EC386-5-AU-CO:
Introduction to Health Economics and Policy
2023/24
Economics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
13 September 2023
Requisites for this module
EC111
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module covers a broad range of concepts, theories, and topics related to the economics of health care. It builds on the insights of microeconomic theory. Health Economics emerged as a sub discipline of economics in the 1960s with the publication of two seminal papers by Kenneth Arrow (1963) and Mark Pauly (1968). The focus was on health market rather than on health status per se. It prompted the development of Economics of Health Care.
The aims of this module are:
- To understand how methods developed in other economics classes can be applied to the health sector.
- By using standard microeconomic tools, and informed by empirical analysis, to try to answer several questions that are relevant for policy debate:
- Why is the government playing such an important role in the health care sector?
- How does the patients' lack of information affect medical prices?
- Can we use economic models to understand the rationale for risky behaviours, such as smoking?
- To build up an economic analysis of the demand and production of health and health care. These concepts will be further developed during classes, through the discussion of articles from both the economic literature and the press.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Understand the main economic mechanisms related to health care.
- Apply results from the literature to the current policy debate.
No additional information available.
The module will be delivered via:
- One two-hour lecture per week
- An additional 5 hours of class/seminar sessions
in one term.
Feedback for this module will occur through class meetings where we will go over the answers to problem sets and where you will be able to ask questions about your own method of solution; answers that will be posted on the website for the module that will give you written guidance on the appropriate method to approach the problems, assignments, and tests; and office hours where any additional questions can be addressed. You should be sure that you use these methods to understand how to improve your own performance. For modules including a term paper, the term paper will be returned with individualised feedback that addresses what the marking criteria are and how you could improve your own work.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
EC386 Term paper |
|
|
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Nicholas Reynolds, email: nicholas.reynolds@essex.ac.uk.
Lectures: Dr Nicholas Reynolds / Classes: Mrs Sofia Bounahai
For further information please send an e-mail message to fineco@essex.ac.uk
Yes
Yes
No
Dr Giancarlo Ianulardo
University of Exeter Business School
Lecturer in Economics
Available via Moodle
Of 25 hours, 25 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
Economics
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