SINM12001U Health and Disease in Low- and Middle-Income Communities

Volume 2013/2014
Education
Master of International Health - compulsory
Content
The course includes an introduction to international health, global disease burdens, theory and methods applied in health research and disease control, and diseases of major public health relevance (e.g. HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis, tropical infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases). The main themes of the module include quantitative and qualitative research methodology, sexual and reproductive health, child health, nutrition, water and sanitation, vector-borne diseases, mental health, disease prevention and control including aspects of chemotherapy and resistance.
Learning Outcome

The overall objective of the course is through interdisciplinary teaching and problem-oriented learning to enable participants to work professionally for health development in low- and middle income communities. The specific teaching objectives are: To provide the participants with an introduction to international health perspectives which include theoretical and methodological aspects of health research and disease control measures with a focus on low- and middle-income communities; To provide the participants with a global insight into aspects of diseases of major public health relevance.

At the end of the core course, the student should be able to: 

• identify and analyse interrelated determinants of health and major health problems of populations in a cross-disciplinary perspective in low- and middle income societies.
• critically collect, analyse and appraise qualitative and quantitative data relevant for the improvement of health and health care in low and middle income societies.
• plan sustainable improvements of health systems considering the diverse intercultural settings as well as social and ethical responsibilities.
• clearly communicate and work professionally in a multi-disciplinary team.

The teaching methods will include a combination of formal lectures, class and field-based group exercises, case studies, essay exercises and computer exercises. Journal clubs will allow students to read and discuss selected scientific articles. When the initial 8-week teaching period has been completed in Copenhagen, Denmark, a 5-week field-based study period will take place in Tamil Nadu, India. Here the students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience related to the use of the research methods taught in Copenhagen and to obtain valuable information regarding environmental and public health services.
The course includes a one week introduction i August and a 4½ week field trip to Vellore, India.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 90
  • Exam
  • 3
  • Field Work
  • 75
  • Lectures
  • 180
  • Preparation
  • 112
  • Theory exercises
  • 90
  • Total
  • 550
Credit
20 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, 48 hours
Oral examination
The written essay (SINM12001E) and the oral exam (SINM12002E) are both individual.
Weight: written essay 50 %, oral exam 50 %
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
The oral exam is assessed by internal examiners
Exam period
Written exam: week 45, 2013 Oral exam: week 50, 2013
Criteria for exam assesment

To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the student shall be able to:

 • identify and analyse interrelated determinants of health and major health problems of populations in a cross-disciplinary perspective in low- and middle income societies.
• critically collect, analyse and appraise qualitative and quantitative data relevant for the improvement of health and health care in low and middle income societies.
• plan sustainable improvements of health systems considering the diverse intercultural settings as well as social and ethical responsibilities.
• clearly communicate and work professionally in a multi-disciplinary team.