SYK2900 Public Health in a Global Perspective Course description

In this course, you will have the opportunity to delve into health promotion and disease prevention from a global perspective. This includes nursing challenges for vulnerable and marginalised groups, as well as the upbringing environments of children and young people in various cultures. The course encompasses health governance, where international directives in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the World Health Organization (WHO) play a central role. Furthermore, a focus will be placed on understanding factors influencing disease and health in the population at individual, group, and societal levels. The course is conducted as part of an exchange program through OsloMet. Therefore, the content and execution depend on the conditions in the country where you undertake this course.

To participate in this course, you must apply for placement in the exchange program during the 4th semester.

Admission to the programme.

All students at OsloMet who take practical training or write a project assignment or bachelor’s thesis in countries of the global south (Africa, Latin America and Asia) must take a preparatory course before leaving.

https://student.oslomet.no/en/feltforberedende-kurs.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student can

• reflect on global disease and health challenges and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
• discuss cultural, social, and historical perspectives that shape understanding of health at individual, group, and societal levels
• reflect on how complementary and alternative medicine influences nursing practice in the country you are in
• be familiar with laws and regulations governing health and social services in the country you are in
• describe factors influencing the upbringing environment of children and young people
• explain how activity and well-being are significant for health, well-being, and disease prevention for all population groups
• describe key issues related to women's health
• describe key issues related to sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases
• explain how migration, displacement, and legal status can impact an individual's health
• explain how the health literacy of patients and relatives influences health and lifestyle

Skills

The student can

• practice nursing from a multicultural and interdisciplinary perspective
• adapt their communication in a new cultural context
• describe the epidemiological and demographic basis for public health work
• describe the purpose, organisation, and coordination of health and social services in the country you are in
• reflect on ethical challenges associated with public health work and lifestyle changes
• describe and discuss the Sustainable Development Goals and their significance for public health
• reflect on indigenous status and rights related to the design of health and social services
• explore how social determinants of health affect individual, group, and societal levels
• apply professional knowledge and scientific methods to plan and execute a project in health promotion and disease prevention

General Competence

The student

• has insight into nursing issues within public health in a global perspective
• can understand how people express their culture and how culture influences their choices and actions in daily life and assesses this in their nursing practice
• can reflect on their own preconceptions and attitudes when encountering people
• can understand the importance of international collaboration in research and professional development.

The work and teaching methods comprise project-based practical training over a minimum of 12 weeks, supervised by the practical training supervisor(s) in the country where you are staying and the contact lecturer from OsloMet. Furthermore, students will study individually, use digital learning resources, and participate in supervision groups and group work. The content of the practical training will vary depending on the activities carried out at the training establishment(s). Shifts and how the practical training period is organised will vary from country to country and will be specified in an individual learning agreement to be signed before departure.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam: 

• Attendance: 90 % for the practical training. The number of hours will be specified in the individual learning agreement and might vary between practical training establishments.
• Three individual assignments demonstrating work on the learning outcomes. Scope of 1,000 words (+/- 10 %). Submission by agreement with the supervisor from OsloMet. The assignments will be assessed as approved/not approved, and the student has three attempts to pass.

Group home exam. Written in groups of two to four students.

The exam period takes place throughout the course, and the assignment is to be submitted in the final period of the practical training period. Scope: 3,000 words (+/-10 %).

Resit exam: A student who fails the ordinary exam can submit a reworked version once as a resit.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with. 

Pass-fail.

All answers are assessed by two examiners.

An external examiner is used regularly, at a minimum of every third completion of the course. When selecting answers for external evaluation, a minimum of 10 percent of the answers shall be included, with no fewer than 5 answers. The external examiner’s assessment of the selected answers shall benefit all students.

• 20 ECTS ovelap with SYKK/SYKP2200 Public Health, 20 ECTS.

• Overlap with interdisciplinary teaching programme INTER1200.