Social epidemiology applies to the disciplinary approach of epidemiology examining and understanding the contributions of social conditions and processes to the unequal patterns of health and ill health in populations. The course will explore both the specific theories explaining the relation between social conditions and health as well as its methodological tools. Theories focusing on inequalities related to social position and gender will be in focus and presented and discussed during the course. Material, cultural/behavioural, psycho-social, life-course and policy explanations for social inequalities in health will be presented and discussed. Practical approaches on how to measure individual socioeconomic position and area deprivation indexes and how to explore its relationship with health will be provided.
Teaching in the course is concentrated to four weeks during the course period. Teaching is conducted through lectures, group works and seminars. Seminars and presentations are compulsory. Reading and discussing the content of the course books and other course material are essential during the course weeks. Teaching is given in English.
