Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
ECO449Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Health Economics

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of health economics. It explores the application of economic analysis to the health sector, covering topics such as health and development, healthcare financing, and economic evaluation of health programs. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge to understand the economic implications of healthcare decisions and policies.

Generate AI Study Notes

Transform this course into personalized study materials with AI

26h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Health EconomicsHealthcare FinancingEconomic EvaluationHealth DevelopmentHealth Insurance

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Introduction to Health Economics

2

Role of Economics in Health Care

3

Demand and Supply in Health Care

4

Health and Development

5

Health Care Financing

6

Economic Evaluation of Health Programs

7

Health Insurance

Total Topics7 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Health Economist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Healthcare Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Health Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Health Insurance Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Healthcare ProvidersGovernment Health AgenciesHealth Insurance CompaniesPharmaceutical CompaniesNon-profit Health Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 1: Introduction to Health Economics

2 study hours
  • •Define health economics and its importance.
  • •Understand basic economic concepts (scarcity, opportunity cost, utility).
  • •Analyze the relationship between economy and health.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 2: The Role of Economics in Health Care

2 study hours
  • •Discuss economic problems in the health sector.
  • •Understand the special characteristics of the health care market.
  • •Explore methods for measuring health status.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 3: Demand and Supply in Health care

2 study hours
  • •Understand the concepts of health care demand and supply.
  • •Analyze reasons for differences in health care need and demand.
  • •Examine elasticity of demand in health care.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 4: The Organisation of Health Services

2 study hours
  • •Analyze problems with state provision of health services.
  • •Examine the role of the private sector and competition.
  • •Understand quasi-markets in the public sector.
Week
5

Module 2: Health and Development

2h

Unit 1: Health Care and Health

2 study hours
  • •Analyze health production models.
  • •Understand deterministic influences on health.
  • •Examine health as a result of a production process.
Week
6

Module 2: Health and Development

2h

Unit 2: Health and Poverty

2 study hours
  • •Define poverty and its impact on health.
  • •Understand the relationship between economy and health problems.
  • •Analyze how improved economy leads to improved health.
Week
7

Module 2: Health and Development

2h

Unit 3: Health and Growth

2 study hours
  • •Differentiate between economic growth and economic development.
  • •Understand the health implications of economic development.
  • •Analyze the interactions between economic growth and health.
Week
8

Module 3: Health Care Financing

2h

Unit 1 Health Financing

2 study hours
  • •Describe health care financing.
  • •Describe major options in health care financing.
  • •Learn about health insurance.
Week
9

Module 3: Health Care Financing

2h

Unit 2 Health Insurance

2 study hours
  • •Understand health insurance schemes.
  • •Know the various types of health insurance schemes.
  • •Identify problems encountered in health insurance schemes.
Week
10

Module 3: Health Care Financing

2h

Unit 3:Health Care Financing in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • •Understand the National Health Policy on health care financing.
  • •Know the roles of different government tiers in health care financing.
  • •Describe various health care financing options used in Nigeria.
Week
11

Module 3: Health Care Financing

2h

Unit 4 National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • •Know the historical background of Health Insurance in Nigeria.
  • •Know the objectives of the scheme and health care covered.
  • •Understand how the scheme works.
Week
12

Module 4: Economic Evaluation of Health Programme

2h

Unit 1 Budgeting

2 study hours
  • •Understand and define budget.
  • •Know and understand the various types of budget.
  • •Be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of budgeting.
Week
13

Module 4: Economic Evaluation of Health Programme

4h

Unit 2 Cost of Health Care

2 study hours
  • •Understand the various types and elements of health care cost.
  • •Be familiar with the reasons for the increasing cost of health care.
  • •Understand cost containment strategies in health care delivery.

Unit 4 Methods of Economic Evaluation of Health Programme

2 study hours
  • •Understand methods of economic evaluation.
  • •Differentiate between Cost-Benefit Analysis and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.
  • •Apply economic evaluation to healthcare programs.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review key definitions and concepts from Units 1-4 in Module 1.

2

Practice applying demand and supply models to healthcare scenarios (Unit 3, Module 1).

3

Focus on understanding the different healthcare financing models discussed in Module 3.

4

Study the methods of economic evaluation and their applications (Module 4).

5

Create summaries of the main points in each unit, focusing on key economic principles.

6

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and ensure you understand the solutions.

7

Allocate sufficient time to practice applying economic concepts to real-world healthcare scenarios.

Related Courses

Other courses in Social Sciences that complement your learning

DES422

Agriculture and Poverty Alleviation

2 Units
POL412

Political Sociology

Units
ECO415

Advanced Mathematical Economics

6 Units
View All Social Sciences Courses