HAR6168: Introduction to Health Economics
The Introduction to Health Economics module is led by Allan Wailoo. It runs in the Autumn semester and is worth 15 credits.
Overview
The Introduction to Health Economics module is led by Allan Wailoo. It runs in the Autumn semester and is worth 15 credits.
It is one of the modules on:
This module is available as a CPD option
This module is available in any year as a DDP module
Introduction
This module is concerned with understanding the key elements in the theory of health economics.
Students are introduced to some of the key principles and tools of microeconomics which are then used to examine the peculiarities of the market for health care. In particular, the module focuses on how the market for health care 'fails' and what the implications are for consumption, production and distribution.
Students are encouraged to critically appraise the alternative approaches to overcoming some of these market failures.
Objectives
This module aims to:
- Introduce relevant theory of microeconomics and demonstrate its applicability to health care issues
- Outline key principles of health economics including efficiency and equity
- Provides a foundation for and rationale for performing economic evaluation
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, a student will be able to:
- Describe and apply core microeconomic concepts to health and health care
- Describe the key issues in health economics
- Describe the rationale for performing economic evaluation and the economic principles that underpin it
Teaching methods
Informal lectures will provide the majority of the contact hours with lecturers (10 x 2 hour) covering learning outcomes LO1 to LO3. The lectures will be interspersed with exercises to be conducted in small group and tutorials (5 x 1 hours) which will be led by students.
Students will also be expected to undertake 123 hours independent study, including preparation for tutorials, preparation for assignments and further recommended reading. These learning and teaching methods will reinforce learning outcomes.
Students will be provided with oral feedback on formative assessment (ie structured exercises) before assignments are set and before the examination period; this feedback will not be documented.
Expectations
For this 15 credit module, international convention indicates a nominal 150 study hours. Therefore, approximately 125 hours are expected for self study which includes carrying out exercises, supplementary reading, preparing the tutorial presentation, completing coursework, revising for and taking the examination. Lectures and tutorial attendance is compulsory.
Merely attending the taught sessions is unlikely to give you sufficient knowledge to pass the module assignment and exam or, more importantly, understand research findings presented to you.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it is up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research, funding changes, professional accreditation requirements, student or employer feedback, outcomes of reviews, and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Information last updated: 15 June 2022