Course syllabus - Theories of Health

Objectives

The objective of the course is that students acquire a profound knowledge of different theories of health that are relevant to health care and public health work. Students are to gain insights into international research and development work regarding health among individuals, groups, and populations.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

1 give an account of different theories of health, their origins and basic assumptions
2 evaluate the contributions and limitations of the theories with regard to health care and public health work
3 discuss the role of the theories in society and the responsibility of health care workers for how they are applied
4 reflect upon global health trends and carry out international comparisons concerning health among individuals, groups, and populations

Course content

Theories of health
Determining factors with regard to health
Research and development work with regard to health, health care, and public health work
Global health trends

Tuition

Teaching is in the form of lectures and seminars. The purpose of the educational approach is to train students in independent and active searches for knowledge, discussion, argumentation, as well as critical analysis individually and in groups.

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, caring, nursing or medical science. 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

Seminar (SEM1), 3 credits, active participation in all seminars regarding learning objectives 1-4. Marks Pass (G).
Examination (TEN1), 4.5 credits, individual written exam regarding learning objectives 1-3. Marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).

For a Pass with distinction (VG) on the course as a whole, a VG on TEN1 is required. For more information, see the study guidelines.

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