Size and scope of health sector: Economic explanations for growth in health sector; Distinctive economic characteristics of the commodity ' health care'; Grossman's model of health capital; Determinants of the demand for health care; The demand for health insurance: Health and health care production functions: The interaction between health insurance and technological change in health care: Health manpower; Economic models of hospitals; Managed Care; The pharmaceutical industry; Economic evaluation of health care programs. Throughout the course the emphasis will be on the application of microeconomic analysis to health issues.

Upon successfull completion of this course, students will:

• be able to use microeconomic analysis to evaluate health economics issues;
• understand the size and scope of the health sector;
• be familiar with economic explanations for growth in the health sector;
• know about the distinctive economic characteristics of the commodity ' health care' - the determinants of the demand for health care, demand for health insurance and the supply of health, as well as health and health care production functions

Students will be required to sit a three-hour examination at the end of the semester and to complete written work during the course. Details to be determined at commencement of the course.

Two lectures per week with tutorials throughout the semester.

Completion of or concurrent enrolment in ECON2101/2111 Microeconomics 2 (P or H).

Please refer to Course Website