GLPH 482 Foundations of Humanitarian Health Emergencies

Fall 2023 (Blended)

Year 4 Optional Course

10-11 hours/week

3 units

Available

On-Campus Course

This course will develop skills and advance the application of knowledge to support those affected by humanitarian health emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. For example, students will assess the critical role of multi-disciplinary collaboration, charitable donations, and volunteer activities within the humanitarian sphere.

Prerequisites

None

Exclusions

HLTH 351/3.0

Learning Outcomes

After completing GLPH 482 students will be able to:

Using systems thinking, students will accurately identify the health risks and care needs of populations affected by different types of humanitarian emergencies
Analyze various potential human health interventions for different types of emergencies to maximize health benefits while mitigating risk
Demonstrate awareness of historical health inequities and adapt planned interventions to ensure optimal outcomes for vulnerable and marginalized populations

Competencies

This course was designed specifically using the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) program framework. For more information on the BHSc Program and how it was designed using a Competency Framework to support its Program Learning Outcomes, see the Program Structure page of the BHSc website.

Assessments

Assessment 1 – Systems Thinking Report (20%)

Drawing upon the content from week 1 (Defining the Complex Humanitarian Emergency (CHE) Landscape) and week 2 (Introduction to Systems Thinking), students will prepare a systems map and 1200 word report demonstrating the application of systems thinking in the analysis of a CHE. Students will submit their draft systems map for peer review/comment via the onQ site. Students will then submit their final systems map for marking via the onQ site. .

Assessment 2 – Vulnerable Populations Report (20%)

Drawing upon content from week 3 and 4 (Intersection of conflict and humanitarian health crisis), week 5 (Vulnerable Populations), students will prepare a systems map and 1200 word report on a specific case study highlighting the vulnerable populations. Students will submit their draft systems map for peer review/comment via the onQ site and then submit the final version to onQ for instructor marking.

Assessment 3 – Team Report on Complex Humanitarian Health Emergencies (40%)

Drawing upon the course material, the students will work in teams (small group), to produce a comprehensive report stemming from the analysis of an assigned case study. The students will employ systems thinking highlighting the emergence of the complex humanitarian health emergency, the scope of the emergency, stakeholders involved in the emergency, identify shortcomings in the relief effort and make recommendations to improve the situation. A poster/ infographic will also be prepared capturing the key findings from the report. The poster/infographic will be presented/displayed at the course symposium.

Assessment – Participation (20%)

Students will be assessed on their participation through their contributions to the online forums as well during the in-person workshops. During online synchronous classes, students will be working in small groups during breakout sessions to answer and explore posed questions followed by a structured report out from all the groups to share their insights in plenary. During live in-class sessions (week 2 and 10), students will be assessed on their engagement and problem framing as it pertains to scenarios being examined. Students will be required to provide peer review for the systems map and infographic.

Time Commitment

Students can expect to spend approximately 9-10 hours a week (108-120 hours per term) in study/practice and online activities for GLPH 482

Textbooks and Materials

Assigned weekly readings will be posted in onQ.

Chat with usLiveChat