Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - HSCI 160 D100

Global Perspectives on Health (3)

Class Number: 2045

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the differences in health and health services among the nations of the globe. Vulnerable sub-populations worldwide and their special health needs. Mechanisms whereby events in one country can impact health in another. Future worldwide health risks, their economic and health consequences. SARS, avian 'flu,' West Nile virus, 'mad cow disease,' antibiotic resistant malaria or tuberculosis. Dangers to rich and poor nations from ignoring health problems in developing world. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

The primary aim of the course is to engage and inspire students about the opportunities and challenges in global health. The course covers issues in global health from many different viewpoints and provides general understanding of factors/dynamics that affect the health of human populations and efforts to improve it. What is the difference between the health of an individual and the health of a population, vulnerable populations, and global population? What’s the burden of disease and who shoulders the greatest proportion of it and why? What are the determinants of health, what’s the role of culture, lifestyle, health beliefs, environmental factors, access to health services and other resources? The course will answer these and many other questions from the global perspective; it will also look at the changing pattern of population health and diseases in the world and will discuss major challenges and emerging issues.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

  • Key public health concepts, including: demographic and epidemiological transitions, burden of disease, impact of key health conditions on individuals and communities, and critical issues in health services delivery;
  • The determinants of health and risk factors for diseases and conditions from the global perspective;
  • The burden of disease in various regions of the world and how it varies both within and across countries; health disparities, vulnerable populations;
  • The multi-directional links between health and socio-economic factors,
  • The role of the key actors/organizations in global health and the manner in which they cooperate to address global health issues

Grading

  • Online Quizzes 15%
  • Project One - Burden of Disease 30%
  • Project Two - Minister's Report 30%
  • Tutorial Discussion 15%
  • Online Courses 10%

NOTES:

The course website on Canvas will be used intensively both for learning and communication purposes. All course related materials and required readings will be posted under the Modules link for each week. The website also will serve as a platform for distributing announcements, posting useful links, running discussion sections, posting questions, communication with the instructor, etc. Assignments will be posted on Canvas and students are expected to submit their work through the Assignment folder. It is the students’ responsibility to check the course website regularly and obtain up to date information about the course and due dates.

Expectations: Academic integrity and honesty

Please refer to SFU’s Guidelines on Academic Honesty and Student Conduct at:

http://www.sfu.ca/policies/Students/index.html and http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity/

Academic dishonesty is a serious academic offence. Please familiarize yourself with these guidelines and note that any form of plagiarism, cheating, or other academic dishonesty will be investigated and are subject to disciplinary action by the University.


You are also responsible for knowing and understanding what plagiarism is. It is explained in this tutorial:

http://www.lib.sfu.ca/researchhelp/tutorials/interactive/plagiarism/tutorial/introduction.htm

It is highly recommended that all students take this tutorial at the beginning of the semester.

 

 

 

REQUIREMENTS:

Three “Tutorials” will be scheduled during regular class time, where the class will be broken out into groups of approximately 25 students each led by the Tutorial Assistants and the Instructor. Material for Discussion at each date is listed below:

Tutorial One:
  • Wealth and Health - Jeffrey Sachs Interview
Tutorial Two:
  • Covid-19 readings                    
Tutorial Three: 
  • Maternal, Newborn and Child Health - Case Studies on Kerala and Peru Birthing


Important: Due Dates 
Assignment due dates are firm. In case of not meeting the due date student should notify the instructor as soon as possible (but at least one week prior to the assignment due date) to request extension or arrange a new deadline. Late submissions will be penalized; the final numeric mark will be lowered by 5% per day to a maximum of 15%. Assignments submitted later than three days may not be graded.

If students must miss a deadline due to illness, emergency, or other urgent reason, contact the instructor ASAP to discuss it. Alternative arrangements may or may not be made at the instructor’s discretion.

 

Contacting the Instructor
The best way to contact the instructor is through CANVAS. If you need to contact the Instructor privately through email (joneil@sfu.ca), the subject of your email MUST have HSCI160. Your full name and the student ID should be in your e-mail’s body. Emails lacking the necessary format of the subject line might not be answered on a timely manner. Please make sure you follow these instructions to receive help quickly and efficiently.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Textbook: Richard Skolnik, Global Health 101, Fourth Edition, 2016.

Electronic copies available at SFU Bookstore and https://www.jblearning.com/catalog/productdetails/9781284145380

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote, online, or blended courses study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the summer 2022 term.