Unit name | Health Economics |
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Unit code | EFIMM0038 |
Credit points | 15 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Professor. Stephanie von Hinke |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
ECONM1010 Microeconomics; ECONM1022 Econometrics. |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Economics |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit aims to provide comprehensive training in using economic analyses to explore different aspects of the economics of health and health care. The unit will cover topics such as the demand for health, the developmental origins hypothesis in economics, the economics of obesity and risky health behaviours, performance indicators, and cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis. The unit will also discuss interactions between health on the one hand and labour and education on the other. In addition, the course will cover and analyse the recent empirical evidence on such topics. On completing the module, students will be able to understand the main economic theories and empirical applications in the area, as well as evaluate existing and new health policies and interventions within a formal economic framework.
This unit provides a thorough and in-depth treatment of different theories and concepts in the economics of health and health care. It ensures that students obtain a rigorous understanding of the main economic theories in the area, allowing them to evaluate health policies and interventions within a formal economic framework. This will enable them to critically evaluate journal articles and start discussing their own independent research projects.
There will be lectures and exercise classes. Lectures will introduce and explain the different theories and concepts, and evaluate their applications. Exercise classes will provide the opportunity to consolidate the material and discuss and apply the concepts for different applications. Formative coursework will consist of weekly exercises.
Summative assessment: 2.5 hour written closed-book exam. The exam will test students’ knowledge and understanding of the different topics, evaluating their understanding of theory, empirical and estimation issues.
Formative assessment: Class participation and discussion in tutorials. These will provide further opportunities for feedback on students’ progress.