We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Flemming Konradsen
This course will provide you with an overview of the most important health challenges facing the world today. You will gain insight into how challenges have changed over time, we will discuss the likely determinants of such changes and examine future projections. Successful international strategies and programs promoting human health will be highlighted and global health governance structures will be mapped and the role of the key actors explored.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/gstumw/an
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.
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Defining and Measuring Global Health
Welcome to the first module of this global health course. In the first lesson we will introduce you to the overall concepts and definitions of global health and examine the question "What are the biggest global health challenges?". You'll get to hear some answers from fellow learners from around the world, and also have an opportunity to join the conversation here in the course discussion forums. We also have an interview with Professor Susan Whyte about the impact of health policy on a population's health. The second lesson deals with the central tools needed to measure global health burden. Together these two lessons will form the basis on which all the other topical modules are built. Enjoy!
Read more
Syllabus
Defining and Measuring Global Health
Welcome to the first module of this global health course. In the first lesson we will introduce you to the overall concepts and definitions of global health and examine the question "What are the biggest global health challenges?". You'll get to hear some answers from fellow learners from around the world, and also have an opportunity to join the conversation here in the course discussion forums. We also have an interview with Professor Susan Whyte about the impact of health policy on a population's health. The second lesson deals with the central tools needed to measure global health burden. Together these two lessons will form the basis on which all the other topical modules are built. Enjoy!
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores global health challenges and their determinants, making it relevant to professionals and students in international development and public health
Provides insights into successful global health strategies and programs, offering practical knowledge for professionals in the field
Organized by Flemming Konradsen, an expert in global health, lending credibility to the course
Includes interviews with other experts in the field, providing diverse perspectives
Requires students to come in with some background knowledge in public health
Covers a wide range of global health topics, which may be overwhelming for beginners
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Comprehensive introduction to global health
According to learners, this course offers a broad overview (positive) of major global health challenges (neutral) and concepts. Many appreciate the quality of the instructors (positive) and the well-structured content (positive), finding it a solid introduction (positive) to the field. While providing a comprehensive scope (positive), some students note that it serves best as a starting point and may lack the depth (warning) required for advanced study or specific professional applications. The course is seen as highly relevant (positive) and a good foundation for understanding complex health issues globally.
Topics are current and highly relevant.
"The topics discussed felt very relevant to current global events."
"I found the information on climate change and health particularly timely."
"The course does a good job connecting theory to real-world challenges today."
Ideal starting point for beginners.
"This is a perfect course for anyone new to global health."
"I had limited prior knowledge, and this course served as an excellent introduction."
"It's a solid foundation if you're just starting to explore global health topics."
"Great for gaining initial understanding without needing prior expertise."
Knowledgeable and engaging lecturers.
"The professors are clearly experts and deliver the content in an engaging manner."
"I found the lecturers to be highly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject."
"Excellent teaching by experienced professionals from the University of Copenhagen."
"The instructors did a great job presenting complex information clearly."
Excellent coverage of diverse global health topics.
"This course covers a wide range of topics, from infectious diseases to health systems, giving a great overview."
"I appreciated the comprehensive scope, touching upon so many crucial areas in global health."
"It provides a very broad and useful introduction to many aspects of global health."
"The syllabus promised a broad look, and it delivered... covering major challenges effectively."
May not be detailed enough for experts.
"While broad, it doesn't go into significant depth on any single topic."
"If you're looking for advanced insights or specific expertise, this is just a starting point."
"I wished for more detailed case studies or deeper dives into certain areas."
"It's more of a survey course than an in-depth exploration of specific global health issues."
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 An Introduction to Global Health with these
activities:
Review necessary computational methods.
Show steps
Sharpen foundational skills to help you engage better with the advanced methods in this course.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
-
Go over key statistical concepts like mean, median, and standard deviation
-
Review methods for estimating health risks
Read and summarize: Measuring Health and Development
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the topic of measuring health and development. Reading it will help you understand the complex issues involved in measuring health and development
Show steps
-
Read the introduction and chapter 1
-
Read chapter 2
-
Read chapters 3-5
Watch the video tutorials on the course website.
Show steps
These video tutorials will help you to learn about the concepts that are covered in the course
Browse courses on
Maternal and Child Health
Show steps
-
Go to the course website
-
Click on the 'Video Tutorials' link
-
Watch the video tutorials
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Complete the practice problems on the course website.
Show steps
These practice problems will help you to reinforce the concepts that are covered in the course
Browse courses on
Nutrition
Show steps
-
Go to the course website
-
Click on the 'Practice Problems' link
-
Complete the practice problems
Attend a global health conference.
Show steps
Attending a global health conference will provide you with the opportunity to get involved in the global health community and learn from practitioners
Show steps
-
Identify a global health conference
-
Register for the conference
-
Attend the conference
Write a blog post about a global health topic.
Show steps
Research a topic in global health and write a blog post summarizing the main points
Browse courses on
Infectious Disease
Show steps
-
Choose a topic in global health
-
Research the topic
-
Write the blog post
-
Publish the blog post
Volunteer with a global health organization.
Show steps
Volunteering with a global health organization will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field
Show steps
-
Identify a global health organization
-
Apply for volunteer position
-
Start volunteering
Develop a plan for a global health intervention.
Show steps
Identify a global health problem and develop a plan to address the problem
Browse courses on
Health Systems Strengthening
Show steps
-
Identify a global health problem
-
Describe the problem in detail
-
Develop a plan to address the problem
Review necessary computational methods.
Show steps
Sharpen foundational skills to help you engage better with the advanced methods in this course.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go over key statistical concepts like mean, median, and standard deviation
- Review methods for estimating health risks
Read and summarize: Measuring Health and Development
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the topic of measuring health and development. Reading it will help you understand the complex issues involved in measuring health and development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introduction and chapter 1
- Read chapter 2
- Read chapters 3-5
Watch the video tutorials on the course website.
Show steps
These video tutorials will help you to learn about the concepts that are covered in the course
Browse courses on
Maternal and Child Health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go to the course website
- Click on the 'Video Tutorials' link
- Watch the video tutorials
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Complete the practice problems on the course website.
Show steps
These practice problems will help you to reinforce the concepts that are covered in the course
Browse courses on
Nutrition
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go to the course website
- Click on the 'Practice Problems' link
- Complete the practice problems
Attend a global health conference.
Show steps
Attending a global health conference will provide you with the opportunity to get involved in the global health community and learn from practitioners
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a global health conference
- Register for the conference
- Attend the conference
Write a blog post about a global health topic.
Show steps
Research a topic in global health and write a blog post summarizing the main points
Browse courses on
Infectious Disease
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic in global health
- Research the topic
- Write the blog post
- Publish the blog post
Volunteer with a global health organization.
Show steps
Volunteering with a global health organization will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a global health organization
- Apply for volunteer position
- Start volunteering
Develop a plan for a global health intervention.
Show steps
Identify a global health problem and develop a plan to address the problem
Browse courses on
Health Systems Strengthening
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a global health problem
- Describe the problem in detail
- Develop a plan to address the problem
Career center
Learners who complete An Introduction to Global Health will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientists can work with medical professionals around the world to study public health trends, disease outbreaks, and solutions to these problems. Their research directly informs many of the health practices used by public health officials, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Courses that provide an overview of global health challenges and the various approaches to treating them may help a Research Scientist plan their course of research and understand the context for their work.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
An Epidemiologist studies disease outbreaks and patterns of health and illness at the population level. Epidemiologists use this data to find the causes of health problems and to develop solutions to improve public health. Courses like An Introduction to Global Health provide the foundational knowledge of the biggest global health challenges and how to measure them, which are essential for an Epidemiologist's work.
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analysts investigate, analyze, and interpret data to help public health professionals make effective public health policy. An Introduction to Global Health provides essential background on the most important health challenges, the impact of policy on health, and the global health governance structures that regulate public health policy.
Health Policy Advisor
Health Policy Advisor
Health Policy Advisors recommend and develop public health policy, legislation, and regulations. Courses like An Introduction to Global Health provide the foundational knowledge of the biggest health challenges facing the world, how to measure these challenges, and the international strategies and programs used to promote human health. This knowledge is essential to develop comprehensive and effective health policy.
Global Health Advocate
Global Health Advocate
Global Health Advocates work to improve health equity and access to healthcare for underserved populations around the world. Courses like An Introduction to Global Health provide the background knowledge needed to advocate for effective and equitable health policies, programs, and resources.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the delivery of healthcare services in a variety of settings. Understanding global health challenges provides an edge to Healthcare Administrators working with diverse populations in various locations in their pursuit of effective healthcare service delivery.
International Development Specialist
International Development Specialist
International Development Specialists help developing countries improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions. Courses like An Introduction to Global Health provide a foundation in assessing global health needs and evaluating the effectiveness of development programs.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientists study how the environment affects human health. Their work helps reduce the risks of environmental hazards to human health. A course like An Introduction to Global Health can help an Environmental Health Scientist understand the impact of socioeconomic and political factors on the environment and its relation to global health, informing their work in developing and implementing environmental health policies and programs.
Health Communications Specialist
Health Communications Specialist
Health Communications Specialists develop and implement communication strategies to promote health and prevent disease. A course like An Introduction to Global Health can help a Health Communications Specialist understand the global health challenges facing the world and how to effectively communicate about these challenges to diverse audiences.
Physician
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. A course like An Introduction to Global Health may help a Physician understand the global context of the health challenges facing their patients in a globalized world.
Nurse
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings. A course like An Introduction to Global Health may help a Nurse understand the global context of the health challenges facing their patients in a globalized world.
Midwife
Midwife
Midwives provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Courses like An Introduction to Global Health may be useful for a Midwife working in an international context to provide culturally competent care and address issues related to maternal and child health.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate social and economic challenges. Courses like An Introduction to Global Health may be helpful for a Social Worker working with underserved populations to understand the global challenges that might be impacting their clients and inform their practice.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers provide health education and support to communities. Courses like An Introduction to Global Health may be useful for a Community Health Worker to understand the global health challenges facing the communities they serve and to develop culturally competent interventions.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. Courses like An Introduction to Global Health may be helpful for a Health Educator to understand the global health challenges facing the communities they serve and to develop effective educational interventions.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/gstumw/an
Reading list
We've selected 18 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
An Introduction to Global Health.
Save
This journal publishes high-quality research on all aspects of global health. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of global health.
This journal publishes high-quality research on all aspects of global health. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of global health.
This report provides an annual overview of the state of global health. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field of global health.
This textbook great overview of all aspects of global health and would be a good supplemental resource for the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of health systems and their role in achieving universal health coverage. It valuable resource for policymakers, health managers, and other stakeholders involved in health system strengthening.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and their implications for global health. It covers the eight MDGs and their targets, and provides an assessment of progress towards achieving the goals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of health systems strengthening in developing countries. It covers the key concepts, challenges, and approaches to strengthening health systems and valuable resource for policymakers, health managers, and other stakeholders involved in health system strengthening.
Provides a comprehensive framework for action on global health security. It covers the key elements of global health security, the challenges to achieving global health security, and the role of stakeholders in promoting global health security.
Provides a concise overview of the field of global health, covering key concepts, challenges, and interventions. It good starting point for those new to the field or those looking for a refresher.
Focuses on the programs, policies, and partnerships of global health and great overview for some of the latter portion of the course. It is commonly found as a textbook in graduate-level academic settings.
The first half of this book would be a very valuable addition to the course for grounding it in the social aspects of health. It may be too specialized for the scope of the course, but the background on social determinants of health would be very useful.
Save
Is more valuable as optional reading than it is as a current reference, but it collection of important publications for background in the field.
This textbook is useful for a basic overview of global health, but it is less valuable as a reference for a course.
Save
Is mainly useful for the food and water section of the course. It would provide a lot more depth to that topic and would be a great optional resource for the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of global health, covering the major health challenges facing the world today, the determinants of health, and the strategies and programs that are used to promote health and prevent disease.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of global health, covering the major health challenges facing the world today, the determinants of health, and the strategies and programs that are used to promote health and prevent disease.
Provides a comprehensive overview of global health, covering the major health challenges facing the world today, the determinants of health, and the strategies and programs that are used to promote health and prevent disease.
Provides a comprehensive overview of global health, covering the major health challenges facing the world today, the determinants of health, and the strategies and programs that are used to promote health and prevent disease.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/gstumw/an
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.8
Effort
19 hours to complete
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Copenhagen
Instructor
Flemming Konradsen
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser