Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students will:
  • have basic knowledge within public health work and its knowledge-based foundation
  • have knowledge of official and public documents concerning public health work at a national level
  • be able to reflect upon central concepts related to public health
  • be able to explain the development of public health in a historical perspective
  • be able to identify, describe and reflect upon important ethical challenges in public health work

Contents

  • The content and limitations of public health work
  • Important concepts and definitions; health, disease, prevention, health promotion, salutogenesis, quality of life, empowerment
  • Epidemiology
  • The historical development of public health and public health administration
  • Official documents for public health work
  • knowledge-based public health work
  • Ethical perspectives and challenges in public health

Teaching and learning methods

Literature studies, lectures and group work.

Attendance is compulsory for parts of the course -see the semester plan for more details.

Estimated student workload is 270 hours.

Examination requirements

  • Group work with an oral presentation must be successfully approved before the student can sit the examination
  • Attendance requirements must be met.

Please see the semester plan for details. 

Examinations

A graded 4-hour individual written examination.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes. Subject to avalibility or capacity.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
HEL100 – Public health - skill, idea and ideology. 10
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:16:21 AM