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MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH (MPH)
PROGRAMME BROCHURE
2013
UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health
Sciences, University of Cape Town (UCT).
Convenor (Overall, and General track)
Prof. Rodney Ehrlich, BBusSc, MBChB (Cape Town), DOH (Wits), FFCH (SA),FCPHM(SA)(Occ. Med), PhD (Cape Town).
Assistant Convenor (Health Economics track)Dr. Ayako Honda, BA (Sophia, Tokyo), MA (Tokyo), PhD (London)
Assistant Convenor (Epidemiology and Clinical Research tracks)Assoc. Prof. Landon Myer, BA (Brown), MBChB (Cape Town), MA, MPhil, PhD
(Columbia)
Assistant Convenor (Health Systems track)
Prof. Lucy Gilson, BA (Hons) (Oxon), MA (East Anglia), PhD (London)
COLLABORATING DEPARTMENTS
Department of Statistical Sciences, Faculty of Science
Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health SciencesDepartment of Historical Studies, Faculty of HumanitiesPrimary Health Care Directorate, Faculty of Health Sciences
COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONSSchool of Public Health, University of the Western Cape
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CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INTRODUCTION 3
1. DEGREE OBJECTIVES 4
2. CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS AND ORGANISATION 6
3. GENERAL INFORMATION 15
4. COURSES (MODULES)4.1 Public Health and Society (PPH7016F) 17
4.2 Quantitative Research Methods (PPH7070S) 18
4.3 Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018F) 194.4 Biostatistics I (PPH7021F) 20
4.5 Introduction to Health Systems Research and Evaluation 21(PPH7084F)
4.6 Health Policy and Planning (PPH7041S) 224.7 Biostatistics II (STA5055F) 234.8 Biostatistics III (STA5056S) 23
4.9 Advanced Epidemiology (PPH7029F) 244.10 Evidence-Based Health Care (PPH7022S) 26
4.11 Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (PPH7063S) 27
4.12 Epidemiology of Non-Communicable Diseases (PPH7065S) 284.13 Clinical Epidemiology (PPH7086S) 29
4.14 Seminars in Clinical Research (PPH7083W) 30
4.15 Seminars in Epidemiology (PPH7090F/S) 314.16 Quantitative Methods for Health Economists (PPH7064F) 32
4.17 The Economics of Health Systems (PPH7077S) 334.18 Theory and Application of Economic Evaluation in Health Care 34
(PPH7039F)
4.19 Microeconomics for the Health Sector (PPH7050F) 354.20 Public Health and Human Rights (PPH7053S) not offered in 201336
4.21 Gender and Health PPH7054S 37
4.22 Qualitative Research Methods (PPH7071F) 384.23 Community Eye Health 1 (CHM6022F) 39
4.24 Community Eye Health 2 (CHM6023F) 404.25 Practicum in Public Health (PPH7089F/S) 41
5. EXAMPLES OF OUTSIDE ELECTIVES 42
6. TRACK DESCRIPTIONS AND COURSEWORK TIMETABLES 43
7. GUIDELINES: DISSERTATION 55
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INTRODUCTION
This brochure provides the detail needed to assist prospective candidates in deciding
whether the programme suits their needs. Applications must be completed online viawww.uct.ac.za/apply/applications/forms/
A coursework plus dissertation Master of Public Health has been offered in theFaculty of Health Sciences since 1999. It is offered as a multidisciplinary Public
Health degree and is based on existing strengths at UCT, resulting in an emphasis onepidemiology, health economics and health systems, and policy.
Degree candidates from a variety of backgrounds will acquire knowledge and skills toassist them to contribute towards an effective and equitable health system based on
population and individual level approaches.
The flexible modular course structure enables collaboration among a number of
departments at UCT and with other institutions including the School of Public Healthat the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
There are six tracks: General, Epidemiology, Clinical Research, Health Systems,Health Economics and Community Eye Health, each with its own course
requirements.
The programme is taught as a series of semester length courses, some of which arecompulsory for the degree and others elective. All track candidates other than HealthEconomics will need to complete 10 courses plus a dissertation, achievable in 18
months of full-time study or longer with part-time study.
Health Economics track candidates will need to complete 8 courses plus a
dissertation, achievable in 18 months of full-time study or longer with part-timestudy. This track has its own application procedure. Those interested in the Health
Economics track must consult a separate brochure on that track, obtainable from:
http://www.heu-uct.org.za/
Specialisation track requirements:
For an Epidemiology specialisation, the candidate must have completed therequired courses (see page 43) and a dissertation in the field of Epidemiology.
There are also pass mark minima on introductory courses required forprogression to higher level courses.
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For a Health Economics specialisation, the candidate must have completed the
required courses (see page 45) and a dissertation in the field of Health
Economics.
For a Clinical Research specialisation, the candidate must have completed therequired courses (see page 47) and a dissertation in the field of ClinicalResearch.
For a Health Systems specialisation, the candidate must have completed therequired courses (see page 49) and a dissertation in the field of HealthSystems.
For a Community Eye Health specialisation, the candidate must havecompleted the required courses (see page 51) and a dissertation in the field of
Community Eye Health.
1. DEGREE OBJECTIVES1.1 What is Public Health?By Public Health is meant the collection of disciplines whose unit of analysis is a
population or community rather than an individual or patient, and whose field ofinvestigation and action includes the promotion of health, the measurement and
prevention of disease and injury, and the fostering of equity, efficiency and
effectiveness in the provision of health care services and in the development of healthsystems more generally.
In addition, epidemiological and biostatistical and tools can be applied to address
clinical questions regarding the aetiology, presentation, management and course ofdisease (referred to as clinical epidemiology).
1.2 Target candidates
The programme was developed with the goal of vocational development, i.e. enablingpeople already on career tracks to advance their skills, opportunities and effectiveness
in their current or future jobs. To this end the programme was designed to support
part-time study. However, a large number of candidates, particularly international
candidates, attend on afull-timebasis. In addition to academic and work record, the
selection process places value on experience in public health related work and onsupport by the candidates employing institution.
Target candidates include: Health researchers, including clinical researchers;
Health sector managers and clinical professionals responsible for running healthprogrammes or services, for whom public health is an important part of their
work;
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University graduates in Medicine and in the Allied Health Sciences, including
Nursing, wanting to broaden their skills and fill roles beyond professional
boundaries, or to develop research skills;
Non-health science graduates, e.g. from the social, management or
environmental sciences, who want an entry point into health sector work or tostrengthen their work in their own disciplines.
Places are available to students from other countries, particularly in Africa.
Individual courses will be open, subject to any limitation on numbers, to candidatesfrom other postgraduate degrees at UCT or the MPH programme at UWC, and to
individuals who want single semester courses not for degree purposes.
1.3 Values and perspectives
Values and perspectives emphasised in the course are:
population based approaches to health; the use of knowledge and evidence generated by research to answer questions
related to health and disease in individuals and populations and to inform actionto improve population health;
understanding of the political, economic and ethical dimensions of social
choices underlying disease prevention, health care and research; the objective of achieving greater equity in health, health care, and health
systems development.
1.4 OutcomesGraduates should emerge with certain generic skills, including (not necessarily in oneperson) population, interdisciplinary and systems perspectives; research skills; an
understanding of the political, economic and cultural basis of health, health services
and health policy formation; the ability to critically evaluate evidence healthpromotion and clinical and health service management practice; and the ability to
argue or advocate for specific policies or practices.
Graduates could be employed in any of the social sectors with health functions, viz.
state health services, the private sector, and academic, labour, community based andnon-governmental organisations. These sectors are increasingly international in
scope.
In such jobs graduates would perform functions with a population, systems or
organisational focus, including setting up or managing services or programmes;developing strategy and policy; evaluating services or programmes; carrying out
research; designing information systems; and training. Some graduates will continue
to provide clinical services with a greatly enhanced research and population
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perspective. Others will build on skills learned to pursue a career in research and
education.
2. CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS AND ORGANISATION
2.1 Time commitment
The programme may be taken part-time or full-time.
The programme does not currently provide for distance candidates and
residence in Cape Town is a requirement.
The projected formal commitment for the degree is a minimum of 1 800 notional
hours divided approximately as follows:
General, Epidemiology, Clinical Research, Health Systems and Community
Eye Health tracks: Classroom / practicals: 320 hours (approximately 32 hours per course);
Formal assignments, reading, course project work: 880 hours; Dissertation: 600 hours (minimum).
Health Economics track:
Classroom / practicals: 260 hours (approximately 32 hours per course); Formal assignments, reading, course project work: 700 hours;
Dissertation: 900 hours (minimum)
The minimum time to completion is unlikely to be less than 18 months.Candidates are encouraged to aim to complete their coursework anddissertation within 24 months, but some may elect to take 3 or 4 years for this.
Depending on course choice, candidates may be able to complete all thecoursework in one full-time year. (See page 42). This assumes that al l
cour ses are passed at f irst go.
2.2 Entry requirements
A graduate of any appropriate 4-year Bachelorscourse, 4-year Honourscourse or any degreerecognised by the Senate as equivalent;
Evidence of adequate numeric skills as judged by the selection committee
(for example, a minimum of a C pass in higher grade school-leavingmathematics or a pass on a university course in mathematics or statistics);
Evidence of proficiency in English.A formal test of English proficiency isrequired of applicants from non-English speaking countries. (See page
13).
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A clinical degree (MBChB or equivalent, or a Bachelors degree in an
allied health science) and prior experience in health research are required
for the Clinical Research track.
2.3 Support for diversity of background
Candidates with training other than in the health sciences, e.g. biology, psychology,
anthropology, statistics, are welcome to apply for admission. Course combinationsand teaching will to some extent take this diversity of background into account.
However, such candidates will be expected to familiarise themselves in their owntime with basic terminology and relevant concepts from health science disciplines not
covered in the courses, including the organisation of health services.
Numeric and writing skills may be tested before admission, or after admission for
diagnostic purposes. Teaching assistants will be available in courses such as
biostatistics. Candidates with deficiencies in numeracy may be requested to seektuition at their own expense.
The university also provides writing skills support (See page 13), and candidates may
be referred to the UCT Writing Centre after assessment of their written English.
2.4 Degree structure
The building block of the degree is the course (also called a module) : a self-
contained one semester course, which might require qualifying courses;
The degree programme consists of core and elective courses and adissertation; A course will consist of approximately 32 classroom hours, plus approx. 88
hours of homework.
All electives are offered subject to there being sufficient demand. TheUniversity reserves the right to cancel any elective if there is insufficient
demand, or to change the timetabling of any course. Numbers may also be capped in certain courses, for example, on a first come
first served (registration) basis,
All courses are taught as a half weekblock (14-16 hours) plus eight or nine 2-hour
sessions spread through the semester.
Block (whole day) teaching will take place approximately during the second half of
January and the first three weeks of February, and in July each year, from 8h30 -16h00 daily. (The academic year and second semester thus start earlier than do
other postgraduate programmes).
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Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons will be the primary teaching days for
semester sessions. The afternoon will be divided into two 2-hour sessions: 13h30 -
15h30 and 16h00 - 18h00. Applicants with jobs should clear attendance commitments
with their employer in advance for the whole programme, including study leave and
examinations.
2.5 Outside Electives (See pages 11-38)
2.6 Graduation requirement and degree time limitsA total of 10 courses (8 in the case of Health Economics track candidates)successfully completed will be required for the degree, plus a pass on the dissertation.
The maximum period for completion of the degree is four years, excluding any leave
of absence. Candidates will normally be permitted to extend registration into a fifthyear, subject to a written motivation on their Progress Form by their supervisor.
Registration beyond five years will generally not be supported. In accordance with a
Senate ruling, a 50 percent fee surcharge will be applied after the fourth year ofregistration.
2.7 Dissertation
The dissertation carries one third of the weighting (50% in the case of Health
Economics track candidates) of the degree. Candidates will be required to complete adissertation in a research area related to their track. The candidate will be expected to
find an approved supervisor, with the assistance of the programme convenors, within
their area of interest. External co-supervisors (i.e. non-UCT) may also be drawn from
any appropriate tertiary or research institution.
There will be research opportunities for a limited number of candidates within the
School of Public Health's current research programme. (See page 53 for further
details on the dissertation). The programme does not provide funding for mastersresearch, although candidates may apply for such funding through any available
channel. In such cases, there is usually up to a years delay before funding wouldbecome available to a successful applicant.
2.8 Assessment of student performanceEach course convenor will determine the appropriate form of assessment in that
module. Such assessment will consist of some combination of home assignments, a
semester project and a final classroom examination. The examination carries 50% ofthe assessment weight. Each course will be written off at the end of its semester. A
pass mark of 50% is required overall , with a 45% sub-minimum on each of the
examination and semester mark separately. An external examiner is appointed for
every course.
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The dissertation will be marked by two examiners, both external to the university.
The highest standard aimed for will be that of a manuscript potentially capable of
publication as a single paper in a peer reviewed journal (although it need not be
submitted for publication, nor meet the publishability standard to pass).
The coursework and dissertation components must be passed independently.
Candidates may be allowed to repeat a course they have failed, at the courseconvenors discretion. No course may be done more than twice.
Where a candidate fails (a) any core course twice, or (b) any 3 courses, a
recommendation will be made to the Dean to refuse the candidate further
registration in the programme. (Failing any elective twice will be counted as two
courses failed.)
No supplementary examinations will be offered to candidates who fail a course.
Candidates will have to repeat core courses they have failed. This may prolong theperiod of residence in Cape Town or extend registration by another year.
Deferredexamination may be offered on medical grounds.
The degree will be awarded with distinction to candidates who average 75% or aboveon coursework plus dissertation, with a 70% sub-minimum on each component. (i.e.
at least 70% average across all courses and at least 70% on the dissertation.)
The external examiner for each course retains the discretion to alter the final coursemark based on assessment of the candidates performance across the course as awhole.
2.9 Quality assuranceEach course will be evaluated by candidates using a standard questionnaire or via
Vula, the electronic teaching platform. Course convenors may hold open discussionsduring the semester.
The programme convenor will work with track and course convenors in consideringevaluations, solving problems, and maintaining the coherence of the programme. The
programme convenor is also accountable to the School and Faculty for quality
assurance.
Class representatives are elected from each year of intake to represent studentconcerns to the course or programme convenor. The programme convenor will also
hold meetings with the whole MPH class from time to time. The external examiner
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for each course is asked to submit a report on the quality of the course and the
examination.
2.10 Programme rules
Entry All participants, including non-degree candidates, or candidates for other
UCT degrees, must register and pay fees for every course.
Participants may not audit courses, i.e. may not sit in for non-examination purposes.
Participation by non-degree candidates or candidates for other UCTdegrees must be approved in advance by the programme convenor, via an
online application.
As a general rule, non-degree candidates may not register for more thanthree courses in any calendar year.
AttendanceStudents should inform the module convenor if they are going to be absent for more
than one session in a block or in the seminar. Anyone missing the initial block of a module (40 percent or more of the
teaching time) may notjoin that course afterwards. Candidates should
plan travel, conference attendance and private schedules accordingly.
Students should also ensure that the examination weeks are kept free ofany competing engagements.
Students missing sessions must make their own arrangements to obtain
material they have missed. Semester timetables should be consulted well in advance. These are postedon Vula.
Communication Primary communication with students about a module will take place via
VULA and email or in class, as arranged by the module convenor. It is
essential that the correct email address used by candidates appears
on all lists.
Students should ensure that the programme administrator has all theircontact details, including any change in email address. Email
communication will also be used for programme level matters.
Assignments
There are two or three assignments per course, with hand in deadlines. Extensions must be sought in advance of the advertised deadline.
One week extensions may be granted by the assigning staff. There is no
extension (nor mark) beyond that date.
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Outside Electives
Students may take up to two elective courses outside the programme
modules. Please note that such electives are not administered through the
MPH programme. It is therefore the responsibility of interested students
to obtain administrative information from the relevant department. Approval to do such courses must be obtained in advance from the MPH
programme convenor, who will check equivalence (e.g. 120 notional
hours; assignments and examination). Courses done in the NorthAmerican system must carry a minimum of a 3 semester credit
weighting. Courses can be chosen from those offered by other UCT programmes (see
page 40 for examples), or as part of the University of the Western Cape
MPH. (Attendance at a short course, even if a week long, is not sufficient- the course must include a Masters level assessment).
Students must register and pay fees for these outside electives as required
by their institution. There is no provision for fee transfers.
Credits and Exemptions (a) Credits towards the degree, or (b) exemption (with substitution) from a
core module, based on Masters level courses passed elsewhere, may be
considered on production of appropriate documentation to the programmeconvenor. For credits, such courses must not have formed part of an
obtained qualification. This criterion does not apply to exemptions which
are aimed at avoiding duplication of prior study and do not reduce the
number of courses required.
Plagiarism
The University has strict rules against plagiarism, i.e. presenting the work
of others, including fellow students, as ones own withoutacknowledgement. This includes downloading text from the internet
without attribution. The subject of plagiarism, and how to avoid it, will be discussed at the
beginning of the programme and at points along the way.
Candidates will be expected to submit signed declarations with all writtenwork.
Plagiarised work will earn zero credit, and the student reported via the
University disciplinary process. This may result in a course failure, lossof financial support and/or expulsion. Convictions for plagiarism are
endorsed on academic transcripts.
Degree The specialisation track may be inscribed on the degree certificate, in
parentheses after "Master of Public Health" (See page 3).
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Student representation Each annual cohort is asked to elect representatives to pursue matters of
concern with convenors.
The university and faculty have a Postgraduate Students Association torepresent the interests of postgraduate students. Membership is
encouraged.
24/7 Computing facilities
The Barnard Fuller Laboratory (Level 1, alongside the Postgraduateseminar lecture rooms) is available for use by all students.
Students must use their UCT swipe card to gain access to the lab. Should
a card be left at home or not function, students can go to StudentAdministration to gain access.
The opening times are 24 hours a day, 364 days a year.
Wireless areas are being expanded across the campus.Parking
Student parking on campus is available at the standard university fee,
payable annually.
Punctuality and lecture courtesy
Please be seated with your notes open by the advertised starting time. It is
disruptive to have people walking in once the session has started.
All cell phones should be switched off or on silent during sessions. Eating during lectures is not permitted.Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits (South African)
30 points are awarded on graduation. This does not include ethics points
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Summarised University Language policy
(http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/intlapplicants/degree/applications/language/)
English Foreign Language (EFL) or Foreign Permanent (FP) applicants whose
primary language is not English are required to submit to one of the following:
A recent score of at least 570 (paper-based TOEFL test) or a score 230(computer-based TOEFL test or a score of 88 (Internet-based TOEFL
test). A recent test is a score that is obtained within 3 to 5 yearsbefore applying for admission to UCT.
A recent overall band score of 7.0 (with no individual element of thetest scoring below 6.0) on the International English Language Testing
System (IELTS);
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre at UCT which forms part of the Language Development Group inthe Academic Development Programme (Centre for Higher Education Development)
offers students assistance with academic writing. Please visit their website:
http://www.ched.uct.ac.za.
Candidates may be referred to the Writing Centre by staff on the basis of performancein written work during the programme.
Registration
All candidates including all dissertation only students must register promptly at thebeginning of each year. This is not discretionary. This applies even if the courses
commence only in the second semester. Unregistered students may be asked to leaveclass or be refused supervision. Fee penalties are levied for late registration and fees
charged retrospectively for any years missed.
Where a candidate is still completing coursework and does not intend to submit the
dissertation in that year, registration for the dissertation may be deferred to lateryears. This does not preclude a candidate from starting work on the dissertation and
being assigned a supervisor as soon as he or she is ready to do so. However,candidates must register for the dissertation in the year in which they intend to submit
their dissertation. This must be done by the February registration deadline.
Candidates must pay the full dissertation fee at least once. If registration for thedissertation is continued into a subsequent year, a rebate may be earned for
submission depending on the date of submission. (The year for submission
purposes extends to mid February of the following year). Dissertation onlystudents must, however, register and pay fees in every year in which the dissertation
remains uncompleted.
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Notice to Leave: Withdrawal of RegistrationStudents or their parents or guardians must give notice of intention to discontinue
studies in writing by completing the Cancellation of Registration Form and
submitting this to their Faculty Office in person or by registered mail.A reduction on the academic fees, less a minimum fee ofR400, may be considered in
special circumstances, depending on when the notice of intention to discontinue
studies is received by the Faculty Office.
Notice must be submitted before:
(i) Whole Year Course
22 February 2013 . 100% adjustment less the R400 minimum charge8 March 2013.. 50%
adjustment
(ii) First Semester Course
22 February 2013 .... 100% adjustment less R400 minimum charge8 March 2013 . 50% adjustment of the course fee.
(iii) Second Semester Courses31 July 2013..... 100% adjustment less the R400 minimum charge
14 August 2013 ... 50% adjustment of the course fee
No reduction will be granted if the notice of intention to discontinue studies isreceived after the above deadlines.
Note: These dates will be strictly adhered to.Any fees owing are due immediately on
cancellation of studies.
See also http://www.uct.ac.za/usr/finance/fees/fees2012.pdf Drop an IndividualCourse (Point 2.3). Candidates who cease attending a course yet either do not
formally withdraw or withdraw after the last date above will have an absent
recorded for that course in that year. This will appear on the official transcript even ifthe course is later successfully completed.
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Leave of absenceAny candidate seeking to break registration in any year must apply for leave of
absence in advance to the faculty officer and the programme convenor. This
application must be motivated and if accepted will be grantedfor one year only.
Retrospective leave of absence is not granted. In such cases, full payment of fees for
any missed years is required before re-registration.
3. GENERAL INFORMATION
3.1 Fees (See: http://www.uct.ac.za/usr/finance/fees/fees2012.pdf)
The Universitys course-based fee structures will enable students to accuratelycalculate the cost of their academic studies at UCT in 2013.
Students can use the course codes listed in this brochure to look up the all inclusivecost of the degree in the fees booklet.
(See: http://www.uct.ac.za/usr/finance/fees/fees2012.pdf). The sum of these costs willgive the total cost for the set of chosen courses.
Non-SADC international students* will be billed in South African Rand. An
international fee called the International Term Fee, will be charged in addition
to the individual fees. Both the International Term Fee plus the individual
course based fees must be paid prior to registration.
The full annual Term Fee is charged even if registration commences in the
second semester.
* An international student is someone who requires a study permit.
All students from outside South Africa and other SADC countries should refer to fees
for international students on page 14 of the Fees booklet on the website referred toabove.
3. 2. Financial assistanceInformation regarding scholarships and bursaries is available on request from the
Postgraduate Centre and Funding Office, University of Cape Town.
Tel: +27-21-650 3629Fax: +27-21-650 4352
Email: [email protected]: www.uct.ac.za/apply/funding/postgraduate/applications/
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There are a number of University administered Masters level scholarships for which
both entering candidates and those already in the programme may apply. Deadlines
are typically six months to one year in advance. Applications for the programme
must be submitted by new applicants in parallel with any scholarship applications.
International students can make application for scholarships via the International
Academic Programmes Office (IAPO). Forms will be available on the IAPO website:
http://www.uct.ac.za/about/iapo/overview/intro/You should apply for these as soon as possible.
3. 3. Residence accommodation
This is limited and preference is given to South African students.
All inquiries about housing should be directed to:Zaheda Hendricks
Student Admissions and Advocacy Services
Student Housing and Residence LifeUniversity of Cape Town
Ph: +27-21- 650 2984Fax: +27-21- 650 4014
Email: [email protected]
3. 4. Study permits for international students
International students must obtain a study permit before entering South Africa. Please
consult the nearest South African embassy/consulate well in advance. Further
information for international students studying at UCT is available from the IAPO.Tel: +27- 21- 650 3740Email: [email protected]
3. 5. All MPH enquiriesThe MPH Administrator (Mrs Zerina Davis)
School of Public Health and Family Medicine (Room 4.36, University of Cape Town,Health Sciences Faculty,
Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
Ph: +27 - 21 - 406 6578.Fax: +27 - 21 - 406 6495.
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.publichealth.uct.ac.za/
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4. COURSES (MODULES)
4.1 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIETY (PPH7016F)
Convenors
Dr. Christopher J Colvin, MPH (UCT), PhD (Virginia), School of PublicHealth and Family Medicine, UCT
Prof. Howard Phillips, BA (Hons) (UCT), MA (London), PhD (UCT),
Department of Historical Studies, UCTStructure
Compulsory for General, Epidemiology and Health Systems tracks. Semester 1
One half-week block in January / February
One two hour session approximately every second week during thesemester.
Skill objectivesIn this course, students will develop a broad understanding of the field of public
health. By the end of the course students should be able to: Describe how the idea of public health has changed over time, depending
on its particular socio-historical and scientific context.
Describe how public health has been taught in universities and translatedinto legislation over time.
Describe the major disciplinary contributions, key concepts, and core
research tools that are central to public health knowledge and practice.
Describe the state of the publics health in South Africa, with specialreference to the distribution, causes and control of race, class, gender andgeographic disparities in health.
Describe opportunities and challenges for public health interventions
beyond the biological, in the context of health systems, communities,cultures, political and economic structures, and the environment.
Use this multi-disciplinary and multi-levelled approachthe publichealth perspectiveto develop a richer understanding of health problems
and the ways that public health knowledge and practice can address these
problems.
Content
The course will consist of two related components. The first will provide an historicalanalysis of the concept of public health and the growth and development of a public
health movement in Europe and South Africa. The second will consider the manytools and theories the field of public health uses to understand the causes and
distribution of health and illnesses as well as the ways public health professionals
intervene to improve population health.
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RequirementsAs for degree (see section 2.2)
4.2. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS (PPH7070S)
Convenor
Prof. Rodney Ehrlich, BBusSc, MBChB, (Cape Town), DOH (Wits),
FFCH (SA), FCPHM (SA) (OccMed), PhD (Cape Town), School ofPublic Health and Family Medicine, UCT
Structure
Compulsory for General, Epidemiology, Community Eye Health and
Health Economics tracks Semester 2
One half week block in July
One 2 hour session approximately every second week during semester.
Skill objectives To enable candidates to prepare research proposals on public health or
health service problems that utilise quantitative methods, and to carry out
such research with appropriate supervision To enable candidates to cooperate as a team in research protocol
development
To improve logical writing skills.
Content The research protocol
Research ethics
Literature review; defining the question Scope of public health research and overview of study design (revision)
Population, sampling and subject selection; sample size calculation Measurement: questionnaires; validity and reliability
Data management and analysis; use of appropriate software
Writing, reporting and presentation (with the UCT Centre for HigherEducation Development).
RequirementsAs for degree (see section 2.2)
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4.3. INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY (PPH7018F)
ConvenorAnna Grimsrud, BSc (Alberta), MPH (Cape Town), School of Public Health and
Family Medicine, UCT
Structure
Compulsory for General, Epidemiology, Community Eye Health, ClinicalResearch and Health Systems tracks
Semester 1 One half week block in January/February
One two hour session approximately every second week during the
semester.
Skill objectives
The course aims to introduce the basic principles and methods of epidemiology.At the end of the course candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
The nature and uses of epidemiology The strengths and limitations of epidemiological study designs
The epidemiological approach to defining and measuring the occurrence
of health-related states in the population The epidemiological approach to assessing study validity and disease
causation.
Content Definition and history of epidemiology Basic measures of disease occurrence and disease association
Types of study design
Random error, bias and confounding Introduction to demography and standardization
Epidemiology in prevention and screening Causal inference in epidemiology
Introduction to critical appraisal of the literature, and environmental,
occupational and infectious disease epidemiology.RequirementsAs for degree (see section 2.2)
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4.4. BIOSTATISTICS I (PPH7021F)
Convenor (Acting) Rauf Sayed, BSc (Hons), MSc (Karachi), Senior Biometrician, School of
Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT
Structure
Compulsory for General, Epidemiology, Community Eye Health andClinical Research tracks
Semester 1 One half week block in January/February
One two hour session approximately every second week during the
semester.
Skill objectives
This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of biostatistics and a guideon how to compute the most commonly used descriptive and inferential statistical
procedures, to enable candidates to understand and interpret basic statistical results.
Content
Types of data, measures of central tendency, dispersion and graphicalmethods
Theoretical probability distributionsNormal and Binomial distribution
Sampling distribution and confidence intervals
Hypothesis testing, power and sample size estimation Analysis of numerical and categorical outcomes comparisons of meansand proportions
Nonparametric methods
Assessing agreementkappa statistic One-Way Analysis of Variance
Correlationrelationship between numerical variables.
Requirements
As for degree (see section 2.2)
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4.5. INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH SYSTEMS RESEARCH AND
EVALUATION (PPH7084F)
ConvenorProf. Lucy Gilson, BA (Hons) (Oxon), MA (East Anglia), PhD (London), School of
Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT, and London School of Hygiene andTropical Medicine, United Kingdom
StructureCompulsory for Health Systems track
Semester 2One half week block in January/February followed by sessions
approximately every second week during semester.
Skill objectives
By the end of the course participants should be able to:
Define a health system and outline the main approaches to analysing anddescribing the dimensions of a health system
Describe how health policy and systems research are similar to or different
from other approaches to research covered in the MPH
Formulate a relevant health policy or systems research question that is
descriptive, explanatory or explanatory in nature
Apply appropriate study designs to answering health policy and systems
research questions that include the following: case study, cross sectional,
longitudinal, experimental and ethnographic designs and programme
evaluationApply appropriate conceptual frameworks and methods to investigating
health policy and systems research questions
Write a research protocol relevant to health policy and systems research.
Content
Conceptualising health systems Different disciplinary perspectives on health systems dimensions and
challenges Appropriate study designs and analytical approaches for health systems
research
Critical qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis approaches Approaches to programme monitoring and evaluation Research protocol development for health systems research.
Requirements: As for degree. (see section 2.2)
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4.6. HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING (PPH7041S)
Convenor Prof. Lucy Gilson, BA (Hons) (Oxon), MA (East Anglia), PhD (London),
School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT, and London School of
Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
Co-Convenor
Ms. Marsha Orgill, BAdmin (Hons) (UWC), MPhil (Cape Town), School ofPublic Health and Family Medicine, UCT
Structure
Compulsory for Health Economics and Health Systems tracks
Semester 2 One half week block in July
One 2 hour session every second week during semester.
New skills objectives
At the end of the module participants should be able to: Demonstrate understanding of the purpose, nature and processes of health policy
and planning
Recognise the socio-political influences over these processes Conduct comprehensive analyses of policy development and implementation
processes, including stakeholder analysis
Demonstrate understanding of approaches to priority setting for health and
equity; Appreciate the key dimensions of critical health policy issues Recognise the critical elements of strategic management important in health
policy implementation, including actor management strategies
Develop advocacy and knowledge translation strategies relevant in influencinghealth policy change.
Content
Introduction to health policy and policy analysis: what is it and why do we need
it? What influences policy change: Understanding actors and power
Doing and using stakeholder analysis
Agenda setting, advocacy and policy influencing strategies The role of centrally led processes in implementing policy change
Street level bureaucracy and implementation experience at the front line of healthsystems.
Requirements: As for degree (see section 2.2).
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4.7. BIOSTATISTICS II (STA5055S)
ConvenorAssoc. Prof. Francesca Little, MSc (Cape Town), PhD (Cape Town), Department of
Statistical Sciences, UCT.
Structure
Compulsory for Epidemiology, Community Eye Health and Clinical Research
Tracks Semester 2
One half week block in July One 2 hour session approximately every second week during the semester.
Skill objectives To equip candidates with a good understanding of modelling the relationship
between a response and a set of risk factors, so as to be able to perform such
analyses themselves using sophisticated statistical software.
Content Multiple linear regression for modelling and identifying the relationship between
a continuous response and a set of risk factors
Logistic regression for modelling and analysing the relationship between adichotomous indicator of disease status and a set of risk factors.
Requirements
A minimum of a 65% pass in Biostatistics I (PPH7021F) Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018F) Candidates failing Biostatistics II will be allowed to repeat the course only at the
discretion of the course convenor. Candidates registered for a track in the MPH
programme for which the course is compulsory will have a higher priority forreadmission than those seeking to repeat the course as an elective.
4.8. BIOSTATISTICS III (STA5056F)
Convenor
Assoc. Prof. Francesca Little, MSc (Cape Town), PhD (Cape Town), Department ofStatistical Sciences, UCT.
Structure Compulsory for Epidemiology and Clinical Research Tracks
Semester 1 One half-week block in February
One two hour session approximately every second week during the semester.
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Skill objectives
To provide candidates with a thorough understanding of the analysis of time-to-
event data and a capability to perform such analyses themselves
To introduce students to other more advanced statistical methods relevant to
medical research, so that they are aware of their availability for application tospecific problems in medical research.
Course content Survival analysistechniques for the analysis of time-to-event data
Logistic regression for classification Logistic regression for ordinal and polytomous data
The analysis of longitudinal data
An overview of further statistical methods in health research.
Requirements
Biostatistics II (STA5055S)
Recommended (e.g. concurrently) Advanced Epidemiology (PPH7029H)
4.9. ADVANCED EPIDEMIOLOGY (PPH7029F)
Convenor
Assoc. Prof. L. Myer, BA (Brown), MA, MBChB, (Cape Town), MPhil, PhD
(Columbia), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT.
Structure Compulsory for Epidemiology and Clinical Research tracks
Semester 1
One half-week block in January / February Face to face learning sessions during the semester approximately every second
week supplemented by notes and discussion board learning on VULA.
Skill objectives
To provide candidates with a deeper understanding of quantitative research conceptslearned in the Introduction to Epidemiology course such as:
Causation, measures of occurrence, and measures of association
A framework for understanding the relationships between observational andexperimental study designs, and an understanding of how different observational
designs are inter-related An appreciation of the role of variable measurement in research, with emphasis
on bias and misclassification and their effects
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A deeper understanding of confounding and how confounding is controlled in
epidemiological research, and of the uses and limitations of matching in
analytical studies
A deeper understanding of intermediate variables and the role of intermediate
variables in investigating the determinants of disease A deeper understanding of effect modification/interaction, including the
relevance of these concepts to public health and the difficulties in identifying
these phenomena in data The ability to integrate and apply different epidemiological concepts to provide
a thorough critique of study design, conduct and analysis.
Content
Overview of study design and epidemiologic principles Measures of occurrence & effect
Approaches to the assessment of causality
Cohort studies and randomised control trials Case control and cross-sectional studies: appropriate effect measures
Bias and validity Confounding (including standardisation)
Effect measure modification
Matching Critical appraisal.
Requirements
A pass of at least 65% inIntroduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018H).. Biostatistics I (PPH7021F) (completed), Biostatistics II (STA5055S) (completed or co-enrolled) One or more of:
- Evidence Based Health Care (PPH7022S)
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases (PPH7063S)- Epidemiology of Non-communicable diseases (PPH7065S)
Regular access to a computer and internet at home and/or on campus is essentialto make use of online course materials and teaching resources.
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4.10. EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTH CARE (PPH7022S)
Convenor Mr. James Irlam, BSc(Med) (Hons), MPhil (Cape Town), Senior Lecturer,
Primary Health Care Directorate, UCT
Structure
Compulsory for Clinical Research Track
Semester 2 One half week block in July
One 2 hour session approximately every second week during the semester.
Skill objectives
To enable candidates to convert health care information needs into answerablequestions, identify the best evidence with which to answer them, critically appraise
the evidence for validity and usefulness, and apply the evidence in health care
practice and policy.
Content Formulating answerable questions
Evaluating articles about treatment or prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, harm,
clinical decision analysis and clinical practice guidelines Systematic reviews and meta-analysis
The use of measures for health care decision making, such as relative risk
reduction, absolute risk reduction, numbers needed to treat, likelihood ratios,
and post-test probability Development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines.
Requirements
A pass of at least 55% in Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018H).
Recommended
Biostatistics I (PPH7021F)
Experience in clinical practice or health policy.
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4.11. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (PPH7063S)
Convenor Assoc. Prof.. David Coetzee, BA (Cape Town), MBChB (Wits), DOH (Wits),
DPH (Wits), DTM&H (Wits), FFCH (SA), MS (Epidemiology) (Columbia),
School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT.
Structure
Elective Semester 2
One half week block in July One two hour session approximately every second week during the semester.
Skill objectivesBy the end of the course candidates should be able to:
Apply descriptive epidemiology to communicable diseases and outbreak
situations Discuss how observational studies are used to investigate causation
Discuss transmission dynamics and mathematical modelling of epidemics Discuss routine and sentinel surveillance
Discuss how experimental studies are used to evaluate efficacy and effectiveness
of treatment and control measures Discuss the epidemiology of vaccination
Apply epidemiology to specific communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS,
tuberculosis (TB), sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) and childhood
communicable diseases.
Content
Commonly used terms and definitions, descriptive epidemiology, outbreak
investigation, observational studies, causation, study designs, clinical epidemiology,survival analysis, transmission dynamics, mathematical modelling, surveillance,
vaccination efficacy and effectiveness, epidemiology applied to HIV/AIDS, TB, STIsand childhood communicable diseases.
RequirementsA pass of at least 55% in Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018F).
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4.12. EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (PPH7065S)
Convenor Prof Rodney Ehrlich, BBusSc, MBChB, (Cape Town), DOH (Wits), FFCH
(SA), FCPHM (SA) (Occ Med), PhD (Cape Town), School of Public Health and
Family Medicine, UCT.
Structure
Elective Semester 2
One half-week block in July One two hour session every second week during semester.
Skill objectivesBy the end of the course candidates should be able to:
Interpret the population burden of non-communicable disease measures and data Use appropriate conceptual frameworks to study and understand non-communicable
disease, occurrence and control at individual and population level
Demonstrate familiarity with methodological issues and epidemiological methods inthe study of non-communicable disease.
Evaluate different interventions at individual, community and societal level toprevent and control chronic disease including screening and surveillance.
Content
Burden of non-communicable disease; Conceptual frameworks for studying chronic
disease causation and control; Epidemiologic transition in relation to risk factors forthe major chronic diseases, e.g. nutrition, obesity, physical exercise, alcohol andtobacco use as well as upstream factors such as food policy and the built
environment; Integrated health services interventions; Genetics and public health;
Epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, cancer, mentalill-health, injuries and environmental and occupational hazards.
Requirements
A pass of at least 55% in Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH 7018F).
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4.13. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY (PPH7086S)
Convenor Assoc. Prof. Landon Myer, BA (Brown) MA MBChB (UCT) MPhil PhD
(Columbia), School of Public Health & Family Medicine, UCT
Structure
Compulsory for Clinical Research track. Admission is generally restricted to
Clinical Research Track students. Other students wishing to register for thismodule require convenor permission.
Semester 2 16 two-hour sessions mixing didactic lectures, small group work, and
discussion; supplemented by (a) weekly readings and (b) Vula-based discussion
and notes.
Skill objectives
To provide students with a close understanding of patient-oriented clinicalresearch methods, with emphasis on topics that are unique to clinical research.
To enable students to work independently on the design, conduct and analysis ofclinical research studies.
ContentThe course content will focus on a series of key issues in patient-oriented clinical
research methods, including:
Linking clinical practice and patient-oriented research
Methods for and challenges in the evaluation of new clinical interventions usingobservational, quasi-experimental and experimental designsThe design, conduct and analysis of randomized clinical trials
Issues in the sampling of patients from larger populations
Pharmacoepidemiology (epidemiologic methods to study the use and effects ofpharmaceuticals)
Measurement issues in patient-oriented research, including working withroutinely-collected clinical data
Concepts of risk in clinical research and probability-based prediction of clinical
outcomesCritical evaluation of diagnostic tests and the use of multiple clinical tests for
decision making
Special ethical issues encountered in patient-oriented research.
The course will draw on examples from a range of clinical disciplines, and willintegrate conceptual learning with practical analytical examples in STATA.
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This course is not intended to be a stand-alone course in clinical research. Instead it is
designed to complement and build on the other epidemiology and biostatistics
courses taught in the programme (spiral learning).
RequirementsIntroduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018f)
Advanced Epidemiology (PPH7029f)
Biostatistics I (PPH7021F)Biostatistics II (STA5055S)
Biostatistics III (STA5056F)Evidence Based Health Care (PPH7022S)
4.14. SEMINARS IN CLINICAL RESEARCH (PPH7083W)
(Will not be offered after 2013)
Convenor
Assoc. Prof. Landon Myer, BA (Brown), MA, MBChB (Cape Town), MPhil, PhD(Columbia), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT
StructureCompulsory for Clinical Research track; not open to other students
Semesters 1-2 (Register in semester 1 of year 2)
16 two-hour sessions mixing student presentations with critical discussion and
didactic seminars, supplemented by Vula-based readings and discussion
Skill objectives
To support students in the design, conduct and analysis of their dissertations and
related research by presenting their research proposal and preliminary data forcritical discussion
To develop specific competencies for clinical researchers not covered elsewhere
in the MPH programme, including: grant writing; writing and publishing journal
articles; integrating clinical and research careers; working in multidisciplinarysettings including translational research.
Content
The year-long course serves as an ongoing seminar series linking individual
modules and the dissertation components of the Clinical Research track
Sixteen 2-hour seminars are held during the year, divided between (a) student
research presentations and (b) seminars covering special topics in clinicalresearch
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The student presentations will consist of 45-minute presentations of research
undertaken towards the dissertation
Students will be required to hand in their presentation (in the form of either aproposal or preliminary manuscript) to be distributed to the class in advance
The written material and presentation will be critiqued by other students in thecourse as well as outside assessors from time to time
Special topics in clinical research will include
- Developing clinical research careers- Writing and publishing a journal article- Translational research- Grant writing
Assessment is by the written proposal and presentation (50%); journal article
(40%) and class participation (10%)
Prerequisites
Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018F)Biostatistics I (PPH7021F)
Biostatistics II (STA5055S)
Evidence Based Health Care (PPH7022S)
4.15. SEMINARS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY (PPH7090F/S)
ConvenorAssoc. Prof. Landon Myer, BA (Brown), MA, MBChB (Cape Town), MPhil, PhD
(Columbia), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT
StructureOnly open to students in Epidemiology and Clinical Research tracks
Semesters 1-2 (Register in semester 1 of year 2)20 two-hour sessions mixing student reading presentations and sample analyses
with critical discussion and didactic seminars, supplemented by Vula-basedreadings and discussion
Skill objectivesTo provide a working understanding of advanced epidemiological principles
and proficiency in advanced epidemiological analytic methods, including:causal modelling, including the application of marginal structural models;
infectious diseases modelling; directed acyclic graphs and estimator biases;
instrumental variables, propensity scoring and alternative methods foradjusting for confounding.
Content
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The purpose of Seminars in Epidemiology is to provide select MPH candidates
in the Epidemiology track with advanced training in epidemiological methods.
The course is structured as a reading and tutorial seminar over one semester that
provides students with understanding of recent developments in epidemiological
principles as well as proficiency in advanced epidemiological analytic methods.Students will meet the convenor or designated lecturer for weekly 2-hour
sessions, and are expected to undertake an additional 4-6 hours of reading or
demonstration analyses each week.Admission is only by prior arrangement with the track convenor.
Assessment is by student critical reading summaries and class participation(33%); a student project based on coursework (33%) and final examination (34%)
Prerequisites
Introduction to Epidemiology (PPH7018F)
Advanced Epidemiology
Biostatistics I (PPH7021F)
Biostatistics II (STA5055S)
Biostatistics III (STA5055S)
4.16. QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR HEALTH ECONOMISTS
(PPH7064F)*
Convenor
Dr. Olufunke A Alaba, BSc (Ado-Ekiti), MSc (Ibadan), PhD (Ibadan), School of
Public Health & Family Medicine, UCT
Structure Restricted to candidates in the Health Economics track
Semester 1
One half week block in January/February One two hour session approximately every second week during semester.
Skill objectives
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of statistics andquantitative techniques as they apply to health economics. At the end of the course,students should have acquired good understanding of basic statistics and the
essentials of econometrics. They should also be able to perform specific
mathematical, statistical and econometric operations on health data. Different datasets will be used throughout the module.
Content
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Descriptive statistics
Introduction to probability theory and probability distributions
Estimation: standard errors, variance, confidence intervals
Hypothesis testing
Indices and concentration curves Regression analysis and modelling
Diagnostic tests for regression models
Discrete choice models Principal components analysis
Distribution equityconcentration curves
Requirements
Entry: As for Health Economics track (see section 2.2)
4.17. THE ECONOMICS OF HEALTH SYSTEMS (PPH7077S)
ConvenorDr Ayako Honda, BA (Sophia,Tokyo), MSc (Tokyo), PhD (London), Lecturer,
School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT.
Structure
Compulsory for Health Economics track Semester 2 One half week block in July One two hour session approximately every second week during the semesterSkill objectivesHealth systems, which comprise all organisations, institutions and resources devoted
to producing actions whose primary intent is to improve health, are located within a
countrys macroeconomic, public policy and social environment, which is furthersurrounded by the global economy and environment. Health systems provide three
main functions: governance, financing and service delivery, all of which closelyinteract. The Economics of Health Systems module looks at health systems from a
broader economic perspective. Given that other modules cover issues of governance
and certain aspects of service delivery functions, this module places emphasis on thefinancing functions of health systems and related issues.
Contents
Introduction: Health systems, contexts and complexityFinancing health systems: Overview of the functions of health care financing
Strengthening domestic financing and risk pooling
Purchasing health care services
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Health care financing in Sub-Saharan Africaoverview and case studies
Universal coverage
Financing the institutional framework for the health system
Access to health care
Social determinants of healthPublic and private provision of health care
Globalisation and health: WTO and health care
National health accountsFinancing and benefit incidence.
Requirements
As for degree (see section 2.2) Computer literacy: Microsoft Excel competence required
4.18. THEORY AND APPLICATION OF ECONOMIC EVALUATION IN
HEALTH CARE (PPH7039F)
Convenor
Assoc. Prof Susan Cleary, BA (Rhodes), MA (Cape Town), PhD (Cape Town),School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT
Structure Compulsory for Health Economics track Semester 1 One half week block in January/February
One two hour session approximately every second week during the semester
Skill objectives
This module aims to enable students to understand and apply current methods in the
economic evaluation of health care programmes and interventions. The main skillobjectives are:
To gain insights into the theory underlying the application of economicevaluation to health care programmes and interventions
To develop an understanding of economic evaluation methodologies
To develop skills in designing and conducting cost, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility and cost-benefit analyses with the aim of informing policy formulation
and implementation.
Contents
Introduction to economic evaluation Costing in economic evaluation
Discounting and annuitisation
Outcome measurement and valuation
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Cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-benefit analyses
Decision making
Uncertainty in economic evaluation
Modelling in economic evaluation
Ethical issues in economic evaluation Role of economic evaluation in health care.
RequirementsAs for degree (see section 2.2)
Computer literacy: Microsoft Excel skills required.
4.19. MICROECONOMICS FOR THE HEALTH SECTOR (PPH7050F)
ConvenorMs. Veloshnee Govender, MPH (Health Economics) (Cape Town), MPH
(International Health), (Boston), School of Public Health and Family Medicine, UCT
Structure
Compulsory for Health Economics track Semester 1
One half week block in January/February
One two hour session approximately every second week during the semester
Skill objective
To apply the theory and principles of microeconomics to health and health care,
including the analysis of the structure and characteristics of the health care market,noting the differences between the market for health care and traditional markets ineconomics with a view to informing health care planning and policy.
Content Introduction to microeconomics
Definition, scope and role of microeconomics in the health sector The market for health care and the public sector
Individual and household demand for health and health care
Household-level analyses: the medical poverty trap and related issues Need, agency theory and supplier-induced demand
Taxation, health and health care
Models of the market for medical goods and pharmaceuticals Health care production and cost functions
Efficiency in health care provision Health insurance contracts and incentive effects.
Requirements
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As for Health Economics track (see section 2.2), preferably with a background in
economics or health related research.
4.20. PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS (PPH7053S)
(NOT OFFERED IN 2013)
Convenor
Prof. Leslie London, BSc(Med) (Hons), MBChB (Cape Town), MMed, DOH
(Witwatersrand) MD (Comm. Health), School of Public Health and FamilyMedicine, UCT
Co-convenor
Ms. Pat Mayers, BA Nursing (Stellenbosch), BCur (UNISA), MSc(Med) (Psych)
(Cape Town), Division of Nursing and Midwifery, School of Health andRehabilitation Sciences, UCT
Structure Elective
Semester 2 One half-week block in July
One two hour session every second week during the second semester.
Skill Objectives
The module will take students through an introduction to human rights and its
relevance to public health. Students will be given opportunities to develop critical
skills to analyse public health policies from a human rights perspective, andunderstand how trade-offs should be made between public health and individualentitlements within a human rights framework. Important debates in the human rights
literature will be aired, particularly through the use of South African case studies, so
that students can apply these insights in their current and future work. Students willcover the international and national frameworks for human rights, particularly the
human rights dimensions of South Africas constitution and its post apartheid legalframework. Case studies involving different vulnerable groups will be explored. The
module will aim to enhance students capacity to be self reflective in dealing with
public health problems, and to apply human rights approaches to their resolution.
Content
Theoretical and historical background to human rights International and national human rights instruments and institutions
Contemporary debates in defining human rights and their implementability The relationship of human rights to health
The right to health, and of access to health care in national and international law;
health as a socioeconomic right
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When it may be legitimate to restrict rights and the public health rationale
Instruments to examine the human rights impact of public health policies, and to
incorporate human rights in public health planning and practice
Vulnerable groups, human rights and health
Rights of health care users Dual loyalty, whistle-blowing and health rights
Trade policies and practices, intellectual property, human rights and public
health.
RequirementsAs for degree (see section 2.2)
4.21 GENDER AND HEALTH (PPH7054S)
Convener:
Dr Jane Harries, BA Hons, MPhil, MPH, PhD (Cape Town), Womens health
Research Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Cape Town.
Assoc.Prof. D Cooper, B.Soc. Sci., BA Hons, PhD (Cape Town)
Structure Semester 2 One half week block in July One two hour seminar approximately every second week during the semesterSkill Objectives
The course will be used for candidates interested in understanding the impact ofgender on health, health care, and health systems. The course content providesstudents with the tools and perspectives to promote equity goals pertaining to
womens and mens health within the broad arena of public health.
Content The gendered stratification of societies and its differential impact on womens
and mens health
Global patterns in gender and health Gender and health in South Africa Changing practices: strategic and practical approaches to gender and health.Specific topics will be used to examine the impact of gender and health. These
include: Gender and sexual and reproductive health Gender and HIV/AIDS Gender, work and health
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Gender-based violence Gender and termination of pregnancy Gender and mental health4.22. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS (PPH7071F)
Convener
Dr. Christopher J. Colin, MPH (Cape Town), PhD (Virginia), School of Public
Health and Family Medicine, (Cape Town)
Structure Compulsory for Health Systems track
Semester 1
A half-week block in January / February One two hour session approximately every second week during the semester
Skill ObjectivesTo enable candidates to:
Identify and describe key concepts and theories related to qualitative inquiry,study design, data collection methods, analysis, and report writing
Develop basic qualitative research designs of their own and interpret and
evaluate qualitative research reports and articles in the public health literature Explain how qualitative and quantitative research studies differ and when it is
appropriate/necessary to use qualitative methods in public health research
Understand the basics of computer-aided qualitative data management and
analysis Understand the ethical and logistical issues involved in qualitative research.
Content
Conceptual/theoretical foundations of qualitative research Relationship/differences between qualitative and quantitative research designs
and theoretical perspectives Qualitative data collection methods and study designs (e.g. in-depth interviews,
focus group discussions, participant-observation, document reviews)
Qualitative data analysis and interpretation of data (including introduction tocomputer-aided data management and analysis)
Formats and strategies for write-up, reporting and dissemination of qualitative
research results Ethical issues in qualitative research
Evaluating the quality of qualitative research projects.
Requirements:
As for degree (see section 2.2)
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4.23. COMMUNITY EYE HEALTH 1 (PPH6022F)
ConvenorProf. Colin Cook, MBChB (Cape Town), MPH (Cape Town), FCOphthSA,
FRCOphth., Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, UCT
Structure
Compulsory for Community Eye Health track Semester 1 A 2 week block in February; week 1principles of prevention of blindness; week
2 - cataract blindness Two assignments during the semester and end of course examination.Skill Objectives To enable candidates to: Understand the magnitude, causes, and alternative control strategies for the major Blinding eye diseases in the world and in Africa Understand the components of the WHO / IAPB Vision 2020 initiative Understand the principles of programme planning Conduct a situational analysis of the needs and resources for a programme Understand the risk factors and pathophysiology of cataract Understand the different models of cataract surgical service delivery Understand the principles of the control of cataract blindness Design a programme outline for the control of cataract blindness.
Content Definition of blindness and low vision Magnitude and causes of blindness Control of blindness Vision 2020 Programme planning Programme monitoring Cataract prevalence and incidence Cataract surgery rate Cataract surgery barriers Cataract surgery capacity Cataract surgery costs Monitoring of cataract services.Requirements:As for degree (see section 2.2)
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4.24. COMMUNITY EYE HEALTH 2 (PPH6023F)
ConvenorProf. Colin Cook, MBChB (Cape Town), MPH (Cape Town), FCOphthSA,
FRCOphth., Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, UCT
Structure
Compulsory for Community Eye Health track Semester 1 A 2 week block in February; week 1childhood blindness, refractive error, low
vision; week 2other blinding eye diseases Two assignments during the semester and end of course examinationSkill Objectives To enable candidates to: Understand the risk factors and pathophysiology of the major blinding diseases of
childhood and of refractive error, and the causes of low vision Understand the principles of the control of childhood blindness and visual
impairment due to refractive error and low vision Design a programme outline for the control of childhood blindness, refractive
error, and low vision
Understand the risk factors and pathophysiology of each of trachoma, glaucoma,diabetic retinopathy, and onchocerciasis
Understand the principles of the control of blindness due to trachoma, glaucoma,diabetic retinopathy, and onchocerciasis
Design a programme outline for the control of blindness and visual loss due toeach of trachoma, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Content
Definition, magnitude, and aetiology of childhood blindness Paediatric cataract Paediatric corneal scar Retinopathy of prematurity Childhood blindness control Definition and magnitude of refractive error Refractive error school screening Refractive error planning for Vision 2020 Low vision management Low vision services Low vision planning for Vision 2020 Trachoma clinical overview and control Glaucoma clinical overview and control Diabetic retinopathy clinical overview and control
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Onchocerciasis clinical overview and control.Requirements:As for degree (see section 2.2)
4.25 PRACTICUM IN PUBLIC HEALTH (PPH7089F/S)
Convenor
Prof. Leslie London, BSc(Med) (Hons), MBChB (Cape Town), MMed, DOH(Witwatersrand) MD (Comm. Health), School of Public Health and Family
Medicine, UCT
Structure
Elective, restricted to a maximum of four candidates annually
Timing will be flexible depending on host needs and candidate
availability
The candidate will be expected to spend 120 notional hours during either
semester 1 or semester 2 (or across both semesters) on the practicum
including service work, approved self-learning, andwriting/communication.
Selection will be conducted by the course convenor in consultation with
the host.
Skill objectives
The purpose of the Practicum in Public Health is to provide candidates with an
experience of practical application of public health skills in a community,organisational or other service context. Each practicum attachment will havespecific learning outcomes that relate to the placement. The outcomes will reflect
(a) ability to apply public health skills to a client/organisational problem; (b)
ability to adapt to a service setting and meet client need; and (c) ability to
process and communicate the practical experience.AssessmentThis will include:
Continuous reflective journalOral presentation of the project output
Written project report, including description of the organisation and
genesis of the project
Assessment by practicum host of students performance.
RequirementsAs for degree (see section 2.2)
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5. EXAMPLES OF OUTSIDE ELECTIVES
1. Various
School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape
Contact: Corinne CarolissenTel: +27-21-959 2166
Email: [email protected]
2. See also UCT Graduate School in Humanities handbook. Website:
http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/handbooks/
Note:
Prior permission must be obtained from the MPH programme convenor to take any of
these or other potential electives identified by the candidate for credit. The MPH
programme carries no responsibility for the administration of these courses. Fees
payable are determined by the faculty/institution offering the elective. Candidatesmust arrange for their marks to be communicated directly by the department offering
the course to the Programme Administrator.
Courses taken without prior approval may be refused credit.
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6. TRACK DESCRIPTIONS
GENERAL TRACK
Track convenor: Prof. R. EhrlichThe General track allows candidates the maximum choice of electives (five). It
will therefore suit candidates who are seeking a broad spread of subjects in
Public Health rather than a specialisation focus. It will also suit candidatesunder time constraint to complete the course work who may not be able to
complete all the subjects required for a specialisation track in the time they haveavailable.
Candidates may switch from the Epidemiology, Health Systems or ClinicalResearch track to the General track at any stage with the permission of the
programme convenor. Conversely, candidates wishing to switch from the
General track to any of the above tracks may apply to the relevant trackconvenor. Acceptance will be subject to existing track enrolment and
performance of the candidate on relevant preparatory courses.
Candidates may complete their dissertation in any suitable subject area within
Public Health.
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EXAMPLEOF TWO YEARCOURSEWORK TIMETABLE:
GENERAL TRACK
2011
Semester 1 Public Health and
Society
Introduction to
Epidemiology
Biostatistics 1 * *
Semester 2 * * Quantitative
ResearchMethods
* * * *
2012
Semester 1 Introduction to HealthSystems Research and
Evaluation *
* * * * * *
Semester 2 Health Policyand Planning *
* * * * * *
The unstarred courses are compulsory.
* Alternates for fifth compulsory course
** Potential slots for 5 electives** Health Economics courses may be chosen as electives subject to entry
requirementsfor each course.
Note: Candidates may do up to five courses per semester, although this is verydemanding, and is subject to there not being timetable clashes.
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EPIDEMIOLOGY SPECIALISATION TRACK
Track convenor: Assoc. Prof. L. Myer
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of risk factors,disease and injury, and of the means to prevent and control them. It is a core
science of public health. Biostatistics is the application of statistical techniques
to problems in the health sciences, including the design of studies, summarisationand analysis of data and the interpretation of results for purposes of inference.
The Epidemiology track is aimed at candidates with strong quantitative interests
and skills who wish to obtain a Masters degree primarily in Epidemiology. Of the
ten courses required, they will complete four courses in Epidemiology, three inBiostatistics and one in Quantitative Research Methods. This will suit candidates
who envisage a career in epidemiologic research, including advance to doctoral
work using epidemiologic methods. It will also be of value to those who seekskills in understanding and synthesising epidemiological reports, but who may not
necessarily become researchers.
The track may be of interest to clinicians who want to enhance their research skills
and acquire a public health perspective at the same time, although cliniciansinterested primarily in clinical research should consider the Clinical Research
track.
The Biostatistics courses are a complement to the Epidemiology training and donot offer the equivalent of a Masters in Biostatistics.
Candidates who wish to be admitted to the Epidemiology track will need to
provide evidence of quantitative skills in their previous training. Admission tosecond level Epidemiology courses is subject to a minimum of 55% pass in the
introductory level subjects. Admission to Advanced Epidemiology requires aminimum pass of 65% in Introduction to Epidemiology. Admission to
Biostatistics II requires a minimum pass of 65% on Biostatistics I. Candidates
who do not meet these requirements will have to switch to the General track.
To complete this track, candidates must use epidemiologic methods in their
dissertation. This is interpreted to include a wide range of quantitative methods.Candidates should seek advice from the track convenor if they are unsure about
the suitability of a proposed dissertation.
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EXAMPLE OF TWO YEAR COURSE WORK TIMETABLE :
EPIDEMIOLOGY TRACK
2011
Semester 1 Public Health and
Society
Biostatistics 1 Introduction to
Epidemiology
Semester Biostatistics II QuantitativeResearchMethods
* * * *
2012
Semester 1 Biostatistics III AdvancedEpidemiology
Introduction toHealth Systems
Research and
Evaluation *
Semester * * * * Health Policyand Planning *
* *
The unstarred courses are compulsory.
* Alternates for fifth compulsory course
* * Any two ofEvidence Based Health Care, Epidemiology of Non-CommunicableDiseases, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, or Seminars in Epidemiology
(Semester 2)
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HEALTH ECONOMICS TRACK
Track convenor: Dr. A. Honda
The MPH Health Economics track examines health systems from both the
macro- and micro-economics perspectives. The curriculum focuses on health
systems in the African context and, while theoretical components are included,the programme concentrates on the development of practical research skills
useful to graduates working in African health systems.
The MPH Health Economics is an 18-month program. The course is designed
for those who have a social or health science background and have workedand/or will work in the health sector in low and middle income settings. As part
of the programme, all students are required to complete a minimum of eight
modules: six core modules and two electives.
Candidates are also required to produce a Masters dissertation based on theirown research in an area related to health economics. The Masters dissertation
accounts for 50% of the final assessment for the Masters degree, i.e. equal
weight is given to both the course work and dissertation components of theprogramme. (The other MPH tracks weight the dissertation at 33.3%).
Please consult the separate MPH Health Economics brochure obtainable at
http://heu-uct.org.za/courses/degrees-and-diplomas/masters-in-public-health/
*Students are required to choose two elective modules from those offered by either
(1) the Master of Public Health programme: (2) various departments in the Faculty of
Humanities; or (3) other universities (such as the University of the Western Cape). Itis important for students to confirm the timetable and their eligibility for the elective
modules that they have chosen and to obtain approval from the department offering
the elective modules. Also, students need to seek approval in advance from theHealth Economics programme convenor for their chosen elective course.
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ONE YEAR COURSE WORK TIMETABLE: HEALTH ECONOMICS
TRACK
2013
Semester 1 Microeconomics
for theHealth Sector
Quantitative
Methods forHealthEconomists
Theory and
ApplicationofEconomicEvaluation
in HealthCare
Elective 1
*
Semester 2 TheEconomicsof
HealthSystems
QuantitativeResearchMethods
HealthPolicyand
Planning
Elective 2*
The unstarred courses are compulsory. Two electives* are required.
Possible electives
Within the programmeQualitative Research Methods (Semester 1)
Introduction to Epidemiology (Semester 1)
Public Health and Society (Semester 1)Introduction to Health Systems Research and Evaluation (Semester 1)
Outside the programme
Financial Administration Public Finance and Budgeting* (Semester 1)
Religion and Public health in Africa* (Semester 2)
Public Policy* (Semester 2)Monitoring and Evaluation in Primary Health Care** (Semester 1)
* Eligibility for these courses are subject to availability and approval by
the relevant department in the Faculty of Humanities, University ofCape Town.
** Eligibility for this course is subject to approval by the School of
Public Health, University of the Western Cape.
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CLINICAL RESEARCH TRACK
Track convenor: Assoc. Prof. L. Myer
There is growing emphasis on developing health care practices and policies that arebased on sound clinical evidence. With this there is a need for strengthened research
capacity among health care professionals. This includes the ability to conceptualise
clinical r
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