Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview! This course consists of the course guides, including discussion forum activities and assessments, along with presentations by a range of presenters, from the University of Geneva, The Graduate Institute, WHO, UNDP, WTO, IUCN, Medicines Patent Pool, among others. You will benefit from the insights and perspectives of multiple contributors involved in global health research, teaching, policy and practice across disciplines and sectors. Your enjoyment and benefits from the course will above all depend on your participation within this course, and we very much look forward to your participation through the discussion forums. Enjoy the course!

Introduction to Global Health concepts

This module will introduce the concept of global health. Global health is a relatively new field and there is currently some debate over its definition.

Emerging Trends in Global Health: Infectious Diseases

There are 7 parts to module 3. Lessons 3 & 4 are both introductory sections that describe key concepts necessary to understand infectious diseases and how we deal with them. Lesson 5 constitutes the core lesson of module 3. This lesson focuses on the current global situation and future challenges for the most prominent infectious diseases of the world. In lessons 6-9 we discuss neglected tropical diseases, re-emerging infectious diseases and epidemics/pandemics. Finally, lesson 10 and 10b summarize module 3 in a set of key conclusions.

Emerging Trends in Global Health: Non-Communicable Diseases and Disability

In this module we consider the rise of non-communicable (NCDs) diseases across countries, along with mental disorders and disability.

Governance for Global Health, Health Systems and Financing

This module is concerned with the global health system (which refers to responses to health conditions or the prevention of these) and the management of this system through global health governance.

Foreign Policy, Trade and Health

Health policy has undergone profound changes during the last few decades. Although health has for a long time been an issue in international relations, it was for most of the 20th century perceived as a national and technical matter. This meant that solutions to health problems were seen to require primarily scientific and technological collaboration rather than political commitment. Along with the dramatic changes associated with globalisation, health is increasingly seen as a higher priority on international political agendas. In Module 6, we discuss what triggered this political ‘revolution’ and its implications.

Research, Development, Innovation and Technology for Global Health

This module addresses the lack of attention to research and development for medicines and technologies for diseases that disproportionately affect developing countries and all the issues related to drug development and intellectual property rights.

The Environment, Sustainable Development and Health

In this module we consider the relationship between the environment, sustainable development and health.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores global health across disciplines, providing a broad understanding of the field

Taught by reputable instructors from academia and organizations such as WHO and WTO

Covers a wide range of topics, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and global health governance

Examines emerging trends in global health, such as the rise of non-communicable diseases and the impact of globalization on health systems

Discusses the role of research, development, and innovation in addressing global health challenges

May require some background knowledge in medicine or public health for a deeper understanding of the concepts

Reviews summary

Global health: a multifaceted overview

learners say this course provides a multidisciplinary introduction to global health. Students especially recommend the lectures given by experts from WHO and other organizations, but note that the course is somewhat outdated with some broken links and outdated statistics. On the other hand, students praise the wide range of topics included in this well-structured course and say that the readings and materials are well organized.

Course is difficult but engaging

"Difficult but interesting, Thank you."

"Very Good learning even for experienced health workers like myself."

"The slides should be present all the time, it should not disappear to show the presenter. This creates a distraction."

Course materials are well organized and easy to follow

"I have found the course very useful, however the content is outdated."

"An intensively interdisciplinary approach to bring speakers from WHO, International union for conservation of Nature and different fields of medicine, public health covered interesting topics such as healthcare financing, latest and emerging healthcare technologies and gave excellent examples of many successful initiatives by WHO (Alcohol-based sanitizer to reduce healthcare-related infections)."

"The way the modules are set up make it difficult to maintain the overall train of thought or main objective of the module - I would recommend a more streamlined way of presenting the material and/or including a closing video lecture that reviews and highlights the main objectives set out for the modules."

Instructors are knowledgeable

"Taking this course has helped improve my knowledge on Global health."

"The instructors did very good jobs in their lectures and presentations."

"Such a shame the limits of the course do not permit longer lectures because it is a pleasure to hear from so many specialists."

Course has a wide range of topics taught by experts in their field

"It is a wide-range course, with a high focus on the cross-cutting approach of global health."

"This course is very effective and covering wide areas. i am so happy to become a part of it."

"The course is very good actually and it covered many disciplines intersecting with global health"

"This course helped me a lot to learn about factors impacting health at an individual level as well as public health (the health of a community, nation, or at the global level)."

Course is outdated with outdated statistics and broken links

"The course is well structured, timely. The statistical information are outdated since it was made in 2013, but still service as a means to an end."

"It's a great course, nevertheless it needs to be updated as it is based on the Pre 2015 agenda and issues at the time, and several worldwide changes have occurred ever since, including the current pandemic that could be approached in several modules."

Career center

Learners who complete Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Global Health Policy Analyst

As a Global Health Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for developing and implementing health policies that improve the health of populations around the world. The units on governance for global health, health systems and financing, and foreign policy, trade, and health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Policy Analyst

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to improve our understanding of health and disease. The units on emerging trends in global health, governance for global health, health systems and financing, and research, development, innovation, and technology for global health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. Additionally, the interdisciplinary approach of this course will help you develop the critical thinking skills you need to design and conduct research studies.

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Diplomat

The study of Global Health prepares you to analyze the health-related issues that shape global policy. Your coursework, which includes units on foreign policy, trade, and health, will help you understand how international relations affect health outcomes and shape health policy. Graduates of this program go on to work in a variety of policy-related positions in government, NGOs, and the private sector.

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Health Economist

A Health Economist applies economic principles to the healthcare industry. This course will help you develop the analytical and problem-solving skills you need to succeed in this role. Additionally, the units on governance for global health, health systems and financing, and research, development, innovation, and technology for global health will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand this complex field.

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International Aid Worker

International Aid Workers provide humanitarian assistance to people in need around the world. The units on emerging trends in global health, governance for global health, health systems and financing, and foreign policy, trade, and health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with the challenges of life. The units on emerging trends in global health, governance for global health, health systems and financing, and research, development, innovation, and technology for global health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. Additionally, the interdisciplinary approach of this course will help you develop the communication and interpersonal skills you need to work effectively with diverse populations.

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Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist is responsible for investigating patterns and causes of disease and other health problems in a population. This course will help you improve your critical thinking skills and ability to analyze and solve complex problems, which are essential skills for Epidemiologists. Additionally, the units on emerging trends in global health will help prepare you for the challenges you will face in a career in epidemiology.

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Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses work to improve the health of communities. The units on emerging trends in global health, governance for global health, health systems and financing, and research, development, innovation, and technology for global health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. Additionally, the interdisciplinary approach of this course will help you develop the communication and interpersonal skills you need to work effectively with diverse populations.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. The units on research, development, innovation, and technology for global health, and emerging trends in global health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. Additionally, the interdisciplinary approach of this course will help you develop the critical thinking skills you need to solve complex problems.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The units on governance for global health, health systems and financing, and research, development, innovation, and technology for global health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role.

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Medical Anthropologist

Medical Anthropologists study the relationship between culture and health. The interdisciplinary approach of this course will help you develop the skills you need to conduct research in this field. Additionally, the units on emerging trends in global health and the environment, sustainable development, and health will provide you with the knowledge you need to understand the complex factors that affect health outcomes.

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Physician

Physicians provide medical care to patients. The units on emerging trends in global health, governance for global health, health systems and financing, and research, development, innovation, and technology for global health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role. Additionally, the interdisciplinary approach of this course will help you develop the critical thinking skills you need to solve complex medical problems.

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Environmental Health Scientist

In this role, you will be responsible for protecting human health from environmental hazards. The unit on the environment, sustainable development, and health will help you build a strong foundation for this career. Additionally, the interdisciplinary approach of this course will help you develop the skills you need to collaborate with other professionals in the field.

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Teacher

Teachers prepare and deliver lessons to students. The units on emerging trends in global health, governance for global health, health systems and financing, and research, development, innovation, and technology for global health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to teach health-related topics to students. Additionally, the interdisciplinary approach of this course will help you develop the communication and interpersonal skills you need to work effectively with students.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations reduce their environmental impact. The unit on the environment, sustainable development, and health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand the complex factors that affect sustainability. Additionally, the interdisciplinary approach of this course will help you develop the critical thinking skills you need to solve complex sustainability problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant