HLTH 350/3.0 Topics in Global Health

HLTH 350 explores global health through a multidisciplinary framework incorporating a variety of epidemiological and sociological perspectives to understand the patterns shaping global health inequalities. Contemporary global health case studies will be used throughout the course with an emphasis on low-middle income countries.  Specific lecture topics will include global health governance, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and reproductive health, health systems, complex systems mapping and monitoring and evaluation.

Each class will start with a seminar-lecture format followed by problem-based learning through a featured case study or activity. Case studies are outlined in the weekly schedule and will include EU governance in the containment of antimicrobial resistance, access to pharmaceutical medicines in low income countries, qualitative research on childhood obesity in South Africa amongst more. Where possible global health professionals working on these issues in the field will skype in to provide their perspective on the issue and experiences. Students will be encouraged to generate questions and engage with these guests. Throughout the course environments will be provided for students to engage in global health issues through debates, discussions and knowledge exchange.

HLTH 350 Topics in Global Health is one of three HLTH courses offered at the BISC during the winter term as part of a discipline specialized cluster. This course along with HLTH 397 Health in Humanitarian Crisis, and HLTH 397 Global Health: Challenges in Non Traditional Security, make up the specialized cluster. This cluster is open to all upper year students who meet the prerequisites.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, successful students will be able to:

• Identify a range of perspective in health studies that contribute to the study of global health
• Explain the appropriate application of qualitative and quantitative methods in addressing specific types of global health research questions
• Critically discuss the basis for between- and within country inequalities in health
• Critically discuss the issues and challenges associated with a range of global health topics at various levels.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Virtual ELOs in HLTH 350 will focus on student engagement outside of the traditional classroom, including an international guest panel of global health scholars and researchers. Applying classroom theory to practical experience provides students with transferable and critical thinking skills situating them for future study or professional careers.