Language of instruction

Norwegian

Course content

The course will enlighten theory and history of science and different areas of topics with specific relevance to public health and health sciences. The course aims to stimulate reflection and identity.

Day 1: Health, function and quality of life

The main focus in on health, function and life quality - the concepts´ historical roots, how the concepts are used in practical work, and scientific definitions - with room for discussion, group work and conversations. Responsible: Professor John Gunnar Mæland.

Day 2: Disease, suffering and normality

The questions asked are: What is disease, suffering and normality? If disease is based in social and lingual communities, what are the consequences for disease research? What does the suffering aspect mean, and where should it be placed in public health research? How should we understand normality? Responsible: Professor Eivind Meland.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the students should be able to

• be familiar with basic elements in scientific and humanistic/social studies science related to public health and health science
• understand and be aware of different norms and ways of thinking in the two science traditions, and how these have developed during history, and internationally
• understand important theories and concepts in public health and health sciences, know what they include, and how they are used in practical health science

Skills:

After completing the course, the students should be able to

• formulate and use relevant methods from different science traditions in their own research
• discuss and use relevant concepts in their own research, and in the discussion be aware that the concepts may be equivocal and problematic
• contribute in developing interdisciplinary research projects, and other ways of cooperation

General skills:

After completing the course, the students should be able to

• cooperate across science traditions and research milieus
• obtain an extended network of cooperators and resources in and outside of their own field of research
• hold the ability to demonstrate critical and creative thinking
• pass on research with the ambition to reach a wider audience than fellow researchers in their own field

Study period

Spring 2014

Credits (ECTS)

2 ECTS credits

Form of assessment

Based upon active participation

Pass/fail

Who may participate

PhD

Programme

spring 2014

2 temadager

24.4.2014, kl 9-16. Helse, funksjon og livskvalitet

25.4.2014. kl. 9-16. Sjukdom, liding og normalitet

Spissøen, Kafarveien 31 

Contact

Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care

e-mail: studie@isf.uib.no

Aina Schiøtz

e-mail: aina.schoitz@isf.uib.no

Reading list

Forskarkurset MEDGRSAM2, artikkelsamling