This course serves as an introduction to the BEPH curriculum and will lay the foundation for all upcoming courses. 

In Part I of this course, you will be introduced to studying in an academic environment, the Problem Based Learning (PBL) system, the library, the structure and content of the EPH programme and the Specialized Competency Lines (SCLs). For a description of these SCLs, we refer to course EPH1221. You will study the many dimensions and complexity of the concept of health, and you will learn and reflect on how health has been defined within various traditions (WHO, positive health) and over time. You will also elaborate on the concepts ‘public’ and ‘European’, in order to find out more about what it means to study EPH. In the final case of part I you will reflect on several ethical issues and dilemmas that come into play when thinking about public health in Europe.

In Part II of the course, you will study various determinants of health on various levels, and the most influential theoretical models in this regard. You will also be introduced to the phenomenon of health inequalities. Health is not equally divided in the population and you will study types and possible causes of socioeconomic and other health inequalities. 

In Part III the course departs into a focus on the European Union. This portion of the course addresses issues such as the history of the EU, the main purpose of the EU (economic), the EU treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, the EU institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, Council), and the decision making processes on EU level. In order to understand public health issues and policies in Europe, it is essential that you have an understanding of the functioning of the EU and EU legislation.  During this part of the course you will participate in an excursion to the EU quarter in Brussels. 

Below is an overview of the most important Intended Learning Ooutcomes (ILOs) of this course:

Expert

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

                · Describe the concepts of health, public health and diverse definitions of health

                · Define and reflect on (European) public health as a domain

                · Distinguish between public health and (medical approaches to) health care

                · Describe patterns of socioeconomic and other inequalities in health

                · Describe (influential models of) factors that determine health

                · Identify and describe the history, organs and major legal structures and processes of the EU

                · Describe the Treaties of the EU and how public health is addressed in these treaties

Investigator

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

                · Recall fundamental principles of research ethics and integrity

                · Describe the ways in which research forms the basis for public health activity

Communicator

By the end of the course, students should be able (on a basic level) to:

                · Discuss topics and findings in English (aiming for level B2)

                · Demonstrate understanding of feedback from teachers and peers

Professional

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

                · Understand and describe the problem-based learning approach

                · Contribute actively and positively in tutor groups and training groups

                · Behave in a respectful, professional and reliable manner in tutor groups and group work