Global Healthcare Technologies

» General Information

Location:

Cape Town, South Africa

Description:

This program is designed to introduce NU students to the healthcare needs of developing countries and to the design and management of the technology infrastructure that will improve health outcomes and support the needs of resource poor environments. Four classes are offered consisting of a combination of seminars, projects, and site visits. Students will receive 4 credits for the program.

Terms:

Spring Quarter - APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 2, 2009

Sponsor:

Northwestern University, in partnership with the University of Cape Town

Website:

Global Healthcare Technologies


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Academic Specialties

Engineering

Course Type

This is a Northwestern program offering the following courses:

Healthcare in Resource Poor Environments
This course introduces the healthcare needs of developing countries and provides a basic introduction to medical and clinical terminology and problems. Site visits to hospital departments and community institutions are an integral part of the course.

Healthcare Technology Assessment and Planning
Students learn methods of macro- and micro-assessment, and assessment criteria, and are introduced to concepts of cost-analysis as it relates to health status and health outcomes. The impact of technology life-cycles, innovation and application cycles, and approaches to technology transfer, strategic planning, healthcare technology policy, procurement process, standardization, and information resources are examined in the context of a resource poor environment.

Healthcare Technology Innovation and Design
This team-oriented, project-based course provides students with an introduction to the fundamentals of biomedical engineering design. Students work closely with faculty and health professionals with emphasis on problem definition, user-centered solutions and the use of appropriate technologies.

Race, Culture, and Identity in South Africa
This introduces students to major issues in contemporary South Africa and the way in which the forging of race, culture and identity impacts healthcare and technology.

Additional Information

All participants in programs sponsored by the Office of International Program Development must purchase health insurance coverage from HTH Worldwide. Read about HTH costs and enrollment.

The deadline for application to IPD 2010 spring programs is November 2, 2009.  However, Public Health in South Africa is already full.

Housing

Students are housed at local guesthouses near to the UCT campus. In past programs, students stayed at two inns next door to each other, the Clarkia Guest Cottage and the Rondebosch Guest Cottages.

Program Costs

Spring 2010: TBA

  • This will include tuition for four courses, housing, excursions, class materials, and estimated international airfare from Chicago to Cape Town.  Students are responsible for the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, health insurance, meals and personal expenses.

Approximate Program Size

12-15 students

Application Requirements

Prior to receiving an application, all Northwestern students must complete the following steps:

  1. Complete the mandatory Study Abroad 101 Quiz on Blackboard. Call 847-467-6400 or e-mail studyabroad@northwestern.edu (include your name and netID) to register for this quiz.
  2. After receiving a score of 90% or above, students can pick up the Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad at the Study Abroad Office. This application it is not available online.

Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program:Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program:

  1. IPD program application and interview with the IPD office.
  2. Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.

Contact Returnees

Northwestern students may enter this section of the site for a list of students who participated in this program.