autumn 2023
HEL-3008 Public Health Ethics - 10 ECTS

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Type of course

This is an optional course for students at the Master's degree programme in Public Health. Course students may be admitted if total number of students do not exceed the regulated 30 number of students at the course.

Course content

The course gives an introduction to key issues in public health ethics.

A major difference between (clinical) medical ethics and public health ethics is that in public health, many decisions are motivated by explicit utilitarian considerations: what policies will yield the greatest good for the greatest number of people? Therefore, a critical examination of utilitarianism is important in public health ethics.

Public health interventions are usually implemented by governments. The aim is to advance the health of populations. This population perspective creates inherent tensions between what benefits the population as a whole and the potential infringement of individual liberties. Attention will be given to core concepts in political philosophy, such as liberalism and communitarianism. Topics include claims of individual autonomy vs. the protection and improvement of public health, personal integrity and the collection of health information, ethical issues in epidemiology, health concepts and health promotion, research ethics: principles and guidelines.

Objectives of the course

The student should be able to identify, describe, reflect upon, analyze, and discuss central topics in public health ethics.

Knowledge and understanding:

  • The student should be able to explain relevant aspects of consequentialist and non-consequentialist ethics.
  • The student should be able to explain relevant topics in political philosophy.
  • The student should be able to describe different health concepts.
  • The student should be able to describe basic research ethical principles and rules of conduct.

General proficiency:

  • The student should be able to analyze ethical dilemmas in health promotion and prevention.

Language of instruction and examination

English.

Teaching methods

The teaching will consist of 2 on-campus classes of 2-3 days duration. On-campus activities are to include lectures, seminars, presentations and group discussions. Teaching will be based on resources from the online learning management system.

Information to incoming exchange students

This module is open for exchange students with a Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS credits) in Health Sciences, Social Sciences or Natural Sciences, or equivalent qualification. For students who hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or Natural Sciences, the degree must contain a minimum 80 ECTS (or equivalent) within the fields specific to the Master's degree program in Public Health; epidemiology, health economics, biostatistics, health sociology, global- and environmental health.

Recommended reading/syllabus

Pensumliste for HEL-3008 Public health ethics- H23

Examination

Examination: Date: Duration: Grade scale:
Off campus exam 29.09.2023 14:00 (Hand out)
08.10.2023 23:59 (Hand in)		 4 Days A–E, fail F

Coursework requirements:

To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements:
A written individual assignment Approved – not approved
Mandatory attendance to lectures and seminars Approved – not approved
UiT Exams homepage

More info about the coursework requirements

  • The students have to hand-in one written, individual assignment. Assignments shall be handed in as specified in the assignment instructions. The students can write the assignments in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. The assignments are graded as approved or not approved.
  • 80% attendance to the on-campus classes is mandatory.

Re-sit examination

Re-sit examination is offered for the course.
  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: HEL-3008