Sorry, this page is no longer available

We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Global Health

An Interdisciplinary Overview

Rafael Ruiz De Castañeda and Antoine Flahault

This course proposes an overview of current global health challenges drawing on the insights of several academic disciplines including medicine, public health, law, economics, social sciences and humanities. This interdisciplinary approach will guide the student into seven critical topics in global health.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

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!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Interdisciplinary overview of global health challenges

According to students, this course provides a largely positive overview of global health challenges. Learners highlight its strong interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from various fields like medicine, law, economics, and social sciences. Reviewers found the content to be comprehensive and felt it offered a great foundation for understanding complex global health issues. The diverse perspectives presented were particularly appreciated. While the course covers a lot of ground effectively for a broad audience, some learners felt that certain topics could benefit from more in-depth coverage.

Generally high quality lectures, but some variation.

"The lectures are engaging and the content is well-structured."

"Some modules were stronger than others; I particularly enjoyed the section on governance."

"I found some of the content well-presented, while other parts felt a bit less engaging."

Features insights from varied experts.

"You will benefit from the insights and perspectives of multiple contributors involved in global health research, teaching, policy and practice."

"The range of guest speakers was impressive, offering real-world context."

"The diverse perspectives are truly valuable and contribute significantly to the learning experience."

Offers a broad, foundational understanding.

"This course gives a broad overview of current global health challenges."

"It provides a great foundation for understanding global health issues from multiple angles."

"An excellent course offering a broad, interdisciplinary look at global health... covers a lot of ground without being overwhelming."

"I gained a comprehensive introduction to the field from this course."

Highlights connections across multiple fields.

"The interdisciplinary approach is the main strength of the course, bringing together perspectives from medicine, law, economics, and more."

"I greatly appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of the course; it showed how interconnected global health truly is."

"This course does an excellent job of showing how different fields contribute to global health issues and solutions."

Some topics could use more detailed coverage.

"While the overview is good, I wish some topics were explored in a bit more depth, especially regarding specific interventions."

"Could use more in-depth coverage on specific case studies or policy analyses."

"I felt some complex areas were covered a bit too quickly, leaving me wanting more detail."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview with these activities:

Identify and connect with mentors in the field of global health

Show steps

Establish connections with experienced professionals to gain insights, guidance, and support throughout your learning journey.

Browse courses on Global Health

Show steps

Attend industry events and conferences
Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn and other networking platforms
Join professional organizations related to global health

Read 'Global Health: A Very Short Introduction' by Ilona Kickbusch

Show steps

Build foundational knowledge of global health and its key challenges to prepare for the course.

View Health and Modernity: The Role of Theory in... on Amazon

Show steps

Acquire the book
Read each chapter
Annotate important concepts and ideas

Complete online tutorials on research methods for global health

Show steps

Enhance research skills by learning and applying best practices in global health research.

Browse courses on Global Health

Show steps

Identify relevant online tutorials
Complete the tutorials
Apply the learned methods to a research topic

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Compile a glossary of key global health terms

Show steps

Develop a repository of important terms and their definitions to aid in理解 and retention of course materials.

Browse courses on Global Health

Show steps

Gather a list of unfamiliar terms encountered during the course
Define each term concisely and accurately
Organize the definitions into a coherent glossary

Participate in a peer discussion group on current global health issues

Show steps

Engage in collaborative learning, exchange perspectives, and stay abreast of contemporary global health concerns.

Browse courses on Global Health

Show steps

Join a peer discussion group
Research and prepare on a designated topic
Participate in group discussions

Attend a workshop on global health policy and governance

Show steps

Gain in-depth knowledge and practical insights into the complexities of global health governance and policy-making.

Browse courses on Global Health

Show steps

Identify and register for a relevant workshop
Attend the workshop
Participate actively in discussions and activities

Create a visual representation of emerging trends in infectious diseases

Show steps

Reinforce understanding of disease trends by visualizing and analyzing data patterns.

Browse courses on Infectious Diseases

Show steps

Gather data on infectious disease occurrence and spread
Choose an appropriate visual representation (e.g., map, graph)
Create the visualization
Analyze the trends and patterns observed

Practice solving case studies and simulations in global health

Show steps

Develop analytical skills and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios in global health.

Browse courses on Global Health

Show steps

Identify case studies and simulations related to the course topics
Analyze the cases independently
Discuss and compare solutions with peers or mentors

Become a mentor for new students in global health

Show steps

Solidify knowledge by sharing it with others and reinforcing understanding through teaching and mentoring.

Browse courses on Global Health

Show steps

Sign up as a mentor through the university or a local organization
Meet with mentees regularly
Provide guidance and support

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Economist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Aid Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Anthropologist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Reading list

We've selected 21 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Global Health: An Interdisciplinary Overview.

Biomarkers and early warning scores: The time for...

Save

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the health of the world's population. It would be a useful resource for students who are interested in the epidemiology of global health.

Global Health

An Interdisciplinary Overview

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Interdisciplinary overview of global health challenges

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses