Master of Public Health (Economic Evaluation Specialisation)
ObjectivesStudents specialising in Economic Evaluation will learn to appreciate when an economic evaluation might be needed, the types of economic appraisal that are available, together with their strengths and limitations. Students will appreciate how "economic evaluation" differs from other forms of evaluation; the steps involved in conducting an economic evaluation; and the key issues of protocol design. Through practical case studies students will be able to distinguish a "good" study from a "poor" study; understand the various factors that may impact on how economic evaluation is received by managers, together with other possible stakeholders. Students will be introduced to the links between economic evaluation and priority setting/health service planning.
Economic Evaluation I is taught with a focus on case studies and practical skills in critical appraisal. Economic Evaluation II has more of a theoretical flavour (without losing the case studies), develops more complex aspects of protocol design, and provides a comprehensive introduction to priority setting. Students may usefully combine Economic Evaluation with subjects in Epidemiology (the evidence base for economic appraisal) and Program Evaluation (complementary form of appraisal).
Academic titleMaster of Public Health (Economic Evaluation Specialisation)
Course descriptionCore Subjects
The following are the core requirements for this specialisation. Students must enrol in:
* 505-501 and 505-102 (Consortium subjects)
* 505-907, 505-908, 505-909 (Pre-reqs for the Research project)
* 505-906 (Research project)
And choose a minimum of two other appropriate Consortium subjects. Please see the section "Recommended Consortium Requirements" below for the most suitable options.
Subject Semester Credit Points
505-101 Statistics
This unit aims to introduce students to basic statistical concepts and methods. Semester 1 12.50
505-102 Epidemiology
The aim of this unit is to provide students with basic quantitative skills necessary for the practice of general public health and to enable students to critically evaluate the published epidemiological literature. The unit provides an introduction t... Semester 1 12.50
505-907 Economic Evaluation 1
This subject explores the basic concepts, methods and applications of economic evaluation in the health sector (and public health in particular). Semester 1 12.50
505-906 Research Project in Health Economics
To develop a research question in Health Economics/Economic Evaluation and to adopt appropriate research methods to answer this question. The research report will normally include one or a number of the following components: critical appraisal of the... Semester 1, Semester 2 25
505-908 Health Economics 1
This subject explores and further applies the concepts covered in the Health Economics section of Health Economics and Program Evaluation. The subject comprises four parts: Dimensions of Health Economics; Microeconomic Tools for Health Economics; The... Semester 1 12.50
505-909 Economic Evaluation 2
This subject is aimed at: consolidating student knowledge and skills of conventional microeconomic evaluation techniques covered in Economic Evaluation I; and giving students an understanding of the key issues in moving from economic evaluation to pr... Semester 2 12.50
Recommended Consortium Subjects
The following are consortium subjects. It is recommended that students complete 505-100 and choose either 505-113 or 505-110.
Subject Semester Credit Points
505-100 Health Economics & Program Evaluation
This subject provides an introduction to the disciplines of health economics and program evaluation and provides students with the opportunity to develop an appreciation of the contribution that health economics and program evaluation make to the pra... Semester 2 12.50
505-113 Public Health Policy
In this unit, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to participate competently in the development, implementation and analysis of health policy at a level appropriate to a generalist public health practitioner. This unit is taugh... Semester 1 12.50
505-110 Health Promotion
This unit aims to provide an understanding of health promotion concepts and approaches as they relate to contemporary health issues in Australia and internationally. The unit is designed to assist students to: appreciate the key developments in Austr... Semester 2 12.50
Recommended Electives
Students are advised to include the following recommended electives and/or choose Epidemiology subjects.
Subject Semester Credit Points
505-509 Health Program Evaluation 1
This subject examines the diverse purposes health program evaluations can serve and the wide range of environments in which health program evaluations are conducted. Using Australian and overseas evaluation examples, students gain an overview of conc... Semester 1 12.50
505-904 Health Program Evaluation 2
This subject provides an extension of studies in Health Program Evaluation introduced in Health Program Evaluation 1. Its focus is particularly on issues relating to the selection & development of the preferred program evaluation approach for a p... Semester 2 12.50