mph brochure 2013 final

7/29/2019 Mph Brochure 2013 Final

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MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH (MPH)

PROGRAMME BROCHURE

2013

UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health

Sciences, University of Cape Town (UCT).

Convenor (Overall, and General track)

Prof. Rodney Ehrlich, BBusSc, MBChB (Cape Town), DOH (Wits), FFCH (SA),FCPHM(SA)(Occ. Med), PhD (Cape Town).

Assistant Convenor (Health Economics track)Dr. Ayako Honda, BA (Sophia, Tokyo), MA (Tokyo), PhD (London)

Assistant Convenor (Epidemiology and Clinical Research tracks)Assoc. Prof. Landon Myer, BA (Brown), MBChB (Cape Town), MA, MPhil, PhD

(Columbia)

Assistant Convenor (Health Systems track)

Prof. Lucy Gilson, BA (Hons) (Oxon), MA (East Anglia), PhD (London)

COLLABORATING DEPARTMENTS

Department of Statistical Sciences, Faculty of Science

Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health SciencesDepartment of Historical Studies, Faculty of HumanitiesPrimary Health Care Directorate, Faculty of Health Sciences

COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONSSchool of Public Health, University of the Western Cape


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CONTENTS PAGE NO.

INTRODUCTION 3

1. DEGREE OBJECTIVES 4

2. CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS AND ORGANISATION 6

3. GENERAL INFORMATION 15

4. COURSES (MODULES)4.1 Public Health and Society (PPH7016F) 17

4.2 Quantitative Research Methods (PPH7070S) 18

4.3 Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018F) 194.4 Biostatistics I (PPH7021F) 20

4.5 Introduction to Health Systems Research and Evaluation 21(PPH7084F)

4.6 Health Policy and Planning (PPH7041S) 224.7 Biostatistics II (STA5055F) 234.8 Biostatistics III (STA5056S) 23

4.9 Advanced Epidemiology (PPH7029F) 244.10 Evidence-Based Health Care (PPH7022S) 26

4.11 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (PPH7063S) 27

4.12 Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases (PPH7065S) 284.13 Clinical Epidemiology (PPH7086S) 29

4.14 Seminars in Clinical Research (PPH7083W) 30

4.15 Seminars in Epidemiology (PPH7090F/S) 314.16 Quantitative Methods for Health Economists (PPH7064F) 32

4.17 The Economics of Health Systems (PPH7077S) 334.18 Theory and Application of Economic Evaluation in Health Care 34

(PPH7039F)

4.19 Microeconomics for the Health Sector (PPH7050F) 354.20 Public Health and Human Rights (PPH7053S) not offered in 201336

4.21 Gender and Health PPH7054S 37

4.22 Qualitative Research Methods (PPH7071F) 384.23 Community Eye Health 1 (CHM6022F) 39

4.24 Community Eye Health 2 (CHM6023F) 404.25 Practicum in Public Health (PPH7089F/S) 41

5. EXAMPLES OF OUTSIDE ELECTIVES 42

6. TRACK DESCRIPTIONS AND COURSEWORK TIMETABLES 43

7. GUIDELINES: DISSERTATION 55


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INTRODUCTION

This brochure provides the detail needed to assist prospective candidates in deciding

whether the programme suits their needs. Applications must be completed online viawww.uct.ac.za/apply/applications/forms/

A coursework plus dissertation Master of Public Health has been offered in theFaculty of Health Sciences since 1999. It is offered as a multidisciplinary Public

Health degree and is based on existing strengths at UCT, resulting in an emphasis onepidemiology, health economics and health systems, and policy.

Degree candidates from a variety of backgrounds will acquire knowledge and skills toassist them to contribute towards an effective and equitable health system based on

population and individual level approaches.

The flexible modular course structure enables collaboration among a number of

departments at UCT and with other institutions including the School of Public Healthat the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

There are six tracks: General, Epidemiology, Clinical Research, Health Systems,Health Economics and Community Eye Health, each with its own course

requirements.

The programme is taught as a series of semester length courses, some of which arecompulsory for the degree and others elective. All track candidates other than HealthEconomics will need to complete 10 courses plus a dissertation, achievable in 18

months of full-time study or longer with part-time study.

Health Economics track candidates will need to complete 8 courses plus a

dissertation, achievable in 18 months of full-time study or longer with part-timestudy. This track has its own application procedure. Those interested in the Health

Economics track must consult a separate brochure on that track, obtainable from:

http://www.heu-uct.org.za/

Specialisation track requirements:

For an Epidemiology specialisation, the candidate must have completed therequired courses (see page 43) and a dissertation in the field of Epidemiology.

There are also pass mark minima on introductory courses required forprogression to higher level courses.
http://www.heu-uct.org.za/http://www.heu-uct.org.za/


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For a Health Economics specialisation, the candidate must have completed the

required courses (see page 45) and a dissertation in the field of Health

Economics.

For a Clinical Research specialisation, the candidate must have completed therequired courses (see page 47) and a dissertation in the field of ClinicalResearch.

For a Health Systems specialisation, the candidate must have completed therequired courses (see page 49) and a dissertation in the field of HealthSystems.

For a Community Eye Health specialisation, the candidate must havecompleted the required courses (see page 51) and a dissertation in the field of

Community Eye Health.

1. DEGREE OBJECTIVES1.1 What is Public Health?By Public Health is meant the collection of disciplines whose unit of analysis is a

population or community rather than an individual or patient, and whose field ofinvestigation and action includes the promotion of health, the measurement and

prevention of disease and injury, and the fostering of equity, efficiency and

effectiveness in the provision of health care services and in the development of healthsystems more generally.

In addition, epidemiological and biostatistical and tools can be applied to address

clinical questions regarding the aetiology, presentation, management and course ofdisease (referred to as clinical epidemiology).

1.2 Target candidates

The programme was developed with the goal of vocational development, i.e. enablingpeople already on career tracks to advance their skills, opportunities and effectiveness

in their current or future jobs. To this end the programme was designed to support

part-time study. However, a large number of candidates, particularly international

candidates, attend on afull-timebasis. In addition to academic and work record, the

selection process places value on experience in public health related work and onsupport by the candidates employing institution.

Target candidates include: Health researchers, including clinical researchers;

Health sector managers and clinical professionals responsible for running healthprogrammes or services, for whom public health is an important part of their

work;


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University graduates in Medicine and in the Allied Health Sciences, including

Nursing, wanting to broaden their skills and fill roles beyond professional

boundaries, or to develop research skills;

Non-health science graduates, e.g. from the social, management or

environmental sciences, who want an entry point into health sector work or tostrengthen their work in their own disciplines.

Places are available to students from other countries, particularly in Africa.

Individual courses will be open, subject to any limitation on numbers, to candidatesfrom other postgraduate degrees at UCT or the MPH programme at UWC, and to

individuals who want single semester courses not for degree purposes.

1.3 Values and perspectives

Values and perspectives emphasised in the course are:

population based approaches to health; the use of knowledge and evidence generated by research to answer questions

related to health and disease in individuals and populations and to inform actionto improve population health;

understanding of the political, economic and ethical dimensions of social

choices underlying disease prevention, health care and research; the objective of achieving greater equity in health, health care, and health

systems development.

1.4 OutcomesGraduates should emerge with certain generic skills, including (not necessarily in oneperson) population, interdisciplinary and systems perspectives; research skills; an

understanding of the political, economic and cultural basis of health, health services

and health policy formation; the ability to critically evaluate evidence healthpromotion and clinical and health service management practice; and the ability to

argue or advocate for specific policies or practices.

Graduates could be employed in any of the social sectors with health functions, viz.

state health services, the private sector, and academic, labour, community based andnon-governmental organisations. These sectors are increasingly international in

scope.

In such jobs graduates would perform functions with a population, systems or

organisational focus, including setting up or managing services or programmes;developing strategy and policy; evaluating services or programmes; carrying out

research; designing information systems; and training. Some graduates will continue

to provide clinical services with a greatly enhanced research and population


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perspective. Others will build on skills learned to pursue a career in research and

education.

2. CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS AND ORGANISATION

2.1 Time commitment

The programme may be taken part-time or full-time.

The programme does not currently provide for distance candidates and

residence in Cape Town is a requirement.

The projected formal commitment for the degree is a minimum of 1 800 notional

hours divided approximately as follows:

General, Epidemiology, Clinical Research, Health Systems and Community

Eye Health tracks: Classroom / practicals: 320 hours (approximately 32 hours per course);

Formal assignments, reading, course project work: 880 hours; Dissertation: 600 hours (minimum).

Health Economics track:

Classroom / practicals: 260 hours (approximately 32 hours per course); Formal assignments, reading, course project work: 700 hours;

Dissertation: 900 hours (minimum)

The minimum time to completion is unlikely to be less than 18 months.Candidates are encouraged to aim to complete their coursework anddissertation within 24 months, but some may elect to take 3 or 4 years for this.

Depending on course choice, candidates may be able to complete all thecoursework in one full-time year. (See page 42). This assumes that al l

cour ses are passed at f irst go.

2.2 Entry requirements

A graduate of any appropriate 4-year Bachelorscourse, 4-year Honourscourse or any degreerecognised by the Senate as equivalent;

Evidence of adequate numeric skills as judged by the selection committee

(for example, a minimum of a C pass in higher grade school-leavingmathematics or a pass on a university course in mathematics or statistics);

Evidence of proficiency in English.A formal test of English proficiency isrequired of applicants from non-English speaking countries. (See page

13).


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A clinical degree (MBChB or equivalent, or a Bachelors degree in an

allied health science) and prior experience in health research are required

for the Clinical Research track.

2.3 Support for diversity of background

Candidates with training other than in the health sciences, e.g. biology, psychology,

anthropology, statistics, are welcome to apply for admission. Course combinationsand teaching will to some extent take this diversity of background into account.

However, such candidates will be expected to familiarise themselves in their owntime with basic terminology and relevant concepts from health science disciplines not

covered in the courses, including the organisation of health services.

Numeric and writing skills may be tested before admission, or after admission for

diagnostic purposes. Teaching assistants will be available in courses such as

biostatistics. Candidates with deficiencies in numeracy may be requested to seektuition at their own expense.

The university also provides writing skills support (See page 13), and candidates may

be referred to the UCT Writing Centre after assessment of their written English.

2.4 Degree structure

The building block of the degree is the course (also called a module) : a self-

contained one semester course, which might require qualifying courses;

The degree programme consists of core and elective courses and adissertation; A course will consist of approximately 32 classroom hours, plus approx. 88

hours of homework.

All electives are offered subject to there being sufficient demand. TheUniversity reserves the right to cancel any elective if there is insufficient

demand, or to change the timetabling of any course. Numbers may also be capped in certain courses, for example, on a first come

first served (registration) basis,

All courses are taught as a half weekblock (14-16 hours) plus eight or nine 2-hour

sessions spread through the semester.

Block (whole day) teaching will take place approximately during the second half of

January and the first three weeks of February, and in July each year, from 8h30 -16h00 daily. (The academic year and second semester thus start earlier than do

other postgraduate programmes).


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Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons will be the primary teaching days for

semester sessions. The afternoon will be divided into two 2-hour sessions: 13h30 -

15h30 and 16h00 - 18h00. Applicants with jobs should clear attendance commitments

with their employer in advance for the whole programme, including study leave and

examinations.

2.5 Outside Electives (See pages 11-38)

2.6 Graduation requirement and degree time limitsA total of 10 courses (8 in the case of Health Economics track candidates)successfully completed will be required for the degree, plus a pass on the dissertation.

The maximum period for completion of the degree is four years, excluding any leave

of absence. Candidates will normally be permitted to extend registration into a fifthyear, subject to a written motivation on their Progress Form by their supervisor.

Registration beyond five years will generally not be supported. In accordance with a

Senate ruling, a 50 percent fee surcharge will be applied after the fourth year ofregistration.

2.7 Dissertation

The dissertation carries one third of the weighting (50% in the case of Health

Economics track candidates) of the degree. Candidates will be required to complete adissertation in a research area related to their track. The candidate will be expected to

find an approved supervisor, with the assistance of the programme convenors, within

their area of interest. External co-supervisors (i.e. non-UCT) may also be drawn from

any appropriate tertiary or research institution.

There will be research opportunities for a limited number of candidates within the

School of Public Health's current research programme. (See page 53 for further

details on the dissertation). The programme does not provide funding for mastersresearch, although candidates may apply for such funding through any available

channel. In such cases, there is usually up to a years delay before funding wouldbecome available to a successful applicant.

2.8 Assessment of student performanceEach course convenor will determine the appropriate form of assessment in that

module. Such assessment will consist of some combination of home assignments, a

semester project and a final classroom examination. The examination carries 50% ofthe assessment weight. Each course will be written off at the end of its semester. A

pass mark of 50% is required overall , with a 45% sub-minimum on each of the

examination and semester mark separately. An external examiner is appointed for

every course.


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The dissertation will be marked by two examiners, both external to the university.

The highest standard aimed for will be that of a manuscript potentially capable of

publication as a single paper in a peer reviewed journal (although it need not be

submitted for publication, nor meet the publishability standard to pass).

The coursework and dissertation components must be passed independently.

Candidates may be allowed to repeat a course they have failed, at the courseconvenors discretion. No course may be done more than twice.

Where a candidate fails (a) any core course twice, or (b) any 3 courses, a

recommendation will be made to the Dean to refuse the candidate further

registration in the programme. (Failing any elective twice will be counted as two

courses failed.)

No supplementary examinations will be offered to candidates who fail a course.

Candidates will have to repeat core courses they have failed. This may prolong theperiod of residence in Cape Town or extend registration by another year.

Deferredexamination may be offered on medical grounds.

The degree will be awarded with distinction to candidates who average 75% or aboveon coursework plus dissertation, with a 70% sub-minimum on each component. (i.e.

at least 70% average across all courses and at least 70% on the dissertation.)

The external examiner for each course retains the discretion to alter the final coursemark based on assessment of the candidates performance across the course as awhole.

2.9 Quality assuranceEach course will be evaluated by candidates using a standard questionnaire or via

Vula, the electronic teaching platform. Course convenors may hold open discussionsduring the semester.

The programme convenor will work with track and course convenors in consideringevaluations, solving problems, and maintaining the coherence of the programme. The

programme convenor is also accountable to the School and Faculty for quality

assurance.

Class representatives are elected from each year of intake to represent studentconcerns to the course or programme convenor. The programme convenor will also

hold meetings with the whole MPH class from time to time. The external examiner


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for each course is asked to submit a report on the quality of the course and the

examination.

2.10 Programme rules

Entry All participants, including non-degree candidates, or candidates for other

UCT degrees, must register and pay fees for every course.

Participants may not audit courses, i.e. may not sit in for non-examination purposes.

Participation by non-degree candidates or candidates for other UCTdegrees must be approved in advance by the programme convenor, via an

online application.

As a general rule, non-degree candidates may not register for more thanthree courses in any calendar year.

AttendanceStudents should inform the module convenor if they are going to be absent for more

than one session in a block or in the seminar. Anyone missing the initial block of a module (40 percent or more of the

teaching time) may notjoin that course afterwards. Candidates should

plan travel, conference attendance and private schedules accordingly.

Students should also ensure that the examination weeks are kept free ofany competing engagements.

Students missing sessions must make their own arrangements to obtain

material they have missed. Semester timetables should be consulted well in advance. These are postedon Vula.

Communication Primary communication with students about a module will take place via

VULA and email or in class, as arranged by the module convenor. It is

essential that the correct email address used by candidates appears

on all lists.

Students should ensure that the programme administrator has all theircontact details, including any change in email address. Email

communication will also be used for programme level matters.

Assignments

There are two or three assignments per course, with hand in deadlines. Extensions must be sought in advance of the advertised deadline.

One week extensions may be granted by the assigning staff. There is no

extension (nor mark) beyond that date.


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Outside Electives

Students may take up to two elective courses outside the programme

modules. Please note that such electives are not administered through the

MPH programme. It is therefore the responsibility of interested students

to obtain administrative information from the relevant department. Approval to do such courses must be obtained in advance from the MPH

programme convenor, who will check equivalence (e.g. 120 notional

hours; assignments and examination). Courses done in the NorthAmerican system must carry a minimum of a 3 semester credit

weighting. Courses can be chosen from those offered by other UCT programmes (see

page 40 for examples), or as part of the University of the Western Cape

MPH. (Attendance at a short course, even if a week long, is not sufficient- the course must include a Masters level assessment).

Students must register and pay fees for these outside electives as required

by their institution. There is no provision for fee transfers.

Credits and Exemptions (a) Credits towards the degree, or (b) exemption (with substitution) from a

core module, based on Masters level courses passed elsewhere, may be

considered on production of appropriate documentation to the programmeconvenor. For credits, such courses must not have formed part of an

obtained qualification. This criterion does not apply to exemptions which

are aimed at avoiding duplication of prior study and do not reduce the

number of courses required.

Plagiarism

The University has strict rules against plagiarism, i.e. presenting the work

of others, including fellow students, as ones own withoutacknowledgement. This includes downloading text from the internet

without attribution. The subject of plagiarism, and how to avoid it, will be discussed at the

beginning of the programme and at points along the way.

Candidates will be expected to submit signed declarations with all writtenwork.

Plagiarised work will earn zero credit, and the student reported via the

University disciplinary process. This may result in a course failure, lossof financial support and/or expulsion. Convictions for plagiarism are

endorsed on academic transcripts.

Degree The specialisation track may be inscribed on the degree certificate, in

parentheses after "Master of Public Health" (See page 3).


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Student representation Each annual cohort is asked to elect representatives to pursue matters of

concern with convenors.

The university and faculty have a Postgraduate Students Association torepresent the interests of postgraduate students. Membership is

encouraged.

24/7 Computing facilities

The Barnard Fuller Laboratory (Level 1, alongside the Postgraduateseminar lecture rooms) is available for use by all students.

Students must use their UCT swipe card to gain access to the lab. Should

a card be left at home or not function, students can go to StudentAdministration to gain access.

The opening times are 24 hours a day, 364 days a year.

Wireless areas are being expanded across the campus.Parking

Student parking on campus is available at the standard university fee,

payable annually.

Punctuality and lecture courtesy

Please be seated with your notes open by the advertised starting time. It is

disruptive to have people walking in once the session has started.

All cell phones should be switched off or on silent during sessions. Eating during lectures is not permitted.Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits (South African)

30 points are awarded on graduation. This does not include ethics points


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Summarised University Language policy

(http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/intlapplicants/degree/applications/language/)

English Foreign Language (EFL) or Foreign Permanent (FP) applicants whose

primary language is not English are required to submit to one of the following:

A recent score of at least 570 (paper-based TOEFL test) or a score 230(computer-based TOEFL test or a score of 88 (Internet-based TOEFL

test). A recent test is a score that is obtained within 3 to 5 yearsbefore applying for admission to UCT.

A recent overall band score of 7.0 (with no individual element of thetest scoring below 6.0) on the International English Language Testing

System (IELTS);

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre at UCT which forms part of the Language Development Group inthe Academic Development Programme (Centre for Higher Education Development)

offers students assistance with academic writing. Please visit their website:

http://www.ched.uct.ac.za.

Candidates may be referred to the Writing Centre by staff on the basis of performancein written work during the programme.

Registration

All candidates including all dissertation only students must register promptly at thebeginning of each year. This is not discretionary. This applies even if the courses

commence only in the second semester. Unregistered students may be asked to leaveclass or be refused supervision. Fee penalties are levied for late registration and fees

charged retrospectively for any years missed.

Where a candidate is still completing coursework and does not intend to submit the

dissertation in that year, registration for the dissertation may be deferred to lateryears. This does not preclude a candidate from starting work on the dissertation and

being assigned a supervisor as soon as he or she is ready to do so. However,candidates must register for the dissertation in the year in which they intend to submit

their dissertation. This must be done by the February registration deadline.

Candidates must pay the full dissertation fee at least once. If registration for thedissertation is continued into a subsequent year, a rebate may be earned for

submission depending on the date of submission. (The year for submission

purposes extends to mid February of the following year). Dissertation onlystudents must, however, register and pay fees in every year in which the dissertation

remains uncompleted.


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Notice to Leave: Withdrawal of RegistrationStudents or their parents or guardians must give notice of intention to discontinue

studies in writing by completing the Cancellation of Registration Form and

submitting this to their Faculty Office in person or by registered mail.A reduction on the academic fees, less a minimum fee ofR400, may be considered in

special circumstances, depending on when the notice of intention to discontinue

studies is received by the Faculty Office.

Notice must be submitted before:

(i) Whole Year Course

22 February 2013 . 100% adjustment less the R400 minimum charge8 March 2013.. 50%

adjustment

(ii) First Semester Course

22 February 2013 .... 100% adjustment less R400 minimum charge8 March 2013 . 50% adjustment of the course fee.

(iii) Second Semester Courses31 July 2013..... 100% adjustment less the R400 minimum charge

14 August 2013 ... 50% adjustment of the course fee

No reduction will be granted if the notice of intention to discontinue studies isreceived after the above deadlines.

Note: These dates will be strictly adhered to.Any fees owing are due immediately on

cancellation of studies.

See also http://www.uct.ac.za/usr/finance/fees/fees2012.pdf Drop an IndividualCourse (Point 2.3). Candidates who cease attending a course yet either do not

formally withdraw or withdraw after the last date above will have an absent

recorded for that course in that year. This will appear on the official transcript even ifthe course is later successfully completed.


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Leave of absenceAny candidate seeking to break registration in any year must apply for leave of

absence in advance to the faculty officer and the programme convenor. This

application must be motivated and if accepted will be grantedfor one year only.

Retrospective leave of absence is not granted. In such cases, full payment of fees for

any missed years is required before re-registration.

3. GENERAL INFORMATION

3.1 Fees (See: http://www.uct.ac.za/usr/finance/fees/fees2012.pdf)

The Universitys course-based fee structures will enable students to accuratelycalculate the cost of their academic studies at UCT in 2013.

Students can use the course codes listed in this brochure to look up the all inclusivecost of the degree in the fees booklet.

(See: http://www.uct.ac.za/usr/finance/fees/fees2012.pdf). The sum of these costs willgive the total cost for the set of chosen courses.

Non-SADC international students* will be billed in South African Rand. An

international fee called the International Term Fee, will be charged in addition

to the individual fees. Both the International Term Fee plus the individual

course based fees must be paid prior to registration.

The full annual Term Fee is charged even if registration commences in the

second semester.

* An international student is someone who requires a study permit.

All students from outside South Africa and other SADC countries should refer to fees

for international students on page 14 of the Fees booklet on the website referred toabove.

3. 2. Financial assistanceInformation regarding scholarships and bursaries is available on request from the

Postgraduate Centre and Funding Office, University of Cape Town.

Tel: +27-21-650 3629Fax: +27-21-650 4352

Email: [email protected]: www.uct.ac.za/apply/funding/postgraduate/applications/
http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/funding/postgraduate/applications/http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/funding/postgraduate/applications/


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There are a number of University administered Masters level scholarships for which

both entering candidates and those already in the programme may apply. Deadlines

are typically six months to one year in advance. Applications for the programme

must be submitted by new applicants in parallel with any scholarship applications.

International students can make application for scholarships via the International

Academic Programmes Office (IAPO). Forms will be available on the IAPO website:

http://www.uct.ac.za/about/iapo/overview/intro/You should apply for these as soon as possible.

3. 3. Residence accommodation

This is limited and preference is given to South African students.

All inquiries about housing should be directed to:Zaheda Hendricks

Student Admissions and Advocacy Services

Student Housing and Residence LifeUniversity of Cape Town

Ph: +27-21- 650 2984Fax: +27-21- 650 4014

Email: [email protected]

3. 4. Study permits for international students

International students must obtain a study permit before entering South Africa. Please

consult the nearest South African embassy/consulate well in advance. Further

information for international students studying at UCT is available from the IAPO.Tel: +27- 21- 650 3740Email: [email protected]

3. 5. All MPH enquiriesThe MPH Administrator (Mrs Zerina Davis)

School of Public Health and Family Medicine (Room 4.36, University of Cape Town,Health Sciences Faculty,

Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa

Ph: +27 - 21 - 406 6578.Fax: +27 - 21 - 406 6495.


Web: http://www.publichealth.uct.ac.za/
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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4. COURSES (MODULES)

4.1 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIETY (PPH7016F)

Convenors

Dr. Christopher J Colvin, MPH (UCT), PhD (Virginia), School of PublicHealth and Family Medicine, UCT

Prof. Howard Phillips, BA (Hons) (UCT), MA (London), PhD (UCT),

Department of Historical Studies, UCTStructure

Compulsory for General, Epidemiology and Health Systems tracks. Semester 1

One half-week block in January / February

One two hour session approximately every second week during thesemester.

Skill objectivesIn this course, students will develop a broad understanding of the field of public

health. By the end of the course students should be able to: Describe how the idea of public health has changed over time, depending

on its particular socio-historical and scientific context.

Describe how public health has been taught in universities and translatedinto legislation over time.

Describe the major disciplinary contributions, key concepts, and core

research tools that are central to public health knowledge and practice.

Describe the state of the publics health in South Africa, with specialreference to the distribution, causes and control of race, class, gender andgeographic disparities in health.

Describe opportunities and challenges for public health interventions

beyond the biological, in the context of health systems, communities,cultures, political and economic structures, and the environment.

Use this multi-disciplinary and multi-levelled approachthe publichealth perspectiveto develop a richer understanding of health problems

and the ways that public health knowledge and practice can address these

problems.

Content

The course will consist of two related components. The first will provide an historicalanalysis of the concept of public health and the growth and development of a public

health movement in Europe and South Africa. The second will consider the manytools and theories the field of public health uses to understand the causes and

distribution of health and illnesses as well as the ways public health professionals

intervene to improve population health.


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RequirementsAs for degree (see section 2.2)

4.2. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS (PPH7070S)

Convenor

Prof. Rodney Ehrlich, BBusSc, MBChB, (Cape Town), DOH (Wits),

FFCH (SA), FCPHM (SA) (OccMed), PhD (Cape Town), School ofPublic Health and Family Medicine, UCT

Structure

Compulsory for General, Epidemiology, Community Eye Health and

Health Economics tracks Semester 2

One half week block in July

One 2 hour session approximately every second week during semester.

Skill objectives To enable candidates to prepare research proposals on public health or

health service problems that utilise quantitative methods, and to carry out

such research with appropriate supervision To enable candidates to cooperate as a team in research protocol

development

To improve logical writing skills.

Content The research protocol

Research ethics

Literature review; defining the question Scope of public health research and overview of study design (revision)

Population, sampling and subject selection; sample size calculation Measurement: questionnaires; validity and reliability

Data management and analysis; use of appropriate software

Writing, reporting and presentation (with the UCT Centre for HigherEducation Development).



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4.3. INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY (PPH7018F)

ConvenorAnna Grimsrud, BSc (Alberta), MPH (Cape Town), School of Public Health and

Family Medicine, UCT

Structure

Compulsory for General, Epidemiology, Community Eye Health, ClinicalResearch and Health Systems tracks

Semester 1 One half week block in January/February

One two hour session approximately every second week during the

semester.

Skill objectives

The course aims to introduce the basic principles and methods of epidemiology.At the end of the course candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

The nature and uses of epidemiology The strengths and limitations of epidemiological study designs

The epidemiological approach to defining and measuring the occurrence

of health-related states in the population The epidemiological approach to assessing study validity and disease

causation.

Content Definition and history of epidemiology Basic measures of disease occurrence and disease association

Types of study design

Random error, bias and confounding Introduction to demography and standardization

Epidemiology in prevention and screening Causal inference in epidemiology

Introduction to critical appraisal of the literature, and environmental,

occupational and infectious disease epidemiology.RequirementsAs for degree (see section 2.2)


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4.4. BIOSTATISTICS I (PPH7021F)

Convenor (Acting) Rauf Sayed, BSc (Hons), MSc (Karachi), Senior Biometrician, School of

Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT

Structure

Compulsory for General, Epidemiology, Community Eye Health andClinical Research tracks

Semester 1 One half week block in January/February

One two hour session approximately every second week during the

semester.

Skill objectives

This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of biostatistics and a guideon how to compute the most commonly used descriptive and inferential statistical

procedures, to enable candidates to understand and interpret basic statistical results.

Content

Types of data, measures of central tendency, dispersion and graphicalmethods

Theoretical probability distributionsNormal and Binomial distribution

Sampling distribution and confidence intervals

Hypothesis testing, power and sample size estimation Analysis of numerical and categorical outcomes comparisons of meansand proportions

Nonparametric methods

Assessing agreementkappa statistic One-Way Analysis of Variance

Correlationrelationship between numerical variables.

Requirements

As for degree (see section 2.2)


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4.5. INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND

EVALUATION (PPH7084F)

ConvenorProf. Lucy Gilson, BA (Hons) (Oxon), MA (East Anglia), PhD (London), School of

Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT, and London School of Hygiene andTropical Medicine, United Kingdom

StructureCompulsory for Health Systems track

Semester 2One half week block in January/February followed by sessions

approximately every second week during semester.

Skill objectives

By the end of the course participants should be able to:

Define a health system and outline the main approaches to analysing anddescribing the dimensions of a health system

Describe how health policy and systems research are similar to or different

from other approaches to research covered in the MPH

Formulate a relevant health policy or systems research question that is

descriptive, explanatory or explanatory in nature

Apply appropriate study designs to answering health policy and systems

research questions that include the following: case study, cross sectional,

longitudinal, experimental and ethnographic designs and programme

evaluationApply appropriate conceptual frameworks and methods to investigating

health policy and systems research questions

Write a research protocol relevant to health policy and systems research.

Content

Conceptualising health systems Different disciplinary perspectives on health systems dimensions and

challenges Appropriate study designs and analytical approaches for health systems

research

Critical qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis approaches Approaches to programme monitoring and evaluation Research protocol development for health systems research.

Requirements: As for degree. (see section 2.2)


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4.6. HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING (PPH7041S)

Convenor Prof. Lucy Gilson, BA (Hons) (Oxon), MA (East Anglia), PhD (London),

School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT, and London School of

Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom

Co-Convenor

Ms. Marsha Orgill, BAdmin (Hons) (UWC), MPhil (Cape Town), School ofPublic Health and Family Medicine, UCT

Structure

Compulsory for Health Economics and Health Systems tracks

Semester 2 One half week block in July

One 2 hour session every second week during semester.

New skills objectives

At the end of the module participants should be able to: Demonstrate understanding of the purpose, nature and processes of health policy

and planning

Recognise the socio-political influences over these processes Conduct comprehensive analyses of policy development and implementation

processes, including stakeholder analysis

Demonstrate understanding of approaches to priority setting for health and

equity; Appreciate the key dimensions of critical health policy issues Recognise the critical elements of strategic management important in health

policy implementation, including actor management strategies

Develop advocacy and knowledge translation strategies relevant in influencinghealth policy change.

Content

Introduction to health policy and policy analysis: what is it and why do we need

it? What influences policy change: Understanding actors and power

Doing and using stakeholder analysis

Agenda setting, advocacy and policy influencing strategies The role of centrally led processes in implementing policy change

Street level bureaucracy and implementation experience at the front line of healthsystems.

Requirements: As for degree (see section 2.2).


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4.7. BIOSTATISTICS II (STA5055S)

ConvenorAssoc. Prof. Francesca Little, MSc (Cape Town), PhD (Cape Town), Department of

Statistical Sciences, UCT.

Structure

Compulsory for Epidemiology, Community Eye Health and Clinical Research

Tracks Semester 2

One half week block in July One 2 hour session approximately every second week during the semester.

Skill objectives To equip candidates with a good understanding of modelling the relationship

between a response and a set of risk factors, so as to be able to perform such

analyses themselves using sophisticated statistical software.

Content Multiple linear regression for modelling and identifying the relationship between

a continuous response and a set of risk factors

Logistic regression for modelling and analysing the relationship between adichotomous indicator of disease status and a set of risk factors.

Requirements

A minimum of a 65% pass in Biostatistics I (PPH7021F) Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018F) Candidates failing Biostatistics II will be allowed to repeat the course only at the

discretion of the course convenor. Candidates registered for a track in the MPH

programme for which the course is compulsory will have a higher priority forreadmission than those seeking to repeat the course as an elective.

4.8. BIOSTATISTICS III (STA5056F)

Convenor

Assoc. Prof. Francesca Little, MSc (Cape Town), PhD (Cape Town), Department ofStatistical Sciences, UCT.

Structure Compulsory for Epidemiology and Clinical Research Tracks

Semester 1 One half-week block in February

One two hour session approximately every second week during the semester.


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Skill objectives

To provide candidates with a thorough understanding of the analysis of time-to-

event data and a capability to perform such analyses themselves

To introduce students to other more advanced statistical methods relevant to

medical research, so that they are aware of their availability for application tospecific problems in medical research.

Course content Survival analysistechniques for the analysis of time-to-event data

Logistic regression for classification Logistic regression for ordinal and polytomous data

The analysis of longitudinal data

An overview of further statistical methods in health research.

Requirements

Biostatistics II (STA5055S)

Recommended (e.g. concurrently) Advanced Epidemiology (PPH7029H)

4.9. ADVANCED EPIDEMIOLOGY (PPH7029F)

Convenor

Assoc. Prof. L. Myer, BA (Brown), MA, MBChB, (Cape Town), MPhil, PhD

(Columbia), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT.

Structure Compulsory for Epidemiology and Clinical Research tracks

Semester 1

One half-week block in January / February Face to face learning sessions during the semester approximately every second

week supplemented by notes and discussion board learning on VULA.

Skill objectives

To provide candidates with a deeper understanding of quantitative research conceptslearned in the Introduction to Epidemiology course such as:

Causation, measures of occurrence, and measures of association

A framework for understanding the relationships between observational andexperimental study designs, and an understanding of how different observational

designs are inter-related An appreciation of the role of variable measurement in research, with emphasis

on bias and misclassification and their effects


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A deeper understanding of confounding and how confounding is controlled in

epidemiological research, and of the uses and limitations of matching in

analytical studies

A deeper understanding of intermediate variables and the role of intermediate

variables in investigating the determinants of disease A deeper understanding of effect modification/interaction, including the

relevance of these concepts to public health and the difficulties in identifying

these phenomena in data The ability to integrate and apply different epidemiological concepts to provide

a thorough critique of study design, conduct and analysis.

Content

Overview of study design and epidemiologic principles Measures of occurrence & effect

Approaches to the assessment of causality

Cohort studies and randomised control trials Case control and cross-sectional studies: appropriate effect measures

Bias and validity Confounding (including standardisation)

Effect measure modification

Matching Critical appraisal.

Requirements

A pass of at least 65% inIntroduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018H).. Biostatistics I (PPH7021F) (completed), Biostatistics II (STA5055S) (completed or co-enrolled) One or more of:

- Evidence Based Health Care (PPH7022S)

- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (PPH7063S)- Epidemiology of Non-communicable diseases (PPH7065S)

Regular access to a computer and internet at home and/or on campus is essentialto make use of online course materials and teaching resources.


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4.10. EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTH CARE (PPH7022S)

Convenor Mr. James Irlam, BSc(Med) (Hons), MPhil (Cape Town), Senior Lecturer,

Primary Health Care Directorate, UCT

Structure

Compulsory for Clinical Research Track

Semester 2 One half week block in July

One 2 hour session approximately every second week during the semester.

Skill objectives

To enable candidates to convert health care information needs into answerablequestions, identify the best evidence with which to answer them, critically appraise

the evidence for validity and usefulness, and apply the evidence in health care

practice and policy.

Content Formulating answerable questions

Evaluating articles about treatment or prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, harm,

clinical decision analysis and clinical practice guidelines Systematic reviews and meta-analysis

The use of measures for health care decision making, such as relative risk

reduction, absolute risk reduction, numbers needed to treat, likelihood ratios,

and post-test probability Development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines.

Requirements

A pass of at least 55% in Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018H).

Recommended

Biostatistics I (PPH7021F)

Experience in clinical practice or health policy.


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4.11. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (PPH7063S)

Convenor Assoc. Prof.. David Coetzee, BA (Cape Town), MBChB (Wits), DOH (Wits),

DPH (Wits), DTM&H (Wits), FFCH (SA), MS (Epidemiology) (Columbia),

School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT.

Structure

Elective Semester 2

One half week block in July One two hour session approximately every second week during the semester.

Skill objectivesBy the end of the course candidates should be able to:

Apply descriptive epidemiology to communicable diseases and outbreak

situations Discuss how observational studies are used to investigate causation

Discuss transmission dynamics and mathematical modelling of epidemics Discuss routine and sentinel surveillance

Discuss how experimental studies are used to evaluate efficacy and effectiveness

of treatment and control measures Discuss the epidemiology of vaccination

Apply epidemiology to specific communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS,

tuberculosis (TB), sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) and childhood

communicable diseases.

Content

Commonly used terms and definitions, descriptive epidemiology, outbreak

investigation, observational studies, causation, study designs, clinical epidemiology,survival analysis, transmission dynamics, mathematical modelling, surveillance,

vaccination efficacy and effectiveness, epidemiology applied to HIV/AIDS, TB, STIsand childhood communicable diseases.

RequirementsA pass of at least 55% in Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018F).


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4.12. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (PPH7065S)

Convenor Prof Rodney Ehrlich, BBusSc, MBChB, (Cape Town), DOH (Wits), FFCH

(SA), FCPHM (SA) (Occ Med), PhD (Cape Town), School of Public Health and

Family Medicine, UCT.

Structure

Elective Semester 2

One half-week block in July One two hour session every second week during semester.

Skill objectivesBy the end of the course candidates should be able to:

Interpret the population burden of non-communicable disease measures and data Use appropriate conceptual frameworks to study and understand non-communicable

disease, occurrence and control at individual and population level

Demonstrate familiarity with methodological issues and epidemiological methods inthe study of non-communicable disease.

Evaluate different interventions at individual, community and societal level toprevent and control chronic disease including screening and surveillance.

Content

Burden of non-communicable disease; Conceptual frameworks for studying chronic

disease causation and control; Epidemiologic transition in relation to risk factors forthe major chronic diseases, e.g. nutrition, obesity, physical exercise, alcohol andtobacco use as well as upstream factors such as food policy and the built

environment; Integrated health services interventions; Genetics and public health;

Epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, cancer, mentalill-health, injuries and environmental and occupational hazards.

Requirements

A pass of at least 55% in Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH 7018F).


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4.13. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY (PPH7086S)

Convenor Assoc. Prof. Landon Myer, BA (Brown) MA MBChB (UCT) MPhil PhD

(Columbia), School of Public Health & Family Medicine, UCT

Structure

Compulsory for Clinical Research track. Admission is generally restricted to

Clinical Research Track students. Other students wishing to register for thismodule require convenor permission.

Semester 2 16 two-hour sessions mixing didactic lectures, small group work, and

discussion; supplemented by (a) weekly readings and (b) Vula-based discussion

and notes.

Skill objectives

To provide students with a close understanding of patient-oriented clinicalresearch methods, with emphasis on topics that are unique to clinical research.

To enable students to work independently on the design, conduct and analysis ofclinical research studies.

ContentThe course content will focus on a series of key issues in patient-oriented clinical

research methods, including:

Linking clinical practice and patient-oriented research

Methods for and challenges in the evaluation of new clinical interventions usingobservational, quasi-experimental and experimental designsThe design, conduct and analysis of randomized clinical trials

Issues in the sampling of patients from larger populations

Pharmacoepidemiology (epidemiologic methods to study the use and effects ofpharmaceuticals)

Measurement issues in patient-oriented research, including working withroutinely-collected clinical data

Concepts of risk in clinical research and probability-based prediction of clinical

outcomesCritical evaluation of diagnostic tests and the use of multiple clinical tests for

decision making

Special ethical issues encountered in patient-oriented research.

The course will draw on examples from a range of clinical disciplines, and willintegrate conceptual learning with practical analytical examples in STATA.


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This course is not intended to be a stand-alone course in clinical research. Instead it is

designed to complement and build on the other epidemiology and biostatistics

courses taught in the programme (spiral learning).

RequirementsIntroduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018f)

Advanced Epidemiology (PPH7029f)

Biostatistics I (PPH7021F)Biostatistics II (STA5055S)

Biostatistics III (STA5056F)Evidence Based Health Care (PPH7022S)

4.14. SEMINARS IN CLINICAL RESEARCH (PPH7083W)

(Will not be offered after 2013)

Convenor

Assoc. Prof. Landon Myer, BA (Brown), MA, MBChB (Cape Town), MPhil, PhD(Columbia), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT

StructureCompulsory for Clinical Research track; not open to other students

Semesters 1-2 (Register in semester 1 of year 2)

16 two-hour sessions mixing student presentations with critical discussion and

didactic seminars, supplemented by Vula-based readings and discussion

Skill objectives

To support students in the design, conduct and analysis of their dissertations and

related research by presenting their research proposal and preliminary data forcritical discussion

To develop specific competencies for clinical researchers not covered elsewhere

in the MPH programme, including: grant writing; writing and publishing journal

articles; integrating clinical and research careers; working in multidisciplinarysettings including translational research.

Content

The year-long course serves as an ongoing seminar series linking individual

modules and the dissertation components of the Clinical Research track

Sixteen 2-hour seminars are held during the year, divided between (a) student

research presentations and (b) seminars covering special topics in clinicalresearch


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The student presentations will consist of 45-minute presentations of research

undertaken towards the dissertation

Students will be required to hand in their presentation (in the form of either aproposal or preliminary manuscript) to be distributed to the class in advance

The written material and presentation will be critiqued by other students in thecourse as well as outside assessors from time to time

Special topics in clinical research will include

- Developing clinical research careers- Writing and publishing a journal article- Translational research- Grant writing

Assessment is by the written proposal and presentation (50%); journal article

(40%) and class participation (10%)

Prerequisites

Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018F)Biostatistics I (PPH7021F)


Evidence Based Health Care (PPH7022S)

4.15. SEMINARS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY (PPH7090F/S)

ConvenorAssoc. Prof. Landon Myer, BA (Brown), MA, MBChB (Cape Town), MPhil, PhD

(Columbia), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT

StructureOnly open to students in Epidemiology and Clinical Research tracks

Semesters 1-2 (Register in semester 1 of year 2)20 two-hour sessions mixing student reading presentations and sample analyses

with critical discussion and didactic seminars, supplemented by Vula-basedreadings and discussion

Skill objectivesTo provide a working understanding of advanced epidemiological principles

and proficiency in advanced epidemiological analytic methods, including:causal modelling, including the application of marginal structural models;

infectious diseases modelling; directed acyclic graphs and estimator biases;

instrumental variables, propensity scoring and alternative methods foradjusting for confounding.

Content


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The purpose of Seminars in Epidemiology is to provide select MPH candidates

in the Epidemiology track with advanced training in epidemiological methods.

The course is structured as a reading and tutorial seminar over one semester that

provides students with understanding of recent developments in epidemiological

principles as well as proficiency in advanced epidemiological analytic methods.Students will meet the convenor or designated lecturer for weekly 2-hour

sessions, and are expected to undertake an additional 4-6 hours of reading or

demonstration analyses each week.Admission is only by prior arrangement with the track convenor.

Assessment is by student critical reading summaries and class participation(33%); a student project based on coursework (33%) and final examination (34%)

Prerequisites

Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018F)

Advanced Epidemiology

Biostatistics I (PPH7021F)


Biostatistics III (STA5055S)

4.16. QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR HEALTH ECONOMISTS

(PPH7064F)*

Convenor

Dr. Olufunke A Alaba, BSc (Ado-Ekiti), MSc (Ibadan), PhD (Ibadan), School of

Public Health & Family Medicine, UCT

Structure Restricted to candidates in the Health Economics track

Semester 1

One half week block in January/February One two hour session approximately every second week during semester.

Skill objectives

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of statistics andquantitative techniques as they apply to health economics. At the end of the course,students should have acquired good understanding of basic statistics and the

essentials of econometrics. They should also be able to perform specific

mathematical, statistical and econometric operations on health data. Different datasets will be used throughout the module.

Content


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Descriptive statistics

Introduction to probability theory and probability distributions

Estimation: standard errors, variance, confidence intervals

Hypothesis testing

Indices and concentration curves Regression analysis and modelling

Diagnostic tests for regression models

Discrete choice models Principal components analysis

Distribution equityconcentration curves

Requirements

Entry: As for Health Economics track (see section 2.2)

4.17. THE ECONOMICS OF HEALTH SYSTEMS (PPH7077S)

ConvenorDr Ayako Honda, BA (Sophia,Tokyo), MSc (Tokyo), PhD (London), Lecturer,

School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT.

Structure

Compulsory for Health Economics track Semester 2 One half week block in July One two hour session approximately every second week during the semesterSkill objectivesHealth systems, which comprise all organisations, institutions and resources devoted

to producing actions whose primary intent is to improve health, are located within a

countrys macroeconomic, public policy and social environment, which is furthersurrounded by the global economy and environment. Health systems provide three

main functions: governance, financing and service delivery, all of which closelyinteract. The Economics of Health Systems module looks at health systems from a

broader economic perspective. Given that other modules cover issues of governance

and certain aspects of service delivery functions, this module places emphasis on thefinancing functions of health systems and related issues.

Contents

Introduction: Health systems, contexts and complexityFinancing health systems: Overview of the functions of health care financing

Strengthening domestic financing and risk pooling

Purchasing health care services


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Health care financing in Sub-Saharan Africaoverview and case studies

Universal coverage

Financing the institutional framework for the health system

Access to health care

Social determinants of healthPublic and private provision of health care

Globalisation and health: WTO and health care

National health accountsFinancing and benefit incidence.

Requirements

As for degree (see section 2.2) Computer literacy: Microsoft Excel competence required

4.18. THEORY AND APPLICATION OF ECONOMIC EVALUATION IN

HEALTH CARE (PPH7039F)

Convenor

Assoc. Prof Susan Cleary, BA (Rhodes), MA (Cape Town), PhD (Cape Town),School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT

Structure Compulsory for Health Economics track Semester 1 One half week block in January/February

One two hour session approximately every second week during the semester

Skill objectives

This module aims to enable students to understand and apply current methods in the

economic evaluation of health care programmes and interventions. The main skillobjectives are:

To gain insights into the theory underlying the application of economicevaluation to health care programmes and interventions

To develop an understanding of economic evaluation methodologies

To develop skills in designing and conducting cost, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility and cost-benefit analyses with the aim of informing policy formulation

and implementation.

Contents

Introduction to economic evaluation Costing in economic evaluation

Discounting and annuitisation

Outcome measurement and valuation


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Cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-benefit analyses

Decision making

Uncertainty in economic evaluation

Modelling in economic evaluation

Ethical issues in economic evaluation Role of economic evaluation in health care.


Computer literacy: Microsoft Excel skills required.

4.19. MICROECONOMICS FOR THE HEALTH SECTOR (PPH7050F)

ConvenorMs. Veloshnee Govender, MPH (Health Economics) (Cape Town), MPH

(International Health), (Boston), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT

Structure

Compulsory for Health Economics track Semester 1

One half week block in January/February

One two hour session approximately every second week during the semester

Skill objective

To apply the theory and principles of microeconomics to health and health care,

including the analysis of the structure and characteristics of the health care market,noting the differences between the market for health care and traditional markets ineconomics with a view to informing health care planning and policy.

Content Introduction to microeconomics

Definition, scope and role of microeconomics in the health sector The market for health care and the public sector

Individual and household demand for health and health care

Household-level analyses: the medical poverty trap and related issues Need, agency theory and supplier-induced demand

Taxation, health and health care

Models of the market for medical goods and pharmaceuticals Health care production and cost functions

Efficiency in health care provision Health insurance contracts and incentive effects.

Requirements


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As for Health Economics track (see section 2.2), preferably with a background in

economics or health related research.

4.20. PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS (PPH7053S)

(NOT OFFERED IN 2013)

Convenor

Prof. Leslie London, BSc(Med) (Hons), MBChB (Cape Town), MMed, DOH

(Witwatersrand) MD (Comm. Health), School of Public Health and FamilyMedicine, UCT

Co-convenor

Ms. Pat Mayers, BA Nursing (Stellenbosch), BCur (UNISA), MSc(Med) (Psych)

(Cape Town), Division of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health andRehabilitation Sciences, UCT

Structure Elective

Semester 2 One half-week block in July

One two hour session every second week during the second semester.

Skill Objectives

The module will take students through an introduction to human rights and its

relevance to public health. Students will be given opportunities to develop critical

skills to analyse public health policies from a human rights perspective, andunderstand how trade-offs should be made between public health and individualentitlements within a human rights framework. Important debates in the human rights

literature will be aired, particularly through the use of South African case studies, so

that students can apply these insights in their current and future work. Students willcover the international and national frameworks for human rights, particularly the

human rights dimensions of South Africas constitution and its post apartheid legalframework. Case studies involving different vulnerable groups will be explored. The

module will aim to enhance students capacity to be self reflective in dealing with

public health problems, and to apply human rights approaches to their resolution.

Content

Theoretical and historical background to human rights International and national human rights instruments and institutions

Contemporary debates in defining human rights and their implementability The relationship of human rights to health

The right to health, and of access to health care in national and international law;

health as a socioeconomic right


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When it may be legitimate to restrict rights and the public health rationale

Instruments to examine the human rights impact of public health policies, and to

incorporate human rights in public health planning and practice

Vulnerable groups, human rights and health

Rights of health care users Dual loyalty, whistle-blowing and health rights

Trade policies and practices, intellectual property, human rights and public

health.


4.21 GENDER AND HEALTH (PPH7054S)

Convener:

Dr Jane Harries, BA Hons, MPhil, MPH, PhD (Cape Town), Womens health

Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town.

Assoc.Prof. D Cooper, B.Soc. Sci., BA Hons, PhD (Cape Town)

Structure Semester 2 One half week block in July One two hour seminar approximately every second week during the semesterSkill Objectives

The course will be used for candidates interested in understanding the impact ofgender on health, health care, and health systems. The course content providesstudents with the tools and perspectives to promote equity goals pertaining to

womens and mens health within the broad arena of public health.

Content The gendered stratification of societies and its differential impact on womens

and mens health

Global patterns in gender and health Gender and health in South Africa Changing practices: strategic and practical approaches to gender and health.Specific topics will be used to examine the impact of gender and health. These

include: Gender and sexual and reproductive health Gender and HIV/AIDS Gender, work and health


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Gender-based violence Gender and termination of pregnancy Gender and mental health4.22. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS (PPH7071F)

Convener

Dr. Christopher J. Colin, MPH (Cape Town), PhD (Virginia), School of Public

Health and Family Medicine, (Cape Town)

Structure Compulsory for Health Systems track

Semester 1

A half-week block in January / February One two hour session approximately every second week during the semester

Skill ObjectivesTo enable candidates to:

Identify and describe key concepts and theories related to qualitative inquiry,study design, data collection methods, analysis, and report writing

Develop basic qualitative research designs of their own and interpret and

evaluate qualitative research reports and articles in the public health literature Explain how qualitative and quantitative research studies differ and when it is

appropriate/necessary to use qualitative methods in public health research

Understand the basics of computer-aided qualitative data management and

analysis Understand the ethical and logistical issues involved in qualitative research.

Content

Conceptual/theoretical foundations of qualitative research Relationship/differences between qualitative and quantitative research designs

and theoretical perspectives Qualitative data collection methods and study designs (e.g. in-depth interviews,

focus group discussions, participant-observation, document reviews)

Qualitative data analysis and interpretation of data (including introduction tocomputer-aided data management and analysis)

Formats and strategies for write-up, reporting and dissemination of qualitative

research results Ethical issues in qualitative research

Evaluating the quality of qualitative research projects.

Requirements:

As for degree (see section 2.2)


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4.23. COMMUNITY EYE HEALTH 1 (PPH6022F)

ConvenorProf. Colin Cook, MBChB (Cape Town), MPH (Cape Town), FCOphthSA,

FRCOphth., Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, UCT

Structure

Compulsory for Community Eye Health track Semester 1 A 2 week block in February; week 1principles of prevention of blindness; week

2 - cataract blindness Two assignments during the semester and end of course examination.Skill Objectives To enable candidates to: Understand the magnitude, causes, and alternative control strategies for the major Blinding eye diseases in the world and in Africa Understand the components of the WHO / IAPB Vision 2020 initiative Understand the principles of programme planning Conduct a situational analysis of the needs and resources for a programme Understand the risk factors and pathophysiology of cataract Understand the different models of cataract surgical service delivery Understand the principles of the control of cataract blindness Design a programme outline for the control of cataract blindness.

Content Definition of blindness and low vision Magnitude and causes of blindness Control of blindness Vision 2020 Programme planning Programme monitoring Cataract prevalence and incidence Cataract surgery rate Cataract surgery barriers Cataract surgery capacity Cataract surgery costs Monitoring of cataract services.Requirements:As for degree (see section 2.2)


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4.24. COMMUNITY EYE HEALTH 2 (PPH6023F)

ConvenorProf. Colin Cook, MBChB (Cape Town), MPH (Cape Town), FCOphthSA,

FRCOphth., Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, UCT

Structure

Compulsory for Community Eye Health track Semester 1 A 2 week block in February; week 1childhood blindness, refractive error, low

vision; week 2other blinding eye diseases Two assignments during the semester and end of course examinationSkill Objectives To enable candidates to: Understand the risk factors and pathophysiology of the major blinding diseases of

childhood and of refractive error, and the causes of low vision Understand the principles of the control of childhood blindness and visual

impairment due to refractive error and low vision Design a programme outline for the control of childhood blindness, refractive

error, and low vision

Understand the risk factors and pathophysiology of each of trachoma, glaucoma,diabetic retinopathy, and onchocerciasis

Understand the principles of the control of blindness due to trachoma, glaucoma,diabetic retinopathy, and onchocerciasis

Design a programme outline for the control of blindness and visual loss due toeach of trachoma, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

Content

Definition, magnitude, and aetiology of childhood blindness Paediatric cataract Paediatric corneal scar Retinopathy of prematurity Childhood blindness control Definition and magnitude of refractive error Refractive error school screening Refractive error planning for Vision 2020 Low vision management Low vision services Low vision planning for Vision 2020 Trachoma clinical overview and control Glaucoma clinical overview and control Diabetic retinopathy clinical overview and control


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Onchocerciasis clinical overview and control.Requirements:As for degree (see section 2.2)

4.25 PRACTICUM IN PUBLIC HEALTH (PPH7089F/S)

Convenor

Prof. Leslie London, BSc(Med) (Hons), MBChB (Cape Town), MMed, DOH(Witwatersrand) MD (Comm. Health), School of Public Health and Family

Medicine, UCT

Structure

Elective, restricted to a maximum of four candidates annually

Timing will be flexible depending on host needs and candidate

availability

The candidate will be expected to spend 120 notional hours during either

semester 1 or semester 2 (or across both semesters) on the practicum

including service work, approved self-learning, andwriting/communication.

Selection will be conducted by the course convenor in consultation with

the host.

Skill objectives

The purpose of the Practicum in Public Health is to provide candidates with an

experience of practical application of public health skills in a community,organisational or other service context. Each practicum attachment will havespecific learning outcomes that relate to the placement. The outcomes will reflect

(a) ability to apply public health skills to a client/organisational problem; (b)

ability to adapt to a service setting and meet client need; and (c) ability to

process and communicate the practical experience.AssessmentThis will include:

Continuous reflective journalOral presentation of the project output

Written project report, including description of the organisation and

genesis of the project

Assessment by practicum host of students performance.



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5. EXAMPLES OF OUTSIDE ELECTIVES

1. Various

School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape

Contact: Corinne CarolissenTel: +27-21-959 2166


2. See also UCT Graduate School in Humanities handbook. Website:

http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/handbooks/

Note:

Prior permission must be obtained from the MPH programme convenor to take any of

these or other potential electives identified by the candidate for credit. The MPH

programme carries no responsibility for the administration of these courses. Fees

payable are determined by the faculty/institution offering the elective. Candidatesmust arrange for their marks to be communicated directly by the department offering

the course to the Programme Administrator.

Courses taken without prior approval may be refused credit.
http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/handbooks/http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/handbooks/


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6. TRACK DESCRIPTIONS

GENERAL TRACK

Track convenor: Prof. R. EhrlichThe General track allows candidates the maximum choice of electives (five). It

will therefore suit candidates who are seeking a broad spread of subjects in

Public Health rather than a specialisation focus. It will also suit candidatesunder time constraint to complete the course work who may not be able to

complete all the subjects required for a specialisation track in the time they haveavailable.

Candidates may switch from the Epidemiology, Health Systems or ClinicalResearch track to the General track at any stage with the permission of the

programme convenor. Conversely, candidates wishing to switch from the

General track to any of the above tracks may apply to the relevant trackconvenor. Acceptance will be subject to existing track enrolment and

performance of the candidate on relevant preparatory courses.

Candidates may complete their dissertation in any suitable subject area within

Public Health.


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EXAMPLEOF TWO YEARCOURSEWORK TIMETABLE:

GENERAL TRACK

2011

Semester 1 Public Health and

Society

Introduction to

Epidemiology

Biostatistics 1 * *

Semester 2 * * Quantitative

ResearchMethods

* * * *

2012

Semester 1 Introduction to HealthSystems Research and

Evaluation *

* * * * * *

Semester 2 Health Policyand Planning *

* * * * * *

The unstarred courses are compulsory.

* Alternates for fifth compulsory course

** Potential slots for 5 electives** Health Economics courses may be chosen as electives subject to entry

requirementsfor each course.

Note: Candidates may do up to five courses per semester, although this is verydemanding, and is subject to there not being timetable clashes.


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EPIDEMIOLOGY SPECIALISATION TRACK

Track convenor: Assoc. Prof. L. Myer

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of risk factors,disease and injury, and of the means to prevent and control them. It is a core

science of public health. Biostatistics is the application of statistical techniques

to problems in the health sciences, including the design of studies, summarisationand analysis of data and the interpretation of results for purposes of inference.

The Epidemiology track is aimed at candidates with strong quantitative interests

and skills who wish to obtain a Masters degree primarily in Epidemiology. Of the

ten courses required, they will complete four courses in Epidemiology, three inBiostatistics and one in Quantitative Research Methods. This will suit candidates

who envisage a career in epidemiologic research, including advance to doctoral

work using epidemiologic methods. It will also be of value to those who seekskills in understanding and synthesising epidemiological reports, but who may not

necessarily become researchers.

The track may be of interest to clinicians who want to enhance their research skills

and acquire a public health perspective at the same time, although cliniciansinterested primarily in clinical research should consider the Clinical Research

track.

The Biostatistics courses are a complement to the Epidemiology training and donot offer the equivalent of a Masters in Biostatistics.

Candidates who wish to be admitted to the Epidemiology track will need to

provide evidence of quantitative skills in their previous training. Admission tosecond level Epidemiology courses is subject to a minimum of 55% pass in the

introductory level subjects. Admission to Advanced Epidemiology requires aminimum pass of 65% in Introduction to Epidemiology. Admission to

Biostatistics II requires a minimum pass of 65% on Biostatistics I. Candidates

who do not meet these requirements will have to switch to the General track.

To complete this track, candidates must use epidemiologic methods in their

dissertation. This is interpreted to include a wide range of quantitative methods.Candidates should seek advice from the track convenor if they are unsure about

the suitability of a proposed dissertation.


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EXAMPLE OF TWO YEAR COURSE WORK TIMETABLE :

EPIDEMIOLOGY TRACK

2011

Semester 1 Public Health and

Society

Biostatistics 1 Introduction to

Epidemiology

Semester Biostatistics II QuantitativeResearchMethods

* * * *

2012

Semester 1 Biostatistics III AdvancedEpidemiology

Introduction toHealth Systems

Research and

Evaluation *

Semester * * * * Health Policyand Planning *

* *

The unstarred courses are compulsory.

* Alternates for fifth compulsory course

* * Any two ofEvidence Based Health Care, Epidemiology of Non-CommunicableDiseases, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, or Seminars in Epidemiology

(Semester 2)


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HEALTH ECONOMICS TRACK

Track convenor: Dr. A. Honda

The MPH Health Economics track examines health systems from both the

macro- and micro-economics perspectives. The curriculum focuses on health

systems in the African context and, while theoretical components are included,the programme concentrates on the development of practical research skills

useful to graduates working in African health systems.

The MPH Health Economics is an 18-month program. The course is designed

for those who have a social or health science background and have workedand/or will work in the health sector in low and middle income settings. As part

of the programme, all students are required to complete a minimum of eight

modules: six core modules and two electives.

Candidates are also required to produce a Masters dissertation based on theirown research in an area related to health economics. The Masters dissertation

accounts for 50% of the final assessment for the Masters degree, i.e. equal

weight is given to both the course work and dissertation components of theprogramme. (The other MPH tracks weight the dissertation at 33.3%).

Please consult the separate MPH Health Economics brochure obtainable at

http://heu-uct.org.za/courses/degrees-and-diplomas/masters-in-public-health/

*Students are required to choose two elective modules from those offered by either

(1) the Master of Public Health programme: (2) various departments in the Faculty of

Humanities; or (3) other universities (such as the University of the Western Cape). Itis important for students to confirm the timetable and their eligibility for the elective

modules that they have chosen and to obtain approval from the department offering

the elective modules. Also, students need to seek approval in advance from theHealth Economics programme convenor for their chosen elective course.
http://heu-uct.org.za/courses/degrees-and-diplomas/masters-in-public-health/http://heu-uct.org.za/courses/degrees-and-diplomas/masters-in-public-health/


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ONE YEAR COURSE WORK TIMETABLE: HEALTH ECONOMICS

TRACK

2013

Semester 1 Microeconomics

for theHealth Sector

Quantitative

Methods forHealthEconomists

Theory and

ApplicationofEconomicEvaluation

in HealthCare

Elective 1

*

Semester 2 TheEconomicsof

HealthSystems

QuantitativeResearchMethods

HealthPolicyand

Planning

Elective 2*

The unstarred courses are compulsory. Two electives* are required.

Possible electives

Within the programmeQualitative Research Methods (Semester 1)

Introduction to Epidemiology (Semester 1)

Public Health and Society (Semester 1)Introduction to Health Systems Research and Evaluation (Semester 1)

Outside the programme

Financial Administration Public Finance and Budgeting* (Semester 1)

Religion and Public health in Africa* (Semester 2)

Public Policy* (Semester 2)Monitoring and Evaluation in Primary Health Care** (Semester 1)

* Eligibility for these courses are subject to availability and approval by

the relevant department in the Faculty of Humanities, University ofCape Town.

** Eligibility for this course is subject to approval by the School of

Public Health, University of the Western Cape.


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CLINICAL RESEARCH TRACK

Track convenor: Assoc. Prof. L. Myer

There is growing emphasis on developing health care practices and policies that arebased on sound clinical evidence. With this there is a need for strengthened research

capacity among health care professionals. This includes the ability to conceptualise

clinical r

mph brochure 2013 final

Documents