Preparedness for health crises: a multidisciplinary approach

Ph.D. -course

Course description

Objectives and Content

In an international environment with tailored mentorship, this course will enhance the participants´ knowledge and capability to analyse health crises from multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives and achieve a better understanding of the generation of knowledge needed to address global health threats in society. Further, the candidate will be invited to reflect upon different approaches to complexity and uncertainty for better knowledge preparedness for new crisis.

Blended intensive programs are short, intensive programs that use innovative ways of learning and teaching, including the use of online cooperation. The programs may include challenge based learning where transnational and transdisciplinary teams work together to tackle challenges, for example those linked to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals or other societal challenges identified by regions, cities or companies. The intensive program should have added value compared to existing courses or training. By enabling new and more flexible mobility formats that combine physical mobility with a virtual part, blended intensive programs aim at reaching all types of students from all backgrounds, study fields and cycles (Elective, master & PhD students).  During these blended intensive programs, some of the students or staff as learners will undertake a short-term physical mobility abroad combined with a compulsory virtual component facilitating collaborative online learning exchange and teamwork. The virtual component must bring the learners together online to work collectively and simultaneously on specific assignments that are integrated in the blended intensive program and count towards the overall learning outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

A candidate who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge. The candidate ...

-understands the complexity and uncertainty in the development of evidence regarding health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, recognizes the need of different disciplines, methods (interdisciplinary), processes and stakeholders in research and educationprojects related to health crises.

- acknowledges and uses system approaches in research on health crises 

- can contribute to the development of new transdisciplinary knowledge, new theories, methods, interpretations and forms of documentation in the field

- is aware of and understands different perspectives on building resilient health systems 

- understands One Health approach 

Skills. The candidate ...

- can formulate complex challenges and research questions incorporating different perspectives

- can challenge established knowledge and practice in the field in a constructive way

- can handle uncertainty in research

- can work and collaborate in interdisciplinary research environments

- can disseminate information on complexity in an understandable way

General competence. The candidate ...

- can identify relevant ethical issues and carry out his/her research with scholarly integrity

- can discuss complex interdisciplinary assignments and projects within levels of uncertainty

- can assess the need for, initiate and practice interdisciplinary projects to improve knowledge preparedness

ECTS Credits

5 ECTS

Level of Study

PhD

Semester of Instruction

Autumn
Required Previous Knowledge
Good knowledge of the English language, both written and oral
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Good knowledge of English, both written and oral
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
ELMED328 - complete overlap (3 ECTS).
Access to the Course
PhD students at any Faculty are the main group. Students enrolled at any Faculty at UiB in their last year of Master studies. Students enrolled in PhD and Master programmes at other partner universities are welcome to attend.
Teaching and learning methods
Online BIP course
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

- 80% attendance on digital lectures and digital group work is required

- Accepted presentation of group work

- Electronic course evaluation

Forms of Assessment

80% participation in digital course work

100% attendance in the course in Bergen

Evaluation of group work and presentation (approved)

Approved presentation of individual work (pass)

Grading Scale
Pass/fail
Assessment Semester
Autumn
Reading List
The reading list will be published in Leganto/MittUiB
Course Evaluation
Evaluation every third year
Programme Committee
The Programme Board for the PhD programme (PFU) at the Faculty of Medicine
Course Coordinator
Course Administrator
Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care