Programme description for Bachelor's Programme in Public Health (2022–2025)

On successful completion of the study programme, the students will:

Knowledge

• have knowledge of what a systematic and knowledge-based public health work entails
• have knowledge of public health challenges in a historical and societal perspective in general and in relation to different target groups in particular
• have broad knowledge of factors that affect public health in general and lifestyle in particular
• have knowledge of different arenas for public health work
• have knowledge of public health work as a professional and cross-sectoral field
• have knowledge of how the principles of public health in general, and people's lifestyle in particular, are laid politically
• have knowledge of research and development work within public health work

Skills

• be able to guide others to change behavior through motivation and experience of coping
• be able to define, plan and implement health-promoting projects through emphasis on diet, physical activity and mental health, individually and as a participant in a group
• be able to use different tools in the work on a health-promoting lifestyle among individuals and groups
• be able to apply specialist knowledge in academic discussions and development work
• be able to apply central concepts related to public health and follow up guidelines in public documents to make justified choices in practical public health work, and thus promote the population's health at the individual and group level

General competence

• have insight into professional and ethical issues in public health
• be able to reflect on their own role in academic guidance and communication
• be able to update on research-based knowledge within the field
• be familiar with innovation and innovation processes in public health work
• have knowledge, skills and general competence in line with the chosen minor subject

The curriculum is based on the national core competence areas for the bachelor's programme which deals with public health work, and the applicable laws and guidelines as relevant white papers from "Stortinget".

The study programme in public health work is a 3-year integrated bachelor's programme based on a broad introduction to public health concepts and values, public health challenges, health communication, practices in health promotion work, lifestyle and behavior as well as planning and project work. Other topics are social nutrition, a basic exercise course focusing on everyday activity as well as physical activity and health. The specialization (major) in the bachelor's programme consists of 120 credits, of which 60 credits at the postgraduate level (200 level). The programme is based on a broad and interdisciplinary understanding of health and focuses on laying the foundations for good health first and foremost outside the health service. After completing the study programme, the student should have a broad knowledge of how health is distributed in the population and what factors contribute to facilitating good health behavior in society. Furthermore, the student should have insight into systematic public health work related to planning and project work. The student should have competence on various health-promoting measures to promote an active lifestyle, a healthy diet and good mental health at the individual and group level. The student should have acquired expertise in communication and motivation for changing health behavior, and experience with health-promoting work through practice studies.

The programme includes a 60-credit minor and the opportunity for one to two semesters of exchange.

The following teaching and learning methods are used in the study programme: Lectures, group work, seminars, literature studies, supervision, excursions and work on presentation, project, semester and bachelor's assignments. The teaching and working forms are further practice, seminar groups, work in computer laboratory, laboratory teaching, practical field-based teaching and dialogue-based teaching. Some topics are mainly digitally based. Forms of teaching and learning may vary with the chosen minor and during exchange.

Compulsory attendance requirement in several of the courses. The semester plan in the respective courses will indicate which hours and assignments are required. Otherwise, it is referred to the university's "Guidelines for compulsory education".

Written examinations, home examinations, bachelor's thesis, project work and oral examinations.

See also assessment methods for the elective minor.

It is facilitated for exchange in the third and / or fourth semester at one of the university's many collaborative institutions abroad. A stay at a foreign educational institution provides opportunities to immerse yourself in topics and topics beyond the course offerings at the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences. Abroad travel also provides an additional dimension in the form of meetings with other languages ​​and cultures in a professional context.

The faculty is internationally involved, among others through the programs Nordplus and Erasmus and elsewhere in Europe, as well as in Australia and New Zealand. Reference is also made to the faculty's website and the International Education Office for detailed information.

The language of instruction in the programme is Norwegian.

The language of instruction during exchange depends on the chosen place of study.