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Course syllabus - Public and Planetary Health

Scope

5.0 credits

Course code

FHA100

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

Second cycle

Progressive Specialisation

A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Science of Public Health

Organisation

Department of Health Sciences, Innovation and Design

Ratified

2025-12-09

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

Objectives

The aim of the course is for the student to acquire knowledge about the relationship between public and planetary health, with a focus on how humans affect and are affected by the environment.

Learning outcomes

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

  1. describe and analyse the concept of planetary health and its significance for public health
  2. describe and discuss global environmental challenges from a public health perspective
  3. discuss the role of public health actors in promoting social sustainability and health within planetary boundaries
  4. analyse and discuss equality in relation to public and planetary health, with a focus on the conditions that influence the ability to build resilience and promote health within planetary boundaries

Course content

  • Concepts and definitions
  • Public health in relation to planetary health and planetary boundaries
  • Global environmental challenges and their impact on health
  • Global frameworks and strategies for public and planetary health
  • Global actors and their role in promoting health within planetary boundaries
  • Equality in relation to health and planetary health

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 ECTS credits with a major in public health sciences, caring sciences, medical sciences, psychology, physiotherapy, political sciences, or an equivalent academic field. In addition, at least 5 ECTS credits in public health sciences, either as part of or outside the degree and English course 6 or English level 2 or A TOEFL test result with a minimum score 575 and a TWE score of at least 4.5 (PBT) or 90 with a TWE score of at least 20 (iBT), or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of at least 6.5 and no band score below 5.5, or equivalent, are required.

Examination

SEM1, Seminar, 1 credit, Grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).
INL1, Assignment, 4 credits, Grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).

To receive a Pass for the course, the student must have earned a G for SEM1 and INL1

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Two-grade scale