308948 v.1 Graduate Certificate in Health Economics (Aboriginal Health)

Introduction

This course is subject to final University approval (by February 2005). For further information contact the Division of Health Sciences. Designed for those seeking an understanding of health economics as it is and can be applied to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, hereafter Aboriginal health economics. This course provides background to the state of Aboriginal health and covers important value differences between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal culture. Gives a basic introduction to micro economics. Provides a broad introduction to the economics of health and health care and shows how this can be used in Aboriginal health. In particular it shows how economic evaluation and the economics of priority setting (including equity) can be used in Aboriginalhealth.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

Relevant degree or its equivalent.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

The course is one semester full-time or equivalent part-time study. Available on-line. Students can progress at varying paces.

Course Organisation

Represents an introduction to both health economics and to Aboriginal health economics. An introduction to Aboriginal health and to aspects of Aboriginal culture and history that are relevant to the current state of Aboriginal health. An overview of economics is provided covering key concepts such as efficiency, opportunity cost, the margin, supply, demand, need, equity, etc. The principles and practice of costing and benefit and health assessment are set out. Problems of applying the value base of neo classical micro economics to Aboriginal health are examined. Communitarianism as a value base in Aboriginal health economics is discussed. Competition, financing systems, insurance are appraised. Economic evaluation in conventional health economics is outlined and the need to alter the basis of that to accommodate inter alia an Aboriginal construct of health is set out. Applying cost effectiveness analysis, cost utility analysis and cost benefit analysis are exemplified in Aboriginal health.

Career Opportunities

Graduates generally find employment with health service organisations both mainstream and Aboriginal, State and Commonwealth health departments, universities and research institutes.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials.

Availability

Availability Information has not been provided by the respective School or Area. Prospective/current students should contact the School or Area listed above for further information.

Curtin University of Technology
Current as of: October 20, 2004
CRICOS provider code 00301J