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Health Sciences | Faculty of Health Sciences Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Global Health

Graduate Diploma

Admission to this program has been suspended effective Spring 2017.

This diploma provides complementary graduate training in the basics of global health practice to those interested in learning more about global health methods and concepts.

In addition to core courses, elective courses help students apply learning experiences to their global health interests and activities.

The diploma is a useful adjunct to clinical training (e.g. medicine or nursing), academic training in complementary fields (e.g. development, international relations, public policy) and for those who wish to work internationally, or learn about global health research challenges and practice.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this program has been suspended effective Spring 2017.

Program Requirements

Students complete a minimum total of 22 units, including all of the following core courses

HSCI 801 - Biostatistics for Population Health Practice I (3)

Basic statistical concepts as applied to diverse problems in epidemiologic and public health research. Emphasizes interpretation and concepts rather than calculations. Basic study designs' statistics. Descriptive and graphical methods, fundamentals of probability distribution, rates and standardization, contingency tables, odds ratios, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, life tables, Linear regression.

HSCI 802 - Principles of Epidemiology for Public Health (3)

The underlying concepts and methods of epidemiology in the context of population and public health. Students will acquire skills in the critical interpretation of the epidemiologic literature, methods for measuring disease frequency and effect, evaluation of study design, and assessment of bias and confounding.

HSCI 821 - Introduction to Global Health (3)

This is a survey course in global health. The course introduces students to fundamental concepts, frameworks and vocabulary that underwrite the logics of global health, as well as important histories and milestones in the field. A survey will be conducted of the most significant topic areas in the field, considering epidemiological patterns, etiology, approaches to improving health outcomes and the policy ramifications of our knowledge.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
G100 Kate Tairyan
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby

and eight additional units chosen from the list of elective courses that follow.

In addition to the core courses listed above, students also complete a minimum of three elective courses, two of which must be chosen from global health area requirements

HSCI 804 - Biostatistics for Population Health Practice II (3)

Statistical methods related to public health. Probability distributions, basic statistical inference on means and proportions and general concepts of hypothesis testing. Measures of association. Simple and multivariable linear regression models, dummy variables, and logistic regression models. Survival data analysis. Prerequisite: HSCI 801.

HSCI 805 - Intermediate Epidemiologic Methods (3)

Designing, conducting, analyzing, and interpreting epidemiologic research. Theoretical frameworks, concepts of inference, measures of disease occurrence and effect, study designs, issues in measurement, bias, confounding, and interaction. Critical assessment of the epidemiologic and public health literature. Prerequisite: HSCI 801 and 802.

HSCI 826 - Program Planning and Evaluation (3)

Practical approaches to health needs assessment, needs prioritization, health program planning, and health program evaluation in low-to-middle income countries and/or resource-poor settings. Gender-based analyses are emphasized throughout. A case study approach.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
G100 Lyana Patrick
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HSCI 855 - Health Promotion in Practice (3)

The values and principles that guide health promotion practice in Canada and in other contexts. The evolution of health promotion core strategies and concepts. Participatory and system approaches to advocacy, inter-sectoral and community action. Innovation and leadership to influence health promotion interventions and policies. Prerequisite: HSCI 901.

HSCI 870 - Global Health and International Affairs (3)

Intersection of international affairs and global health. Pressing global health issues are analyzed as they intersect with the global economy, international development, and security.

and the third course can be chosen from HSCI graduate courses, or from other Simon Fraser University graduate programs. Students should choose electives in consultation with the co-ordinator and/or director, graduate programs.

Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations

All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.