Vår 2026

HEL-3048 Global and Environmental Health - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for samfunnsmedisin

Type of course

This is a mandatory course for students attending the master’s degree program in public health (MPH), offered in the second semester. The course is also offered as a single course for other students.

Course contents

This Global and Environmental Health course within the master’s in public health (MPH) program provides students with advanced knowledge and critical skills to effectively address contemporary global health challenges. Students will explore complex global health issues, including health system governance, infectious and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health disparities, climate change impacts, environmental health, and health inequity, and occupational health. Emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, the course enhances students' abilities to critically evaluate evidence, design and assess public health interventions, and advocate for policies promoting health equity and sustainability. Throughout the course, students will develop competencies in ethical reasoning and communication, preparing them to become effective advocates for equitable and sustainable global health improvements.

Admission requirements

The course can be taken as a singular course by applicants who meet the academic admission criteria for the Master's program in Public Health.

Application code: 9371

Objective of the course

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

Health Systems and Policy:
- Critically analyze the structure and function of diverse global health systems, including ethical considerations and governance, reflecting the principles of ethics and global health challenges.
Infectious (and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):
- Evaluate the epidemiological patterns, significant causes, and drivers of morbidity and mortality from major global diseases, emphasizing at-risk and vulnerable groups
Maternal and Child Health:
- Analyze global disparities in maternal and child health, exploring demographic influences, global social determinants, and effective interventions.
Health Equity and Social Determinants:
- Critically evaluate how demographics, social inequalities, and environmental determinants influence global health outcomes, proposing strategies to promote equity.
Climate Change and Environmental Health:
- Critically assess the global health implications of climate change and environmental health challenges, proposing strategic interventions.

Skills

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

Use demographic data and epidemiological evidence to critically assess global health challenges and disparities.
Design, implement, and critically evaluate interventions and policies aimed at infectious and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, and environmental health issues.
Critically evaluate and synthesize evidence from multiple data sources to support effective global health practice, advocacy, and policy-making.

General Competencies

Upon completion of the course, students should demonstrate the ability to:

Collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams to analyze and address complex global health problems.
Act according to ethical standards and cultural humility, promoting social responsibility, equity, and professional accountability in global health practice.
Develop and deliver clear, culturally safe and competent presentations tailored to diverse global audiences, including stakeholders and policymakers.

Language of instruction

English

Teaching methods

Lectures, group work, seminars, cases, fellow student and teachers' response, videos, individual curriculum reading, and oral presentations.