Course syllabus - Introduction to Public Health Sciences in the Health Care Sector

Objectives

The objective of the course is for students to acquire a basic knowledge of the public health sciences in relation to the health care sector.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
1 describe the development of public health from a historical perspective
2 explain core concepts, health theories/models and strategies from a public health science perspective
3 describe the most widespread diseases on the basis of basic epidemiological concepts as well as risk, health and protective factors
4 describe the factors determining health from group and societal perspectives and give an account of the key players and arenas of public health work on the different levels
5 identify what affects people’s health, with a focus on inequality and sustainable development
6 identify ethical problems and explain them in relation to ethical principles in the public health sciences
7 identify, with regard to widespread diseases/public health problems, factors influencing the emergence of ill-health from a life-cycle perspective, suggest interventions on the population level, and give an account of follow-up and assessment methods on the population level
8 identify the relationship between patients’ narratives and socio-environmental factors relevant to the public health sciences

Course content

The course comprises 7.5 credits’ worth of theoretical studies:

- introduction to core definitions, concepts, health theories/models and regulatory documents in the public health sciences
- development, objectives, regulation and follow-up in the public health sciences
- factors influencing public health: gender, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, habits, living conditions and environment
- widespread diseases and other public health issues
- health-promoting, injury- and disease-preventing work on various levels
- ethical approaches in the public health sciences
- the role of the health care sector in public health work, now and in the future

Tuition

Teaching and learning take place in the form of lectures, seminars and group exercises. The purpose of these teaching methods is for the students to practice active searches for knowledge, cooperation, discussion, argumentation and critical reflection, both individually and in groups.

Specific requirements

60 credits in one of the subject areas Caring Sciences with a specialization in Nursing, Nursing Science or Public Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Social Care, Psychology, Sociology, Pedagogy, or the equivalent. In addition Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English A/English 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish B/Swedish 3.

Examination

GRU1, Group assignment, 4.5 credits, oral and written accounts of factors determining health, inequality in health, as well as interventions and public health work related to widespread diseases or public health issues; regarding learning objectives 3-8. Students participating in an international exchange need to complete the assignment individually if group work is not possible. Grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).
TEN1, Written exam, 3 credits, individual written exam regarding learning objectives 1-2 and 5-6. Grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
 
For a VG on the course as a whole, a VG on TEN1 and a G on GRU1 is required. For more information consult 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

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

Replaces OFH031.