Programme in Public Health Science, 180 credits

Aim

The objective of the programme is that students shall acquire good theoretical and practical knowledge of public health science as well as health promotion and project management in the field of public health. The training shall provide students with the skills necessary to independently analyse the need for work in the field of public health as well as evaluate it. A second objective of the programme is to provide students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to work in cooperation at organisational and societal levels to improve public health and to become well equipped to meet society’s need of qualified project management skills.
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Programme objectives

Learning Outcomes according to the Higher Education Ordinance

Knowledge and understanding
For a Bachelor's degree the student shall have:
- demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including knowledge of the disciplinary foundation of the field, understanding of applicable methodologies in the field, specialised study in some aspect of the field as well as awareness of current research issues.

Competence and skills
For a Bachelor's degree the student shall have:
- demonstrated the ability to search for, gather, evaluate and critically interpret relevant information for a formulated problem and also discuss phenomena, issues and situations critically
- demonstrated the ability to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously and to complete tasks within predetermined time frames
- demonstrated the ability to present and discuss information, problems and solutions in speech and writing and in dialogue with different audiences, and
- demonstrated the skills required to work autonomously in the main field of study.

Judgement and approach
For a Bachelor's degree the student shall have:
- demonstrated the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues
- demonstrated insight into the role of knowledge in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
- demonstrated the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.


Local Learning Outcomes
for Programme in Public Health Science, 180 credits

Knowledge and understanding
After successful completion of the programme students shall be able to:
- describe and analyse the development of health in Sweden and internationally in relation to health determinants
- describe the prevalence, causes and consequences of national diseases, in Sweden and internationally
- describe models and methods for disease and injury prevention as well as for health promotion in the field of public health
- account for opportunities to work for an improved public health among the general public and other stakeholders.

Skills and abilities
After successful completion of the programme students shall be able to:
- interpret and critically examine epidemiological studies of the connection between diseases and what causes them as well as critically evaluate the results of such studies
- consider and analyse the significance of social status, gender and ethnicity as well as the significance of other determinants of health for the distribution of public health issues
- consider and explain the connection between health, welfare policies and public health in society
- analyse the need for health promotion and disease prevention based on expected public health outcomes as well as ethical and economic criteria
- evaluate the applicability of different models of evaluation
- analyse the possibilities for and obstacles to cooperation within and between organisations
- draw up, implement and evaluate work/projects in the field of public health as well as in other areas of society
- distinguish and analyse critical factors related to managing and implementing projects
- manage a project.

Judgement and approach
After successful completion of the programme students shall be able to:
- consider ethical attitudes and how they can be integrated into the planning of projects and other activities.

To the above is added course specific learning objectives, which are specified in the respective course syllabi.

Content

The education is given in collaboration with Halmstad University (HH). Courses are given separately by Halmstad University and Mid Sweden University.

Year 1
First semester - Spring semester
Public Health Science, Introduction BA (A), 15 credits, host HH
Public Health Science, Diet, physical activity and health BA (A), 15 credits, host HH

Second semester - Autumn semester
Public Health Science BA(A), Theory and methods in science, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science BA (A), National diseases, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science, Health Promotion BA (A), 15 credits, host HH

Year 2
Third semester – Spring semester
Gender, democracy and media BA (B), 7.5 credits, host HH
Public Health Science, Planning health promotion programs BA (B), 7.5 credits, host HH
Public Health Science, Evaluation of health promotion strategies BA (B), 7.5 credits, host HH
Public Health Science BA( B), Participation and social change, 7.5 credits

Fourth semester – Autumn semester
Public Health Science, Global Perspectives in Health BA (B), 15 credits, host HH
Public Health Science BA(B), Project management, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science BA (B), Migration and health, 7.5 credits

Year 3
Fifth semester – Spring semester
Public Health Science BA (B), Independent Project, 7.5 credits
Public Health Science BA(B), Supervised internship, 15 credits
Public Health Science BA(B), Social epidemiology, 7.5 credits

Sixth semester – Autumn semester
Public Health Science BA (C), 30 credits
- Theory and methods in science, 15 credits
- Bachelor’s essay, 15 credits

During the program, there are opportunites for exchange studies if approved by the program director. Possible courses are Public Health Science BA (B), Supervised internship, 15 credits, and Minor Field studies in Public Health Science BA (C), 30 credits. The student initiates the exchange and may seek advise and support from the International Relations Office (IRO). Scholarships can be applied for.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements.

Description of programme

Programme description
Programme in Public Health Science is a three-year education resulting in a Degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Public Health Science, complemented with sociology. The programme prepares for professional practice or continued studies and comprises theoretical courses and supervised placements as well as the opportunity for international study exchange.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Programme with restricted admissions

Deterrents in the Training Course
Specific prerequisites for the courses included in the programme are stated in the respective course syllabi.

Teaching and examination

Teaching and examination
The modus operandi for studies and examinations are stated in the respective course syllabi.

Title of qualification

Degree of Bachelor of Arts/Science

Kandidatexamen med huvudområdet folkhälsovetenskap
translated into
Degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Public Health Science