Spring 2026 - ECON 370 D100
Health Economics (3)
Class Number: 1811
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Gustavo Tovar Albuquerque
gta50@sfu.ca
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Instructor:
Teaching Assistant Leen Al Tabba
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Instructor:
Teaching Assistant Cem Oktem
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Prerequisites:
ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of B-;
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Presents key concepts of health economics as a basis to understand the current debates on health policy issues. Topics covered include demand and supply for medical care, the demand and supply for health insurance, universal insurance, and externalities in health and medical care. Discusses recent health policy issues. Students who have taken ECON 383 Selected Topics - Economics & Health in Fall 2012, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Summer 2016, Summer 2017, or Spring 2018 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course covers the key concepts of health economics as a basis to understand the current debates on health policy issues. We mainly cover the demand and supply (physicians, and hospitals) for medical care, the demand and supply for health insurance, and externalities in health and medical care. Some recent health policy issues in B.C. are also covered.
Grading
- Essay(s) on BC issues 30%
- Midterm 30%
- Final Exam 40%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Charles E. Phelps, Health Economics, 6th Edition, Pearson, 2017
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.
Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period until you receive confirmation of your exam dates.
Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.