Course content

The course offers science and technology students a unique opportunity to connect technological knowledge with real societal needs. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders are among the most prevalent and burdensome diseases in today’s society. By understanding the prevalence, causes, and consequences of these conditions—both for individuals and for society—students build a solid foundation in health data and public health.

The course also provides valuable insight into how modern medical imaging, such as CT, MRI, PET, and ultrasound, contributes to early detection and effective treatment. This gives technology students an understanding of how their expertise can be applied in medical innovation. In addition, students learn how epidemiology is used to map disease occurrence and risk factors, which is essential for preventive healthcare.

Through a focus on evidence-based medicine, students gain an understanding of how research shapes treatment methods and clinical guidelines, and how new technologies—such as artificial intelligence—can improve diagnostics and patient care in the future. The course also addresses ethical considerations, particularly related to how technology influences decision-making and patient care.

Overall, this course provides science and technology students with both academic depth and societal perspective. Students are also introduced to the principles of clinical studies and diagnostic methods, as well as challenges such as overdiagnosis and overtreatment. This equips them to contribute to the development of future healthcare services.

Learning outcome

After completing and passing the course, the student should have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

• Describe the major global health challenges and explain why cardiovascular disease, cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders are central.
• Account for the prevalence and consequences of these diseases for individuals and society.
• Explain how epidemiology is used to map disease occurrence and risk factors.
• Describe which populations are most at risk and the reasons for this.
• Account for how evidence-based medicine and research form the basis for guidelines and treatment.
• Explain the basic principles of clinical studies and diagnostic methods.
• Describe fundamental ethical principles related to diagnosis and treatment.

Skills

• Identify relevant imaging techniques (CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound) for diagnosis and follow-up.
• Explain how medical imaging contributes to early diagnosis and treatment.
• Apply basic knowledge of epidemiology to interpret disease occurrence.
• Relate evidence-based medicine to simple examples of treatment methods.
• Reproduce examples of how technology can influence diagnosis and treatment.

General Competence

• Describe simple ethical issues related to diagnosis and treatment.
• Account for how technology and research influence the future of healthcare services.
• Reproduce the relationship between global health challenges, epidemiology, and medical imaging in a simple way.
• Describe challenges related to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Learning methods and activities

The course is delivered as a fully digital and flexible offering. Students have the opportunity to work at their own pace and adapt the learning process to their individual schedules. The learning materials consist of text resources, video lectures, and various self-assessment tests that provide continuous feedback throughout the course.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Credit reductions