Course syllabus - Inequality in Health and Sustainable Development

Objectives

The aim of the course is for students to acquire further advanced knowledge to independently analyze and discuss the background to inequality in health due to gender and social position, steps for bridging the gaps and prerequisites for a sustainable development.

Learning outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
1 analyze current background, patterns and changes in health inequalities
2 analyze prerequisites for a sustainable health development
3 analyze inequality in health as a key component for a sustainable development

Skills and abilities
4 discuss past and present determinants for inequality in health
5 discuss different steps for bridging the gaps and for a sustainable development
6 plan and perform oral and written reports within the subject

Assessment capacity and attitudes
7 evaluate media reports on inequality in health and sustainable development critically
8 state reasons for evidence based public health science within the field of study

Course content

Methods for measurement of inequality in health
Gender perspectives and socioeconomic differences
Determinants for inequality in health such as lifestyle factors and utilization of health care
Ways to bridge the gaps in health
History of sustainable development and current situation
Determinants for a sustainable development
Ways to promote a sustainable development
Current research in the field of the course

Tuition

Teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars, oral and written presentations and evaluating scientific papers.

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor´s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 credits (180 ECTS credits) within the fields of public health or caring or nursing or medical science or equivalent. In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 2 and English course A/English course 5 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 2.

Examination

Examination. Individual written and oral examination regarding all the learning objectives., 7.5 credits, marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail