Entry requirements

University degree, minimum of 180 credits in medicine, nursing, nutrition or another area relevant to international health. All applicants need to verify English language proficiency. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students are expected to be able to:


Outline the magnitude, prevalence and geographical distribution of the main global child health problems with special emphasis on low- and middle-income countries and their current trends.

Map the causes of burden of childhood diseases and their consequences for public health and societal development.


Demonstrate practical skills in priority setting for improved child health in a given health system context.


Outline research priorities for improved global child health, with emphasis on needs in low- and middle-income countries.


Map methodological challenges in global child health research in low-income settings, e.g. in establishing surveillance system for longitudinal studies, designing qualitative studies, epidemiological studies and trials with a high scientific quality

Demonstrate practical skills in analysing longitudinal data in child health research.


Critically read, analyse, synthesise, present and discuss literature addressing child health problems in low-income countries.

Content

The course analyses the magnitude, character and trends in global child health problems with a special emphasis on low- and middle-income countries. It has modules on priority setting in order to address these child health challenges. The course also includes a module on research priority setting in relation to global child health problems, and methodological problems that arise when establishing research projects focused on the health and development of the child. Examples are taken from ongoing research of the department. Practical hands-on experiences are offered of analysing longitudinal child health data. Exercises are performed with critical appraisal of scientific reports in the field.

Instruction

The course consists of a series of lectures, group and individual assignments and presentations. Sessions are interactive and students are encouraged to draw on their own experiences and exposures to issues related to global child health.

Assessment

Two assessments procedures are used to measure attainment of learning objectives; written examination (80 %) and seminar presentations (20 %). Participants who do not receive a passing grade have the right to redo their course work, including examinations and assignments.

Other directives

Priority will be given to applicants who take this course as part of the Master's programme in International Health or within the TropEd network as well as those who have two years minimum of work experience relevant to global health issues.