BSc Global Development with International Study

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Introduction to Global Health

Course unit fact file
Unit code HCRI20321
Credit rating 20
Unit level Level 2
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? Yes

Overview

The unit conceptualises current approaches and issues in global health. A total of 11 individual lectures explore what global health is and cover. It explores key issues such as the global burden of diseases, social the determinants of health and health inequalities, global health goals and key agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals;  and important contemporary key topics such as emerging infectious diseases.  

Students will also have the opportunity to develop their knowledge of health systems and the key actors in global health and reflect on what these mean for people’s health.  

Lectures are complemented by a weekly seminar series to explore issues of global health in context, in the UK and globally, and increase awareness of specific health issues and challenges.

Aims

The unit aims to:

  • Understand the main concepts of importance in analysing global health, including basic principles in epidemiology and public health;
  • Understand the root causes that contribute to inequality in health and health access within and between countries.
  • Introduce the main contemporary players within the global health system, and to critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Engage with global health challenges through an interdisciplinary approach, appreciating and including insights from public health, social theory, and other disciplines.  

Teaching and learning methods

The module is delivered using lectures, individual/group structured reading, discussion and preparation sessions, and seminars. The study sessions and seminars provide a structured environment for students to initiate and carry out independent and group work, supported by staff.  

Session material including unit handouts, assigned readings, videos, and web links are made available via Blackboard VLE (accessed via the student system). Information on how to use e-learning tools is included in Welcome Week and in the course unit introductory lecture.

Knowledge and understanding

Gain a deep understanding of the basic concepts of Global Health and apply these sensibly to contemporary health challenges.

Intellectual skills

Further improve research and critical analysis skills through independent investigation of case studies, in-depth discussion of material, and engagement with interdisciplinary approaches 

Practical skills

  • Gain experience in oral presentation  
  • Develop critical analysis skills 

Transferable skills and personal qualities

  • Develop research, writing, and presentation skills, both independently and in collaboration
  • Build a basic understanding of global health
  • Develop awareness of students’ own values as an individual and global citizen  

Employability skills

Group/team working
Team work
Oral communication
Presentation skills
Written communication
Writing skills - Understanding and critiquing data from a range of data sources e.g. - Quantitative and qualitative data - Critical analysis - Ability to plan and execute individual and group research - Presentation skills

Assessment methods

Assessment task

Formative or Summative 

Length 

Weighting 

1 x group presentation Summative 15 minutes per group 40%
Essay Summative 1500 words 60%

Feedback methods

Feedback methodFormative or Summative
Verbal Feedback during seminars (students receive verbal feedback for the practice essay plan)Formative
Written feedback on assessed presentations - using SALC feedback formSummative
Written feedback on essays - using SALC feedback formSummative
Written feedback on essay planFormative 

 

Recommended reading

  • Seye Abimbola (2018) On the meaning of global health and the role of global health journals, International Health, 10:63-65. 
  • Hani Kim, et al. (2019). A critical assessment of the ideological underpinnings of current practice in global health and their historical origins, Global Health Action, 12:1, 1651017 (13 pages). 
  • Paul Farmer (2013) “Reimagining Global Health - An Introduction”, University of California Press. 
  • Joia Mukherjee (2017) “An Introduction to Global Health Delivery : Practice, Equity, Human Rights”. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. 
  • Michael Marmot, et al. (2020) Health equity in England: The Marmot Review 10 Years On - Executive Summary. 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 22
Seminars 10
Independent study hours
Independent study 168

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Sabah Boufkhed Unit coordinator

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