Medical Geography, 7.5 credits

Validation

This course syllabus was validated by the Management Board of the School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies at Södertörn University on 2018-04-23 according to the stipulations in the Higher Education Ordinance.

Entry requirements

The equivalent of English B and Bachelor degree including 90 credits in Environmental Science, Bioscience, Sociology, International Health, Media Communcation Studies or the equivalent

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is able to:

• define key concepts within medical geography, cartography and geographical information
• describe influences on health status from a social and an environmental perspective including geographical differences at local, regional and global level
• interpret concepts, processes, and patterns connected to space and place, including a time perspective
• identify differences and changes in space and place from a local, regional and global perspective
• describe geographical characteristics from an environmental and cultural perspective, and their relationship to public health
• use geographical information correctly, taking into account representativity and generalisation in relation to scale and geographical differences
• distinguish geographical differences on a local, regional and global scale
• evaluate the importance of presenting geographical data in relation to differences in scale and representativity.

Course content, modules and examinations

The course gives a spatial perspective on the connections between environment, health and society. The distribution of diseases is often correlated to various geographical circumstances such as climate, soil, water quality, economic development etc. The spread of diseases varies both locally, regionally and globally and the distribution may be traced directly or indirectly to the source. Human behaviour also varies due to different cultural traditions and eating habits throughout the world, but also to economic differences. During the course some interrelationships with a spatial distribution pattern are studied and exemplified using geographical methods. Practicals using the Geographical Information System (GIS) are held.

Course design

The course is based on lectures and mandatory seminars and practicals.

Examination format

Theory (1001) is assessed through written examination.Seminars and practicals (1002) are assessed through assignments. Absence from seminars requires a complementary written assignment in agreement with the course coordinator.

The grading criteria are distributed prior to the start of a course or module.

If a student has a certificate from Södertörn University for compensatory support, the examiner has the right to decide on an adapted examination or alternative form of examination in accordance with Södertörn University's regulations.

Restrictions on accreditation

The course may not be accredited as part of a degree if the contents are partly or wholly the same as a course previously taken in Sweden or elsewhere.

Other stipulations

Following the Vice-Chancellors decision on internationalization and grade scale at Södertörn University College (dnr: 1148-1.1.2-2018), this syllabus replaces the syllabus with course code 1115MJ, with the difference that the grade system has been updated. The syllabus is determined through special order (dnr: 1776-2.1.1-2018).