study plan with constituent s 7.1. Public health epidemiology specialisation Term Name of the Credits Cycle Depth of the 1 Introduction to Public Health 7.5 Second Av 1 Introduction to Public Health 7.5 Second Av Epidemiology 1 Methods for Studying the 7.5 Second Av Distribution of Health 1 Qualitative Methods 7.5 Second Av 2 Epidemiological Methods for 7.5 Second Av Studying the Determinants of Health 2 Statistics for Epidemiologists 7.5 Second Av 2 Collecting and Organizing Data 7.5 Second Av
Page 7 (9) 2 Methods for Outcome Evaluation of Public Health Measures 3 Applied Epidemiology 1 Distribution of Health 3 Applied Epidemiology 2 Determinants of Health 3 Applied Epidemiology 3 Outcome Evaluation 3 More About Methods and 7.5 Second Av 5 Second Av 10 Second Av 5 Second Av 10 Second Av 30 Second Av 7.2. Health economics and health promotion specialisation Term Name of the Credits Cycle Depth of the 1 Introduction to Public Health 7.5 Second AV 1 Introduction to Health 7.5 Second AV Economics and Health Promotion 1 Quantitative Methods 7.5 Second AV 1 Qualitative Methods 7.5 Second AV 2 Microeconomics 5 Second AV 2 Theory in Health Economics 7.5 Second AV 2 Econometrics and Computer- 7.5 Second AV Based Programmes 2 Applied Health Economics 5 Second AV 2 Health Policy 5 Second AV 3 Planning and Implementing 7.5 Second AV Health Promoting Community Interventions 3 Settings Approach in Health 5 Second AV Promotion Work 3 Evaluation Methods 7.5 Second AV 3 More About Methods and 10 Second AV 30 Second AV 7.3. Mental health promotion and suicide prevention specialisation Term Name of the Credits Cycle Depth of the 1 Introduction to Public Health 7.5 Second AV 1 Introduction to Mental Health 7.5 Second AV Promotion and Suicide Prevention a Global Perspective 1 Quantitative Methods 7.5 Second AV 1 Qualitative Methods 7.5 Second AV 2 Stress Research 10 Second AV
Page 8 (9) 2 Multicausality in Suicidal 10 Second AV Processes 2 Groups in the Population 5 Second AV Vulnerable to Suicide 2 Psychiatric Disorders and 5 Second AV Suicide 3 Mental Health Promotion 1 10 Second AV 3 Mental Health Promotion 2 5 Second AV 3 Scientifically Evaluated 5 Second AV Interventions Aimed at Preventing Mental Ill-Health and Suicide 3 More About Methods and 10 Second AV 30 Second AV 7.4. Safety promotion specialisation Term Name of the Credits Cycle Depth of the 1 Introduction to Public Health 7.5 Second AV 1 Introduction to Safety 7.5 Second AV Promotion 1 Quantitative Methods 7.5 Second AV 1 Qualitative Methods 7.5 Second AV 2 Writing Papers on Safety 7.5 Second AV Promotion 2 Burden of Injury 7.5 Second AV 2 Injury Survey Surveillance 7.5 Second AV and Coding 2 Safety Promotion in Practice 7.5 Second AV 3 Policy Work on Safety 12.5 Second AV Promotion and Injury Prevention 3 Evaluation Versus Research in Safety Promotion 7.5 Second AV 3 More About Methods and 10 Second AV 30 Second AV 7.5. Applied public health nutrition specialisation Term Name of the Credits Cycle Depth of the 1 Introduction to Public Health 7.5 Second AV 1 Introduction to public health 7.5 Second AV nutrition 1 Quantitative Methods 7.5 Second AV
Page 9 (9) 1 Qualitative Methods 7.5 Second AV 2 Physical Activity in Public 7.5 Second AV Health 2 Assessment Methods in 7.5 Second AV Public Health Nutrition 2 Nutrition 1 7.5 Second AV 2 Nutrition 2 7.5 Second AV 3 Global Nutrition 7.5 Second AV 3 Public Health Surveillance in 7.5 Second AV Europe 3 Health Promotion in Nutrition 5 Second AV and Physical Activity 3 More About Methods and 10 Second AV 30 Second AV