Public Health (PBH)

This course will provide students with an overarching introduction into the current and cross-cutting issues facing the health of the public in the United States and globally. Current issues will be examined (such as opioid use, chronic disease, community capacity, behavior psychology, sustainable development and infectious disease) and the primary determinants of health, alongside strategies used to address these issues in a public health context. As a foundation of the entire field of public health, this course provides a broad overview for those students wanting an introduction to the field, as well as solid grounding for students who wish to pursue additional coursework in public health. Not open to students who have earned credit in HE 2300. Falls and Springs.

This course will provide opportunities for students to develop the professional skills needed by public health practitioners for assessing the health of communities, investigating the occurrence of health issues and challenges, analyzing the determinants of identified health needs and communicate information between stakeholders for program planning to improve health. Skills to be addressed will include interviewing, focus groups, surveying, data summary, photo voice and geo-mapping from community assessment and communication of results. Not open to students who have earned credit in HE 2400 (TECO)

This course provides an introduction to using statistical analysis to analyze and interpret epidemiological data. Skills in interpreting statistical results accurately, effectively, and in context will be developed. Students will apply statistical tools such as: describing central tendency and variability in data, performing inference on population means and proportions via sample data, statistical hypothesis testing and examining issues of power and sample size in study types and designs. While there are some formulae and computational elements to the course, the emphasis is on interpretation and concepts. Falls.

Prerequisite(s): Public Health Majors only; completed (MA 2300, PE 3565, or SS 3705).

This course introduces the application of epidemiologic methods to the study of the distribution and determinants of health and diseases. Course activities will include evaluating public health problems, identifying and accessing key sources of data for epidemiologic assessment, applying appropriate biostatistical methods and measures to critical analysis of research studies. While there are some formulae and computational elements to the course, the emphasis is on interpretation and concepts. Falls. (QRCO)

Prerequisite(s): MA 2300 or PE 3565 or SS 3705.

An introduction to the fundamentals of social and behavioral health psychology and the common theories and models used to explore health behaviors, from both individual and population level perspectives. Learning outcomes include understanding health behaviors, social determinants of health, and comprehension of social, environmental and cultural impacts on health psychology. Course work will include project based learning and a community health design lab for applying theories and models to enhance the health and well-being of people. Not open to students who have earned credit in PE 4010. (INCO) (INCP)

Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior status.

Introduces students to the fields of social and behavioral health psychology and the common theories and models used to explore health behaviors, both from an individual and population level perspectives. Learning outcomes include understanding health behaviors, social determinants of health, comprehension of social, environmental & cultural impacts & applying them to enhance the health and well-being of people. Springs and Falls.

Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior status

The course provides an opportunity to integrate theories, practical analysis and writing skills for planning programs to address health behavior change strategies across all levels of a socioecological framework. Planning modes will be examined and aligned with behavior change theories. Program plans will be developed using data from public health resources, research on program evaluation, stakeholder input and community partnerships. Not open to students who have earned credit in HE 3240. Springs. (WRCO)

Prerequisite(s): Public Health, Allied Health Science, Physical Education majors and Gerontology minors only; Junior or Senior status.

Examination of the cross-cutting concepts of health equity, disparity, social justice and policy development for public health in the United States and globally. Current guidelines will be used to identify health targets and shared measurement systems. Relevant historical issues, theories, research and empirical data will be examined, emphasizing critical analysis and application of knowledge. Students will curate evidence regarding a chosen health disparity and develop a formal intervention proposal to promote health equity. Not open to students who have earned credit for HE 3320. Falls.

Designed to provide an opportunity for students in Public Health to practice and refine skills appropriate for the public health field, Course activities may involve original research, program planning and implementation, program evaluation or active participation in a special project. Public Health program outcomes will be addressed with a goal of mastery by students. A final capstone course. Not open to students who have earned credit in HE 4540. Falls and Springs.

Prerequisite(s): For Public Health Majors only; PBH 3200 and PBH 4000; have completed at least 4 Enrichment courses.

Knowledge and skills gained in major coursework will be applied in a real-world setting through a tailored experience to support the development of public health skills such as program planning and design, implementation management, and program evaluation; data collection analysis and reporting; and policy development or analysis and advocacy with groups and individuals. Not open to students who have earned credit in HE 4880. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits. Instructor permission required.

Prerequisite(s): PBH 3000, And PBH 3200 Or PBH 3210, And PBH 4000, and Permission of the HHP Internship Coordinator.