Course syllabus - Inequality in Health - in a Global Perspective

Objectives

The aim of the course is for students to acquire basic knowledge from a global perspective about inequality in health; between men and women, different socioeconomic groups in a both global and national perspective. Further the students shall acquire basic knowledge about the effects of globalization on health and goals/ strategies to decrease inequality in health.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
1 account for essential concepts within the area of inequality in health and within the area global health
2 describe how economic, environmental and social factors interact and influence public health in different countries
3 describe causes to differences in health development between different groups in the population

Proficiency and ability
4 discuss social capital and gender as health indicators
5 discuss relevant measures regarding health population groups from a global perspective

Assessment ability and code of conduct
6 monitor and analyze data from databases regarding the distribution of health and health determinants to describe global development
7 reflect and discuss possible strategies to reduce inequality in health

Course content

Definitions and concepts that are applied in inequality and global health
Importance of economical, environmental and social factors in relation to development of health in a global perspective
Differences in peoples' health from a gender perspective
Social capital as a health indicator
Database knowledge
Goals and strategies to decrease differences in health

Tuition

Teaching takes the form of lectures and group work. Blackboard is the learning platform used as an information- and communication tool.

Specific requirements

15 credits in Public health sciences or equivalent.

Examination

Exercise (GRU1), 3 credits, group assignment regarding learning objectives 2-4, 6. Marks Pass (G).
Examination (TEN1), 4.5 credits, individual written examination regarding learning objectives 1,5 and 7. Marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).

For obtaining the final mark Pass with distinction (VG) the mark must be obtained for Pass with distinction (VG) for TEN1. For further information please refer to the course manual.

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