Public Health Science MA, Health Economics, 7,5 credits

Aim

The purpose of the course is to highlight terminologies, theories, tools and analytical methods of Health Economics for research and practice in public health.

Course objectives

After completing the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
- understand the health economic issues, terminologies and applicabilities.
- know about health economic evaluations of public health programs, e.g. cost-analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis and cost-benefit analysis.

Skills and abilities
- be able to measure health status.
- be able to analyse, assess and manage issues of health economic evaluations.

Evaluation ability and approach
- critically reflect on health economics concepts and understandings focusing on public health programs and research.
- critically reflect on methodological strengths and weaknesses of health economic evaluation

Content

The course applies economic thinking and knowledge to the analysis of health, public health and healthcare. The course introduces the knowledge, understanding and use of the Health Economic terminologies, theories, tools, methods, and models used in public health programs, reports, research and practice. This course provides core topics in health economics including the economics of health behaviors and health economic evaluations.

Entry requirements

A Degree of Bachelor of at least 180 credits including a degree thesis of at least 15 credits.

Selection rules and procedures

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

Teaching form

The teaching form is blended learning (on-campus and web-based via a learning platform) and is based on research and investigative approach.
The studies are based on the student's active participation and responsibility as well as the student's active knowledge-seeking, reflection and evaluation.
The working methods consist of individuall and group assignments. Students are encouraged to jointly develop their own knowledge through discussions to promote the individual learning.
Teaching is normally conducted in English. Swedish students are encouraged to communicate with the teachers in their preferred language.

Examination form

0211: Health Economic concepts, Individual written exam, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Individual assignments followed by active participation in discussion and reflection.

0212: Health Economic evaluation, Group Work, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U) or Pass (G)

0213: Health Economic, Take-Home Examination, 4.5 Credits
Grade scale: Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG)

Students must pass all modules to receive certificate of PASS. The final grade will be based on module 3.

Students can use either English or Swedish language for examination modules with prior information to the examiner.

If a student has a decision from Mid Sweden University on special educational support due to a disability, the examiner has the right to give a custom examination.

Grading system

Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG)