Dnr: G213 2383/09 Education plan for Master's Program in Public Health Science with Health Economics 120 higher education hec Master's Program in Public Health Science with Health Economics 120 higher education hec Established by the Sahlgrenska Academy Board. 2009-08-26 Page 1
1. Decision regarding establishment The education plan for the Master's Program in Public Health Science with Health Economics, 120 higher education hec, was established by the Board of Sahlgrenska Academy, the University of Gothenburg, on 26-08-2009. 2. Aim The Master's Program in Public Health Science with Health Economics is intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work for national and international organisations dealing with health-related issues. The program is intended for a general degree at advanced level (Master's degree) and to prepare for further postgraduate studies. 3. Learning outcomes The overall objective with public health work is to create societal conditions for good health on an equal basis for the entire population. Course objectives comprise both the general objectives of the Higher Education Act SFS 1992:1434, and the learning objectives for a Master's Degree in the Higher Education Ordinance SFS 1993:100, with the amendments in accordance with SFS 2006:1053, Degree Ordinance, Appendix 2. In addition to these objectives, the following local learning objectives must be fulfilled. Knowledge and understanding - demonstrate substantially enhanced knowledge of health policy intentions, public health objectives and health theories - show good knowledge of the importance of the welfare system on health - demonstrate good knowledge of the social determinants of health, i.e. the importance of physical, mental and social environment, lifestyle and health care on the health of a population - show significantly deeper understanding of poverty, and the relevance of societal structures and social categories on public health - demonstrate a sound knowledge of epidemiological theories and methods - demonstrate a good knowledge of health-economic analysis and ability to make health economic evaluations Skill and ability - be able to analyze the health development of men and women from a gender perspective, and based upon this analysis, suggest measures for correcting these differences - be able to critically, independently and creatively apply appropriate models and methods for health economic analysis - have acquired an enhanced ability to apply epidemiological and biostatistical methods in epidemiology studies as well as for surveillance and monitoring Page 2
- show a qualified ability to evaluate and analyze health promotion and prevention initiatives from a diversity and gender perspective - demonstrate insight and the ability to independently identify, evaluate and argue for a public health oriented intervention project - be able to write a draft scientific article for publication in English-language scientific journals. Judgment and approach - demonstrate the ability, when making decisions and in general, to consider an ethical approach, an overall picture of the equal worth of individuals and people - demonstrate the ability, when making decisions and in general, to consider a diversity and gender perspective. In addition, all courses at the Sahlgrenska Academy have a specific objective to contribute towards understanding in order to promote - sustainable development so that current and future generations are guaranteed a healthy and sound environment, economic and social welfare, as well as justice - increased awareness of gender, equality and fair treatment. 4. Structure and curriculum Public health science is an interdisciplinary field that studies and analyzes how environmental factors such as political, economic and cultural factors, employment, environment and health care systems affects people's living conditions and the health of a population. Developing and proposing measures to improve the health of populations is also included in the field of public health sciences. The Master's Program in Public Health Science with Health Economics constitutes 120 hec. The teaching is based on research into the field of public health science. The teaching methods are adapted to the content and context, and variety in the teaching methods is pursued. The pedagogy should encourage students to actively search for knowledge, creativity and critical thinking. The course progression occurs through a gradual broadening and deepening within the main field. In this Master's program, a special focus is placed on the health economic principles that are applicable within public health science. The program contains a diversity and gender perspective. The first year begins with the course Welfare, Economy, Work and Health, 15 hec, an advanced level course. Following this, methodological courses are recommended (epidemiology/biostatistics and/or qualitative methodology). Within the advanced field of health economics, two progressive courses follow in the subject. The first year ends with 15 hec in elective courses. During the second year, the opportunity is given for a combined 30 credit advanced study within the student's own chosen subject area. This includes the possibility to select courses at other universities in Sweden or abroad. Cooperation agreements exist with universities in high-income and low income countries. Page 3
The course ends with an independent project worth 30 hec. Admission to the independent work course requires completion of methodological courses minimum 15 hec (quantitative and/or qualitative), including at least in quantitative methods at advanced level. The table below gives a course description. Year 1 FHV710 Welfare, Economics, Work and Health, 15 hec FHV810 Micro perspectives of Health Economics, Year 2 Eligible courses, 30 hec FHV820 Macro and international perspectives of Health Economics, FHV730 Qualitative Methods, FHX860 Global Health, Quantitative Methods, Eligible courses, 7.5 hec Master Thesis in Public Health Science with Health Economics 30 hec Courses within the main subject area at advanced level: Welfare, Economics, Work and Health, 15 hec Micro Perspectives of Health Economics, Macro and International perspectives of Health Economics Master Thesis in Public Health with Health Economics, 30 hec. Recommended courses: First cycle: Epidemiology and biostatistics I, Epidemiology and biostatistics II, 15 hec Health Economics, Gender, Sex and Health, Second cycle: Global health,. Qualitative methods I, Quantitative methods, Communication Technologies Leadership and administration. 5. Eligibility for admission To be eligible for the program a Bachelor degree is required. Special eligibility in English (Eng B/course B): -IELTS 6,0 no band below 5,0 Page 4
-TOEFL Paper based: 550 TWE score 4.0, computer based : 213 Essay rating 4, Internet based : 79 TWE score 17 6. Degree Upon completing the program of 120 hec, a Degree of Master of Medical Science (Two Years) with a major in Public Health Science with Health Economics diploma is issued at the request of the student. 7. Other The education plan is effective from and including the autumn term 2010. The course is conducted entirely in English. For Swedish speaking students the independent work may be completed in Swedish. Admission requirements for continued studies within the program are provided in each syllabus. Courses within the program can also be administered as a single course (see syllabus). A course evaluation is made following each course. The course evaluation is published and compiled by the teacher responsible for that course, who analyzes and proposes any changes ahead of the next course. There is the opportunity for international studies through the optional courses. Page 5