221.617.01
Behavioral Economics in Health Decisions
Location
East Baltimore
Term
3rd Term
Department
International Health
Credit(s)
2
Academic Year
2026 - 2027
Instruction Method
In-Person
Friday, 10:00 - 11:50am
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
Introduction to Microeconomics (313.639) and Biostatistics (140.611 or 140.621) or equivalent
Enrollment Restriction
This course is not restricted.
Guides students to challenge superficial intuitive judgments that are attractive because they make obvious sense but overlook important considerations that demand more analytical assessment. Examines human behaviors that come into play in a more careful analysis for their legitimacy and reasonableness in resolving traditionally considered economic questions. Develops ways to blend behavioral factors that are recognized as relevant with economic perspectives and methods to design balanced action strategies.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Apply behavioral economics concepts—such as system 1 and system 2 thinking, prospect theory, framing effects, and nudges—to real-world public health challenges
- Assess the role of trust, agency, and fairness in designing and evaluating health policies and interventions
- Critically analyze how algorithms, public information campaigns, and social media influence health behavior and mental well-being
- Design practical behavioral interventions across global contexts, from helmet campaigns in LMICs, pricing of high cost medicines, to framing healthy food choices in high-income settings
- Integrate economic reasoning with behavioral insights to create policies that are both effective and equitable
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 40% Discussion
- 60% Final Paper