Unit details
HSH717 - Health Economics 1
| Offered at: | (B, X) |
|---|---|
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| Offerings: | Trimester 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit chair: | C Mihalopoulos (B) |
| Contact hours: | 2 hours per week |
| Note: Online teaching methods require internet access. Please refer to the most current computer specifications. | |
Content
The unit introduces students to the discipline of health economics and assumes no prior knowledge. The unit will cover the following topics, with a particular focus on current policy developments (such as the recent National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission).
i) Dimensions of Health Economics: The scope of health economics; why is health economics relevant; objectives in health care – choice between different values; basic concepts and definitions.
ii) Microeconomic Tools for Health Economics: Concepts behind the demand curve; concepts behind the supply curve; markets and economic rationalism, market failure, the role of government and preventing government failure.
iii) The Australian Health Care System from an Economic Perspective: Structure and funding; role of providers, consumers and funders; viewpoints on the Australian health care system; international comparisons.
iv) Health Economics and Public Policy: Health expenditure control; health insurance; reforming Medicare – from tinkering to managed competition; efficiency in hospitals; efficiency in general practice; efficiency in public health.
Assessment
Minor essay (1500 words) 20%, major essay (3000 words) 50%, tutorial exercises 30%
Unit Fee Information
| Student Contribution Rate* | Student Contribution Rate** | Student Contribution Rate*** | Fee rate - Domestic Students | Fee rate - International students |
| $1178 | $1178 | $1178 | $2675 | $3340 |
* Student contribution rate for Commonwealth Supported students who commenced studies from 2010
** Student contribution rate for Commonwealth Supported students who commenced studies from 2009
*** Student contribution rate for Commonwealth Supported students who commenced studies from 2008
Please note: Unit fees listed do not apply to Deakin Prime students.
