090043 Health Economics
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject provides students with an introductory understanding of economic concepts as applied to health and health care. The subject covers the principles of market behaviors, welfare economics and key topics in market failure in the health care sector. Students develop the skills to apply economic concepts to the problem of optimising health and well-being when resources are scarce, as well as understanding the need for government interventions in the health care market.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Explain the key concepts of efficiency and equity applied to health and health care |
|---|---|
| B. | Analyse the implications of common sources of market failure in health and health care |
| C. | Appraise the economic reasons for policy intervention in health and health care and the consequences of such interventions |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Demonstrate reflective critical thinking to enable critical appraisal of current practice, policy and research with the aim to enhance health care and healthcare outcomes, and transform health (1.0)
- Critique, interpret and synthesise data and research findings to inform the surveillance, management, prevention of disease and illness and promotion of health for the complex issues inherent in public health (1.1)
- Contribute to policy-related dialogue and evaluation of public health strategies in the community (2.3)
- Create and lead ethical accountability to ensure efficient use of resources and equity of access to public health services and programs (3.1)
- Communicate effectively and appropriately in challenging, complex and diverse situations (4.0)
- Communicate and collaborate to provide optimal outcomes in public health practice and research (4.1)
- Embody the international standard of professional qualities appropriate to the scope of their role in regional, national and global health (5.0)
- Appreciate and assess cost factors related to healthcare utilisation and choice (5.3)
Teaching and learning strategies
Orientation activities
Learning materials for each session (weekly blocks) will be available prior to the session on Canvas. Students are encouraged to review materials (two-three hours) including online readings to facilitate the learning experience.
Independent learning activities
Students learn through independent learning activities, mini quizzes, tasks, and exercises through the learning management system. Readings, videos, and journal articles relevant to the topic of the week will be made available online. These activities will enhance students’ ability to progress successfully throughout the subject and complete assessment items effectively. The online material aims to enhance students’ understanding of the topic and delve deeper into specific topic areas. Information and links to all learning activities will be accessed via Canvas.
Online collaborative sessions
The Zoom sessions will be designed to provide practical real-world examples of the course content material through the use of case studies presented by the Subject Coordinator or guest presenters, followed by student reflection through group discussion. The Zoom sessions will also provide students with the opportunity to ask questions, engage and undertake shared learning.
Feedback
Students will be given the opportunity to undertake a variety of assessments. Formative and summative feedback will be provided throughout the subject.
Early feedback will be provided from online exercises embedded in the course content. Structured feedback will also be provided in assessment tasks.
Content (topics)
- Basic economic concepts
- Consumer theory
- Producer theory
- Market failure
- Health policy
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online participation
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B and C This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 2.3, 4.0 and 4.1 |
|---|---|
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 5% |
| Length: | 1 min introductory video (5%) |
| Criteria: |
|
Assessment task 2: Online weekly quiz
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B and C This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 1.1, 5.0 and 5.3 |
|---|---|
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 5 minutes per week to complete the online quiz on Canvas. |
| Criteria: | Marks reflect the accuracy of students’ answers to conceptual/numerical questions. |
Assessment task 3: Group project
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A and C This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 1.1, 2.3, 3.1, 4.0 and 4.1 |
|---|---|
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | (1) The evaluation of the project plan is based on two factors: submission by the deadline (1%) and the equitable distribution of tasks and practicality of the timeline (1%). (2) Presentation quality is evaluated based on the Comprehension of baseline paper, Subsequent research papers and future research ideas, and overall delivery (see rubrics for more information). (3) Peer assessment is based on several criteria: contribution to group functionality, task performance effectiveness, understanding of requirements, level of enthusiasm and participation, and overall contribution (see rubrics for details). You will rate every other team member, and your peer assessment score will be the average of the ratings you receive from your team members. |
Assessment task 4: Report on market failure in health care
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B and C This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 1.1, 2.3, 5.0 and 5.3 |
|---|---|
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 800 words |
| Criteria: |
|
Required texts
There is no required text but some subject materials will draw from Folland, S., Goodman, A. C., & Stano, M. (2016). The economics of health and health care: Pearson new international edition. Routledge, and Spencer, A., Parkin, D. Morris, S., & Devlin, N. (2012). Economic analysis in health care, 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell.
Resources will be made available through the learning management system as required.
References
- Folland, S., Goodman, A. C., & Stano, M. (2016). The economics of health and health care: Pearson new international edition. Routledge.
- Spencer, A., Parkin, D. Morris, S., & Devlin, N. (2012). Economic analysis in health care, 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Guinness, L. & Wiseman, V. (2011). Introduction to health economics, 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Mooney, G. (2020). Economics and Australian health policy. Routledge.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: https://www.lib.uts.edu.au/, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.
HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.
The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
?The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.
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