Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Economics School
Life, healthy living, longevity, ageing, death:
why health economics is important - this course will provide descriptive and theoretical aspects and help you to look at health and health care issues through the distinctive lens of an economist, changing forever the way you think about these concepts. The central concern is the behaviour of economic agents (that includes you!) when confronted with scarcity. Choice and opportunity cost are central. This course will focus on demand for and supply of healthcare, health insurance, equity and need, health and labour market, lifestyle behaviours, measurement of health outcomes, health economics ageing and longevity, welfarist and non-welfarist foundations of economic evaluation.
The course “Health Economics” provides the student with an introductory overview to health economics theory.ﾠIn this course, we will apply knowledge of microeconomics and new theory in health economics to address questions in the field of Health Economics.ﾠ
Health Economics is a sub-field of Economics, and its origins go back to the first article on Market Failure (Arrow, 1963). Health care cannot be viewed under the standard market approach, due to asymmetry of information between agents and principals, which may lead to supplier induced demand. Moral hazard and adverse selection may occur. Government intervention is often necessary to help correct/alleviate the market failure framework. Demand for health care and production of health are underpinned by the Grossman (1972) model.ﾠ
This course coversﾠthe application of microeconomic theory and principles to health and theﾠhealth care market.
In 2024, this course will provide further insights into health economics issues relating to COVID-19 and pandemics.
Course requirements
Assumed background
An understanding of economics beyond ECON1010 is required - the main issue in health is assymetry of information, market failure and government intervention. The assigned textbook is higher level undergraduate/base graduate - it is ideal for all concepts. Some reading will be extracted from that - by following each lecture you will then know the relevant sections. If you have not studied beyond basic demand and supply concepts, this course may prove difficult. It is recommended that you study ECON7460 in the first semester of the Masters in Health Economics program, if possible, alongside intermediate micreconomics, e.g. ECON7110 (Consumer and Firm Behaviour).
The assessment process is assignment and essay based - please become familar with the assessments from 2019-2022. The main assignments are essay based. In 2021,ﾠ MCQs andﾠshort questions were introduced as a Learning Engagement Tool throughout the semester. In 2023, the assessments will include quizes, a report and a video only (no longer required to do an article review).
Before attempting this course, you are advised that it is important to complete the appropriate prerequisite course(s) listed on the front of this course profile. No responsibility will be accepted by UQ School of Economics, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or The University of Queensland for poor student performance occurring in courses where the appropriate prerequisite(s) has/have not been completed, for any reason whatsoever. Please discuss with Professor Gannon, in advance, if this is not feasible, so that an appropriate learning path can be developed.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ECON1010 or 7000
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ECON2460
Course contact
School enquiries
Student Enquiries, School of Economics
All enquiries regarding student and academic administration (i.e. non-course content information, e.g., class allocation, timetables, extension to assessment due date, etc.) should be directed to enquiries@economics.uq.edu.au.
Enquiries relating specifically to course content should be directed to the Course Coordinator/Lecturer.
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures will be provided in person, and all students are to attend. Lectures are uploaded after the timetabled Class. The timetabled class will be in person, an interactive lecture, to work through issues arising in the lecture.
Tutorials start in Week 2.
Student are required to log their preferences for a tutorial group via My Timetable (available through my.UQ dashboard).
Students should refer to the timetable prior to the commencement of classes to ensure that they have the most up to date information, as from time-to-time late room changes may occur. The timetable can be downloaded hereﾠPublic Timetable.
Public Holidays: Wed 14 August (Royal Queensland Show), Mon 7 October (King's Birthday).
In-Semester Break: 23 - 29 September. Semester 2 classes recommence Mon 30 September.
Aims and outcomes
This course will enable you to think like a health economist, using microeconomics applied to health and health care, changing forever the way you think critcally about these concepts.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand how microeconomic concepts can be applied to health and health care
LO2.
Identify appropriate economic theory related to health and health care across the lifespan
LO3.
Apply economic theory to analyse health and health care decisions
LO4.
Critically evaluate health and health care decisions using economic theory
LO5.
Communicate analyses of health and health care in non-technical, plain language, to interdisciplinary audiences.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online quizzes: weekly MCQs/short questions
|
20% |
29/07/2024 - 28/10/2024
Mondays 10:00 am in the week after the week of lecture. |
| Presentation | Video: short video on 'What is Health Economics?' | 25% |
19/08/2024 - 19/08/2024
19 Aug 10:00 am |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Report: 2500 words report on topics from Lectures 2-6 | 55% |
28/10/2024 - 28/10/2024
28 Oct 10:00 am |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Online quizzes: weekly MCQs/short questions
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
29/07/2024 - 28/10/2024
Mondays 10:00 am in the week after the week of lecture.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This assessment will be weekly throughout the semester, each week, after the lecture and tutorial, there will be online short/MCQ questions which must be answered within a 48 hour timeframe. Extensions are not feasible. There will be 10 online quizzes, one a week, over 10 weeks. Each correct answer will receive 2 marks, up to a total of 10 marks per class. Over 10 weeks, this lead to 100 marks. The final % will be weighted to 20% of the overall course marks.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
At least 5 of the in-class quizzes must be completed (not necessarily correct), or the full assignment results will be 0%.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Answers will be posted in the tutorial next week so there will be no extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Video: short video on 'What is Health Economics?'
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
19/08/2024 - 19/08/2024
19 Aug 10:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05
Task description
Provide a summary (about 300-500 words) introduction on health economics, demonstrating the main issues and how it departs from standard microeconomics. Your audience is the general public so it must be in accessible language.
Record this as a video in 1 to 3 minutes. The video can be just one minute, or up to a maximum of 3 minutes.
In tutorial 1, you will be provided with resources and tips on how to do this effectively.
The video must be submitted with a script of the speech provided, uploaded as an additional document.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via Kaltura
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Report: 2500 words report on topics from Lectures 2-6
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 55%
- Due date
28/10/2024 - 28/10/2024
28 Oct 10:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The assignment and precise topics will be discussed during tutorials at Week 6, and provided thereafter on Blackboard.
A detailed marking rubric will be provided on Blackboard.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assignment must be submitted via Turnitin on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0% - 29% |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30% - 46% |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47% - 49% |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50% - 64% |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65% - 74% |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75% - 84% |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85% - 100% |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
A student’s final overall end of semester percentage mark will be rounded to determine their final grade. For example, 64.5% rounds to 65%, while 64.4% rounds to 64%.
ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Plagiarism
The School of Economics is committed to reducing the incidence of plagiarism. Further information on plagiarism and how to avoid an allegation of plagiarism is available in this course profile under Policies & Guidelines. Please refer to the Academic Integrity Module (AIM). It is strongly recommended that you complete the AIM if you have not already done so.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
A detailed reading list will be provided on blackboard.
Some examples are provided below.
Lecture 1:
RequiredﾠMorris, S., Devlin, N., Parkin, D. 2012 Economic Analysis in Health Care. John Wiley & Sons: Chapter 1.ﾠ
Recommended/Further (ECON7460, extra knowledge on literature expected)
- Williams A. (1987) Health Economics: The Cheerful Face of the Dismal Science?. In: Williams A. (eds) Health and Economics. British Association for the Advancement of Science. Palgrave Macmillan, London
- Folland, S. et al.ﾠ2023 The Economics of Health and Health Care.ﾠ Chapter 1
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Lecture 1 Why Health Economics? This lecture will introduce the students to the discipline and show how applied health economics fits into a broader area of health economics more generally. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 2 The demand for health care Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 3 The supply of health care Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 4 Market failure in health care Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 5 Health insurance and health care financing: Provided by Guest Lecturer Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 6 Equity in health care Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Review to date This lecture will provide a review on lectures 1-6. |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 7 Measurement of Health Outcomes Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 8 Welfare economics and foundations of economic evaluation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 9 Economics of ageing Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 10 Health care labour markets Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 11 Applied Topics 1: TBA Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 12 Applied Topics 2: TBA Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.