Topic outline

  • General

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    • The course will provide an introduction to the application of economics to health care. No prior knowledge of economics will be assumed. Students will develop an appreciation of the role of economics in ensuring that available resources are used in the most effective and efficient way. They will also achieve a better understanding of the role of knowledge of economics in informed decision making in relation to a variety of issues, for example setting priorities between patients, choosing between new therapies and technologies and organising the provision of health care. The course will be delivered through lectures, specialised seminars and supervised self-directed learning.

      Course Coordinator: Diane Skatun d.skatun@abdn.ac.uk  

  • What skills does this course develop?

    • Through this course students should be able to:

      • Critically appreciate the distinctive economic characteristics of health care and how this affects the demand for, and supply of, health care
      • Apply different health care evaluation techniques
      • Consider the merits of different institutional arrangements for the financing and organisation of health care

  • What will the timetable be like?

    • The course will consist of two lectures each week for the first three weeks. Students will have a further three week period without lectures to work on the course essay. Will include a mix of lectures, group work and open discussion sessions where students are encouraged to participate and share their views on topics raised in the lectures

  • How will I be assessed?

    • The course is examined through 2 multiple choice tests (worth 20% overall) and an essay of 1,800 words (worth 80%) on a topic bringing an economic way of thinking to some health care issue or problem.

  • What did previous students think about this course?

    • Student view 25-26






      One student commented: 'I very much enjoyed the almost informal debate style of the classes. It made it much more interesting and easier to get involved than the lecture-styled method'.

      More students comments: 

      'It was relevant to Medicine'

      'I liked the enthusiasm behind the teaching and the amount that the lecturers loved their subjects.'

  • Where can I get more information?

    • Look through the course guide - link below

      Contact the course coordinator Diane Skatun - d.skatun@abdn.ac.uk

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