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  3. Health Economics 1

Health Economics 1 (POPH90094)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject introduces students to health economics as a sub-discipline of economics. Students are provided with a comprehensive introduction to micro-economics, so the subject is suitable for students with no prior knowledge of economics. It paves the way for students to apply micro-economic concepts to the analysis of contemporary issues in public health and health care. Topics to be studied include the following:

  • Introduction to economics, micro-economics and welfare economics
  • Introduction to health economics
  • The demand for health and health care
  • The production and supply of health care; the economics of the health workforce
  • Behavioural economics in health care
  • The market for health care
  • Market failure and the role of government in health care,
  • Economics approaches to measuring equity in health and health care
  • The Australian health care system analysed from an economic perspective

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the economics principles, concepts and theories underpinning health economics.
  • Analyse a health care issue from an economics perspective.
  • Explain the economic rationale for government intervention in health care.
  • Evaluate the impact of public policy in health and health care markets.
  • Apply the knowledge of health economics in designing or reforming health care system.

Generic skills

Upon completion of this subject, students will have developed skills in:

  • Critical thinking and analysis,
  • Finding, evaluating and using relevant information,
  • Written communication,
  • Persuasion and argumentation.

Last updated: 11 July 2025