This seminar is for students interested in the intersection of global health and global governance, i.e. global health policy worldwide. We approach the topic through case studies of various global health issues, and use these to identify concepts and theories of global health governance. As a starting point, we assume that the health of individuals but also of nations can be protected, promoted but also harmed by a highly interconnected globalized world. Case studies on topics such as infectious diseases (e.g. Ebola), neglected tropical diseases, access to medicines, global environmental change, global alcohol and tobacco control, global treaties banning biological weapons, and migration/displacement will be actively addressed by students. In doing so, we will ask ourselves questions such as: Who are the actors in the system, how do we see their influence, and what are the impacts on health? Which processes outside the health sector, such as trade agreements, agriculture, environmental agreements, patent law or similar, have an impact on global health? And which aspects need to be strengthened to protect a human right to health?

As part of this seminar 5 students have the chance to participate in a funded excursion to WHO Bonn offices and Center for Development Research in Bonn, funding provided by the internationalisation fund of the university. As we only have limited funds available for travel, all students can participate in the 2 days events in Bonn via zoom, or join self-funded. You will prepare presentations on topics related to environmental governance and global health, and we will get insights into WHO work on climate change and health as well as meet colleagues from Maastricht University engaged in global health research. Details about application and selection processes will be presented in the first seminar session.

Course language is English and we will read English texts and watch English film excerpts, but you are always welcome to talk German in class.

Dates: 20 November (13.30-19.30), 27 November (13.00-19.00), 4 December (14.00-18.30) and 11 December 2024 (14.00-18.30)
The short course “Mental Health Epidemiology” is a joint programme with epidemiology students at the University of Antwerp, the University of Maastricht and the University of Bremen. It will be taught jointly by faculty staff of the University of Antwerp and the University of Bremen.
Target group: Students who are interested in mental health epidemiology (Bachelor and/or Master students).
Course objective: The course introduces non-communicable disease epidemiology, focusing specifically on mental health. The course starts with a short introduction to the epidemiology of non-communicable diseases and will then focus specifically on the epidemiology of major mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and alcohol use. Mental health assessment and measurement will be introduced. Possible avenues regarding the prevention and treatment of mental disorders will be highlighted. The language of teaching is English. The course has an international focus and will highlight the epidemiology of mental disorders in an international perspective. The course will be held online due to the collaboration with the University of Antwerp and Maastricht.
Content: Introduction to mental health epidemiology, mental health assessment and measurement approaches, mental health care organization, treatment and prevention of mental disorders
Teaching: Due to collaboration with the University of Antwerp and University of Maastricht this course is held online. Please note that the days and time of teaching are indicative since some material is pre-recorded and can be watched in your own time. You will also be put into different groups and have to attend the timeslots that are indicated for your group only.
Assignment: Students will be mixed in groups and each group (consisting of up 5 students) will be asked to give a presentation on a topic related to mental health epidemiology. A choice of different topics will be provided but students are also free to choose their own topic. Each group will be assigned a tutor who will meet with each student group to discuss their topic and presentation in advance of them presenting it to the wider group. The student presentations will be held at the last day of the course.

Course organizer for Bremen:
Prof. Daniela Fuhr fuhr@leibniz-bips.de