NMHS10560 Introduction to Global Health

Academic Year 2024/2025

Global health refers to a field of study, research and practice that focuses on the health of people worldwide and beyond national boundaries. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of health of people around the world and how healthcare experience and the outcome may be shaped by factors outside the national environment

This elective module aims to introduce students to key topics and concepts in global health with a focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By building an understanding of health and health systems for persons in under-resourced contexts, with a particular focus on health in LMICs, this module provides students a unique opportunity to learn about key issues in health affecting people across the globe.

This module will bring in expertise from across UCD to focus on aspects of global health, including health systems, gender, global health in humanitarian settings, non-communicable diseases, major infectious diseases (malaria, TB and HIV), maternal and child health, and emerging infectious diseases (e.g COVID-19) and One-health.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

This course utilises different teaching methods including lectures, online independent learning, and group exercises to address the learning outcomes. On completion of the module the student will be able to:

- Outline key issues in global health, with particular focus on health in low- and middle-income countries
- Discuss inequalities, and identify examples of how inequalities influence health and wellbeing of persons globally
- Analyse the Sustainable Development Goals and other relevant global approaches for Global Health (i.e. Universal Health Coverage, Primary Health Care)
- Define and discuss the roles of key actors and networks within global health
- Based on a case study of a particular topic in global health, demonstrate understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of global health

Indicative Module Content:

Three key components will be covered within this module, and within each of these specific topics.
1. Introduction to Key Concepts in Global Health
- What is Global Health? Current and historical trends
- Contemporary Initiatives - Universal Health Coverage and SDGs
- Global Health Landscape - stakeholders, financing, governance and policy
2. Global Burden of Disease
- Overview and trends
- NCDs and environmental health
- Malaria, HIV and TB
- RMNCHN
3. Special Topics
- Outbreaks and pandemics
- Global Health in Emergency and Humanitarian Contexts
- Refugee health and social justice
4. Closing
- Ethics and global health
- Opportunities in Global Health and wrap-up

Throughout the course, the two main threshold concepts within global health will be featured and used to guide our learning: Social Determinants of Health, and Power, Inequity and Ethics.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Practical

10
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Online Learning

10
Total

102
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures.
Self-directed learning.
Critical Reflection.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade

Not yet recorded.

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Aoife De Brún Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ikenna Ebuenyi Lecturer / Co-Lecturer