Course coordinator
Dr Sabrina Lenzen
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
The course provides students with an appreciation & understanding of economic debates regarding key health sector policy issues, an understanding of the measurement of problems associated with the economic analysis of some health sector issues & an insight into the political economy of the health sector & the role of economists in that sector.
The course focuses on the role of economic thinking in health policy making. Policy responses to problems in health and health care are presented through the lens of economic concepts, theories, frameworks and methods. The course is taught in a combination of lectures, which offer ample opportunity for interaction, and seminar-style tutorials. In the tutorial, every week students will become familiar with reading materials consisting of seminal and topical articles from the health economics literature. By completing this course, the students will learn to understand and appreciate the issues of health economic policy, and gain the ability to participate in health policy-making and debate.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are assumed to have attended introductory and advanced courses in Microeconomics and quantitative methods. The knowledge of introductory health economics is desirable.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ECON7000 and 7300
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
Tutorial starts in teaching week 2.
The timetable is published through the UQ Public Timetable found in the APPs section of myUQ.ﾠStudents 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.ﾠThe timetable can be downloaded here:ﾠPublic Timetable.ﾠRefer only to the 2024 timetableﾠ(click the text in the top right corner of the webpage to change the year).
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
The objective of this course is to provide studentsﾠwith (1) an understanding of the aims of health policy, (2) concepts and frameworks used in analysing and discussing policies and their consequences, (3) foundations for empirical evaluation of health policies and programs, (4) abundant examples illustrating the above. The course will focus on demonstrating how health economists analyse problems related to the production of health and the delivery of health care. The course will provide students with tools thatﾠallow them to conceptualise and evaluate the impact ofﾠhealth programs and policies.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain and evaluate the conceptual and empirical bases of the modern debates between health economists.
LO2.
Evaluate health policies from an economic point of view.
LO3.
Apply the tools of welfare economics and public economics to analyse and critically evaluate the role of markets and the government in the health sector.
LO4.
Explain the role of various conceptual frameworks in health sector decision-making and apply them to empirical work.
LO5.
Critically evaluate papers published in leading journals in the field of health economics.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Presentation | 20% |
During an allocated tutorial |
| Essay/ Critique | Essay | 35% |
30/09/2024 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Written critical review of article | 25% |
24/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Quiz | Weekly quizzes | 20% Cumulative score |
6/08/2024 4:00 pm 13/08/2024 4:00 pm 20/08/2024 4:00 pm 27/08/2024 4:00 pm 3/09/2024 4:00 pm 10/09/2024 4:00 pm 17/09/2024 4:00 pm 1/10/2024 4:00 pm 8/10/2024 4:00 pm 15/10/2024 4:00 pm
Quizzes are due each Tuesday |
Assessment details
Presentation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
During an allocated tutorial
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Peer-reviewed journal articles related to the course materials will be provided for in-person presentation during tutorials. Each student will need to discuss their allocated paper and guide a subsequent discussion in the tutorial, showing an understanding of the article. The presentations will be scheduled during the first week of the semester and presentation topics and dates will be allocated on a `first-come-first-serve' basis. Depending on the number of enrolled students, the duration of the presentation will be announced.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
A penalty of 100% for non-presentation.
Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
30/09/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Essay on a pre-agreed topic. Students will need to discuss and confirm their essay topic with the unit coordinator. Preferred essay topics can be suggested to the unit coordinator, but final topic will be nominated by the unit coordinator. Essays should be at least 3000 and no more than 5000 words long.
Details will be disucssed in class and provided on Blackboard.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) provides emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission should be done electronically via Blackboard. Instructions for submission will be provided on the Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 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.
Written critical review of article
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
24/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Critical review of a published article. List of research articles to be provided on Blackboard and discussed in lecture/tutorial. The main goal of this assignment is to ensure all students gain knowledge in critically evaluating a publication in the health field.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT 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 generative 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.
Submission guidelines
Article Review is to be submitted via Turnitin on the course Blackboard site by the due date and time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Requests for the granting of extensions must be made online via https://my.uq.edu.au/node/218/2#2 with supporting documentation before the submission due date/time. If an extension is approved, the new agreed date for submission will be noted on the application and the student notified through their student email. Extensions cannot exceed the number of days you suffered from a medical condition, as stated on the medical certificate.
Students who are ill for more than 14 days may wish to apply for withdrawal without academic penalty. The guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment may be accessed through http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/extension-progressive-assessment.
Where an extension has not been previously approved, the following penalties apply to late or non-submission of an assessment item (e.g. essay) in alignment with PPL 3.10.02
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.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24 hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Penalties will be applied unless there is sufficient evidence that the late submission is beyond the control of the student. Course coordinators decide on the evidence presented whether they will accept a late submission.
Students can lodge a grievance to the Head of School prior to the date of finalisation of results of the course or the Associate Dean (Academic) after the date of finalisation of results of the course, in accordance with 3.60.02 Student Grievance Resolution procedures.
Weekly quizzes
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20% Cumulative score
- Due date
6/08/2024 4:00 pm
13/08/2024 4:00 pm
20/08/2024 4:00 pm
27/08/2024 4:00 pm
3/09/2024 4:00 pm
10/09/2024 4:00 pm
17/09/2024 4:00 pm
1/10/2024 4:00 pm
8/10/2024 4:00 pm
15/10/2024 4:00 pm
Quizzes are due each Tuesday
- Learning outcomes
- L05
Task description
Tutorials will be accompanied by quizzes. Questions will ask the understanding of students of the papers presented each week.
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
Multiple-choice on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
A penalty of 100% if answers are not submitted by the time of the deadline.
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 Section 6.1 - Assessment Related Policies & Guidelines. Please refer to Section 6.1 and the link to the Academic Integrity Module (AIM). It is strongly recommended that you complete the AIMﾠif you have not already done so.
ﾠ SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments must be submitted by the due date and time stated in the course profile. The instructions for submission will be included on the Blackboard site.ﾠ ﾠﾠﾠ
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
Additional class resources, such as slides, tutorial questions, additional reading, and class notices, will be regularly posted on Blackboard.
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: Course introduction Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 2: Social determinants of health and equity Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 3: Healthcare systems Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 4: Provider payments and pay for performance Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Lecture 5: Drivers of health care expenditure Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 6: Population ageing and health policy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 7: Health and work - what determines what? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 8: The hospital system and workforce Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Lecture 9: Health policies for pharmaceuticals Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break/Research week |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 10: Mental Health Economics and Policy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Lecture 11: Healthcare financing and health outcomes in developing countries Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Practical |
Lecture 12: Review 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.