PUBH   2131   Introduction to Community and Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Introduces the student to the core functions of public health with an emphasis on community health programs and current trends of population health. Exposes the student to the role of community health practice in maximizing the health status of all populations. Course will include an overview of the organizational structure of federal, state, and local health-related agencies and examine the interrelationship of political, social, cultural and economic dimensions of community based population health activities.

PUBH   2135   Introduction to Statistical Packages

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course gives an overview of the software packages available for statistical analysis. It will introduce students to statistical software packages such as SAS, R, and SPSS. Students will learn basic programming of various statistical packages for reading data, processing and transforming data, descriptive analysis, and data visualization in this course. This course will enable students to become familiar with powerful and widely-used programs for data management and analysis.

PUBH   3110   Public Health Writing

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Public health routinely deals with many complicated factors, including biological and sociological considerations, and public health professionals are required to interact with a wide array of stakeholders, from community members, church leaders, and journalists to policy-makers. Therefore, clear and effective communication is a critical component of public health training. This course focuses on writing clear, concise, and coherent, evidence-based critical writing, covering fundamental principles of written communication with lay audiences and professionals as well. It provides hands-on training in a variety of writing styles encountered by daily public health practice and research.

Prerequisite(s): PUBH   2131.

PUBH   3130   Substance Use and Abuse

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course explores legal and illegal drug use in modern society. Issues related to the social, cultural, political and economic impact of drug use will be discussed. The emphasis in the course will be on prevention, treatment and effective education techniques for various practice settings and target populations.

PUBH   3131   Introduction to Chronic Diseases

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, obesity) are currently responsible for sixty percent of the global burden of disease and the World Health Organization predicts this to rise to eighty percent by the year 2020. This is one of the greatest challenges facing health care systems throughout the world and it places long-term health and economic demands on health care systems as the population ages. This course will provide students with the opportunity to study specific issues related to chronic disease epidemiology and management and their links to practice.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   2131.

PUBH   3132   Health Care Systems and Advocacy

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course introduces students to the background and development of administrative settings for health care delivery in the United States by exploring trends and issues based on current health and medical care programs and practices and analyzing the current organizational structure of medical care services in the United States. Topics to be examined include the medical care process, factors affecting supply and distribution of health professionals and health facilities, health care costs, and financing of care through health insurance and governmental programs. Students will also learn health advocacy skills to plan community based interventions.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   2131.

PUBH   3136   Principles of Environmental Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course examines health issues, scientific understanding of causes, and possible future approaches to control the major environmental health problems in industrialized and developing countries. Topics include how the body reacts to environmental pollutants; physical, chemical, and biological agents of environmental contamination; vectors for dissemination (air, water, soil); solid and hazardous waste; susceptible populations; biomarkers and risk analysis; the scientific basis for policy decisions; and emerging global environmental health problems.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   2131.

PUBH   3138   Multicultural and Social Determinants of Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course introduces the characteristics, causes, and effects of health disparities in the U.S. Health Care System. It also provides students with a foundation to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to become culturally competent health educators. The course explores how health education and promotion is shaped by the cultural, social and economic contexts in which individuals function.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   2131.

PUBH   3215   Statistical Concepts in Epidemiology

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Statistical Concepts in Epidemiology provides an introduction to biostatistical concepts and reasoning in epidemiologic studies. This course represents an introduction to the field and provides a survey of data and data types. Specific topics include tools for describing central tendency and variability in data; methods for performing inference on population means and proportions via sample data; statistical hypothesis testing and its application to group comparisons; and issues of power and sample size in study designs.

PUBH   3216   Data Collection and Analysis for Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course addresses practical aspects of collecting and analyzing data for public health use. Within the context of the scientific method, this course will focus on public health surveillance, research, and other health monitoring activities. Topics include planning study activities, questionnaire administration, consideration of biologic and social risk factors for health outcomes, use of routinely collected data, and analytic considerations related to data collection.

PUBH   3231   Epidemiology and Biostatistics

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course introduces the student to the principles and practice of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students will be exposed to the historical development of epidemiology, concepts of causality, definitions of health and disease, and sources of community health data. Current principles and practices in the cause, prevention and control of diseases in various community settings will be emphasized.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   2131.

PUBH   3232   Foundations of Health Education and Promotion Practice

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course provides junior and senior level majors with a colloquium to discuss current issues and topics in health promotion and education including philosophical foundations and principles underlying the field of health promotion and education practice, the Certified Health Education Specialist Competencies, organizations, scientific foundations, and employment potential.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   2131.

PUBH   3314   Introduction to Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course is designed to give students a foundation in the core functions of the population-based public health (assessment, policy development, and assurance.) In addition, this course will examine the 10 essential services of public health within these core functions. Defining effective public health practice and providing knowledge about the technical, social, and political parameters related to public health research and practice are goals for this class. Students will gain an understanding of public health as a broad area of work that applies the benefits of current biomedical, environmental, social, and behavioral knowledge in ways that maximize the health status of all populations. This course is intended for non-majors.

PUBH   3330   Modifying Health Behaviors

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course examines the major theoretical models used in public health practice for modifying health behavior. The efficacy of interventions in relation to current practices in public health, best practices and applications of theory-driven health behavior change are studied within the context of community-based settings. The focus of the class is to identify the critical factors necessary to create health behavior change in order to address the current Healthy People goals and objectives.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   2131.

PUBH   3331   Stress Theory and Management in Health Promotion

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course explores issues related to the etiology of stress and stressors with emphasis on environmental, organizational, interpersonal and individual patterns of stress in various health promotion settings. Competency in the active management of stress and mobilizing support in health settings will be evaluated.

PUBH   3430   Sexuality Education

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course explores contemporary issues in human sexuality and prepares future health professionals to conduct sexuality education with diverse populations in a variety of settings (i.e., school, community, or worksite). Content is intended to help students increase their knowledge of sexuality, improve their ability to educate and promote sexual health and develop skills to increase their comfort level in discussing human sexuality.

PUBH   3431   Introduction to Global Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course introduces the broad and growing field of global health. The course will discuss how health and illness is defined and explore the biological, cultural, social, and political forces that influence health at the global level. This is a survey course that will explore such topics as: comparative health systems, social determinants of health, health services and quality, healthcare policy, key stakeholders, and major global health initiatives. Throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on global health ethics and issues of social justice.

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing.

PUBH   3432   Introduction to Global Health Policy

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course introduces the range of cultural and policy approaches different countries take to health, healthcare access, and related population-level health interventions. As part of this course, students will compare different healthcare systems from selected countries.

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and a minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   3431.

PUBH   3611   Health Honors Thesis Seminar I

1 Credit Hour.   1 Lecture Hour.   0 Lab Hours.

This is a seminar course that prepares students to complete a senior honors thesis proposal.

PUBH   3612   Hlth Honors Thesis Seminar II

1 Credit Hour.   1 Lecture Hour.   0 Lab Hours.

This is a seminar course that prepares students to complete a senior honors thesis proposal.

PUBH   4090   Selected Topics in Public Health

1-3 Credit Hours.   1-3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Allows the student the opportunity to receive specialized and/or focused instruction in a public health topic not generally offered by the College.

PUBH   4114   Data Management and Visualization for Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course emphasizes data management and data visualization using SAS (Statistical Analysis System), Excel, and R software packages. The student will be introduced to SAS codes to input and output data, create temporary and permanent data sets, create formatted and labeled SAS data sets, merge and connect SAS data sets, and create formatted outputs. Students will learn the foundations of information visualization and sharpen their skills in communicating using health science data. Throughout the semester, we will use Excel, SAS, and R to explore graphic design concepts, storytelling, data wrangling, and plotting, and biostatistics as they apply to data communication. Students will learn how to improve communication through data visualization.

PUBH   4115   Epidemiologic Study Design and Analysis

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course will focus on epidemiologic methods - primarily methods used in epidemiologic studies using existing data, cohort studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials. The characteristics of all observational study designs will be discussed, as well as the rationale underlying the major techniques used to analyze data from these studies. Special attention will be devoted to assessing confounding and effect measure modification, both conceptually and analytically.

PUBH   4132   Health Education and Promotion Program Planning I

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course introduces students to the theory and application of community-based program planning and evaluation. The first of a two-course sequence, the focus will be on the development of a health promotions program plan designed to apply course content to a real-life health issue. Concepts in community assessment, organization, and mobilization for the purpose of addressing identified public health concerns will serve as the foundation for the planning process.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   2131.

Corequisite(s): PUBH   4134.

PUBH   4133   Health Education and Promotion Program Planning II

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course introduces students to additional theory and application of community-based program planning and evaluation. The second of a two-course sequence, the focus will be on program implementation, evaluation, and reporting of the health promotion plan developed during the prior semester. Students will gain first-hand experience in conducting an evaluation of community health education program.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   4132.

PUBH   4134   Research Methods and Evaluation in Health Education and Promotion

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course introduces the student to research methods used in health education and promotion. Examines the rationale and procedure to evaluate health education/promotion programs. Focuses on several topics including: research design, methods of program evaluation, planning research and evaluation, the politics and ethics of evaluation, measurement, sampling logistics, data analysis and the development of a student project.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   2131.

Corequisite(s): PUBH   4132.

PUBH   4195   International Studies Abroad in Public Health

3-9 Credit Hours.   3-9 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course offers students the opportunity to examine public health practices in a foreign country through travel abroad. Classroom instruction will be combined with on-site experiences to provide a realistic learning experience.

PUBH   4230   Global Maternal and Child Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course will explore promotion and education efforts designed to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life for women and children globally. A review of the historical and contemporary maternal and child health trends and issues in the United States and throughout the world will be examined. Identifying the determinants of health and illness including the biological, behavioral, socio-economic, demographic, cultural and health care systems influences on maternal and child health will be central to the course.

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and a minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   2131 or PUBH   3431.

PUBH   4231   Health Aspects of Aging

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course examines the aging process from a health education perspective. Students will become acquainted with the process of and problems associated with aging in order to effectively manage this important public health issue. Knowledge and understanding of biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging as related to health and wellness will also be addressed.

PUBH   4232   Global Environmental Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course provides students with and overview of global environmental health challenges in 21st century. Regional and global impact of environmental health hazards will be compared at the systems level. Current topics in global environmental health will target new challenges faced under the changing climate and emerging diseases. International environmental health policies will be compared with local practices.

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and a minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   3431.

PUBH   4233   Topics in Global Epidemiology

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course will introduce students to the field of epidemiology as applied in a global context. Students will be introduced to basic concepts of epidemiology as well as an overview of topics across the discipline. Special emphasis will be made on health issues in the low and middle income countries, and case studies will be used as examples to illustrate concepts and topics of epidemiology.

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and a minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   3431.

PUBH   4234   International Development in Health (Poverty, Social Justice and Global Health)

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course will describe key cultural, social, and economic issues and methods in global health, and thus provide essential background for other core courses. The course is interdisciplinary, emphasizing the fields of anthropology, sociology, public health, global health, and critical global health studies. This course explores aspects of health inequalities and demonstrates how the sources of health inequalities (including globalization, the impact of social, economic, and political systems, the local and global economy, transnational organizations, culture, race, class, gender, and sexuality) are rooted in injustices that create and sustain the conditions that lead to disparities in health status and health care both domestically and globally.

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing and a minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   3431.

PUBH   4330   Promotional Strategies for Health Programs

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course explores the application of social marketing and communication theory to the development of strategies to enhance health education and promotion programs.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in PUBH   2131.

PUBH   4331   Occupational Health in Public Health Practice

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course provides an overview of the key issues and practices related to workplace hazards in public health practice. Students will be introduced key concepts of environmental epidemiology, toxicology, preparedness, disease management, prevention, and health promotion in occupational settings that both workers and the public are impacted. The course covers primary methods of pollutant exposure assessment, basic understanding of environmental toxicology, health effects of chemical, biological, and physical agents in a variety of facilities from agricultural, to service industry, private sector to healthcare settings. Students will also be introduced to safety regulations in these settings.

PUBH   4332   Environmental Health Practice

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course introduces students to applied environmental health sciences. Emphasis is placed on hands-on, practical experiences provided by experts/practitioners in the field. This course is expected to prepare students for employment opportunities related to food safety and hygiene; emerging vector-borne diseases; industrial hygiene; and environmental health inspections including restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities, recreational environments, and waste management.

PUBH   4333   Public Health Aspects of Vector-borne Diseases: Control and Prevention

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course provides an overview of common vector-borne diseases, discusses public health preventive practices, and introduces students to the concepts of the planning, design, implementation and management of control of vector-borne infectious diseases.

PUBH   4334   Food Safety and Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of food safety and its implications to public health. Specific areas of emphasis include the historical perspectives and current trends pertinent to food safety issues, etiology and assessment of food-borne illness, food contamination and related public health concerns, and strategies for the prevention of food-borne illness. This course will also provide students the opportunity to get certified in ServSafe, a nationally recognized food safety training program. Students will also be required to prepare food under the supervision of the instructor.

PUBH   4611   Hlth Honors Thesis Seminar III

1 Credit Hour.   1 Lecture Hour.   0 Lab Hours.

In a seminar setting, students will continue writing and revising their thesis. This course provides the student with the opportunity to revise manuscript proposal based upon previous work in Honors Thesis Seminar I and II. Students will be guided through primary data collection and analysis. Students will also complete writing the first draft of the Research Manuscript adhering to current APA style manual.

PUBH   4612   Hlth Honors Thesis Seminar IV

1 Credit Hour.   1 Lecture Hour.   0 Lab Hours.

Students will complete an Honors Research thesis and successfully defend their original research project to their Research Director and Research Committee. Revisions to the Honors thesis will be based upon feedback from the oral defense. To demonstrate proficiency in oral research presentation, students will present their original research at the Honor's Research Symposium and Phi Kappa Phi Research Symposium. Finally, students will be required to submit the final Research Manuscript for publication in a professional format.

PUBH   4798   Internship in Public Health

6-12 Credit Hours.   0 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course provides the senior level Public Health majors with a practical experience in an appropriate practice setting. Students must complete all course work in the Public Health major prior to enrolling in this course.

PUBH   4890   Directed Individual Study

1-3 Credit Hours.   1-3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Provides the student with an opportunity to investigate an area of interest under the direction of a faculty mentor.

PUBH   5000   Selected Topics in Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Allows the student the opportunity to receive specialized and/or focused instruction in a public health topic not generally offered by the College.

Cross Listing(s): PUBH   5000G.

PUBH   5111   LGBTQ+ Issues in Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course introduces students to public health issues surrounding LGBTQ+ populations. The course is divided into topic areas that will allow students to become familiar with the terminology, history, health disparities, health inequities, special health needs, and barriers for this population in receiving health care and public health services. The course will also touch on the public health implications that result from the care or lackthereof of these populations. This course will cover topics relating to health services research and public health aspects of LGBTQ+ populations rather than clinical medicine topics.

Cross Listing(s): PUBH   5111G.

PUBH   5520   Introduction to Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course is designed to give students a foundation in the core functions of population-based public health (assessment, policy development and assurance). In addition, this course will examine the 10 essential services of public health within these core functions. Defining effective public health practice and providing knowledge about the technical, social, and political parameters related to public health research and practice are goals for this class. Students will gain an understanding of public health as a broad area of work that applies the benefits of current biomedical, environmental, social, and behavioral knowledge in ways that maximize the health status of all populations.

Cross Listing(s): PUBH   5520G.

PUBH   5521   Women and Minority Health Issues

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Exploration of issues which influence the health of women and minority populations, primarily in the United States.

Cross Listing(s): PUBH   5521G.

PUBH   5000G   Selected Topics in Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Allows the student the opportunity to receive specialized and/or focused instruction in a public health topic not generally offered by the College. Graduate students will be expected to meet 1-2 additional course objectives and will be required to complete additional assignments for graduate-level assessment.

Cross Listing(s): PUBH   5000.

PUBH   5111G   LGBTQ+ Issues in Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course introduces students to public health issues surrounding LGBTQ+ populations. The course is divided into topic areas that will allow students to become familiar with the terminology, history, health disparities, health inequities, special health needs, and barriers for this population in receiving health care and public health services. The course will also touch on the public health implications that result from the care or lack thereof of these populations. This course will cover topics relating to health services research and public health aspects of LGBTQ+ populations rather than clinical medicine topics. Graduate students will be required to complete online modules administered by CITI regarding human subject research, draft a research paper that will be reviewed by a peer prior to submission for final grade, draft a course reflection explaining how the class has affected their thought processes regarding public health, complete online quizzes after the completion of each module, complete a final exam, and create a health pamphlet and presentation.

Cross Listing(s): PUBH   5111.

PUBH   5520G   Introduction to Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course is designed to give students a foundation in the core functions of the population-based public health (assessment, policy development and assurance). In addition, this course will examine the 10 essential services of public health within these core functions. Defining effective public health practice and providing knowledge about the technical, social, and political parameters related to public health research and practice are goals for this class. Students will gain an understanding of public health as a broad area of work that applies the benefits of current biomedical, environmental, social, and behavioral knowledge in ways that maximize the health status of all populations. Graduate students will in addition to all expectations for undergraduates, be required to submit a more thorough paper.

Cross Listing(s): PUBH   5520.

PUBH   5521G   Women and Minority Health Issues

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course will explore public health issues concerning women and minority populations. Graduate students will apply findings from the photovoice project to develop solutions to a selected public health issue in women and the minority population and conduct a literature search to identify policies and best practices in addressing a selected public health issue that affects women and the minority population.

Cross Listing(s): PUBH   5521.

PUBH   6532   Environmental Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course is a survey of specific environmental conditions and factors that contribute to the development of health problems in communities. Health effects, policy issues, intervention strategies and control programs for community environmental health protection are discussed.

PUBH   6533   Epidemiology

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course provides an introduction to many important topics in epidemiology for public health practice, including but not limited to the evolution of the discipline, causal concepts in the natural history of disease, critical features of infectious and chronic diseases, elements of public health screening, basic measures used in epidemiology, design of epidemiologic investigations, consideration of random error and systematic bias, calculation and interpretation of confidence intervals and p values, discussion of confounding and interaction, criteria for evaluation of cause and effect relationships and the implications for ethical public health practice. Students are expected to gain a foundation for the application of epidemiologic methods for exploration of the causes and conditions that influence the origin, propagation, mitigation, and prevention of diseases in population health.

PUBH   6534   Health Policy and Management

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

The course provides a comprehensive introduction and overview to public health management and administration. The course context is based on managerial decision making and the practical knowledge, tools, processes and strategies required by organizational management. This course overviews the basics of administration, including public health law, human resources management, budgeting and financing, health information management, performance measurement and improvement, ethics, leadership, communication, media relations, and legislative relations in public health; introduced as processes are strategic planning, program development and evaluation, budget preparation, and constituency building for collaboration. Emerging areas of public health policy and management are also discussed as contexts to apply practical knowledge, tools and strategies.

PUBH   6535   Social and Behavioral Sciences and Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course is designed to familiarize students with the history and current applications of social and behavioral sciences as they are applied to public health practice and research. It explores social and behavioral science models, theories, and approaches that inform public health, and their philosophical roots. The course also examines social and behavioral determinants of health equity across the ecological spectrum. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking skills to help students synthesize and utilize information in research and practice. An important contribution of this course is the emphasis on recognizing the contributions of social and behavioral science research and practice to enhanced public health.

PUBH   6541   Biostatistics

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course examines statistics in public health and related health sciences, including sampling, probability, basic discrete and continuous distributions, descriptive statistics, hypotheses testing, confidence intervals, categorical data analysis, regression, and correlation. Emphasis will be on the development of critical thinking skills and health data analysis applications with computer software.

PUBH   7090   Selected Topics in Public Health

1-3 Credit Hours.   1-3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Allows the student the opportunity to receive specialized and/or focused instruction in a public health topic not generally offered by the department.

PUBH   7131   Continuous Quality Improvement

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course will use Statistical Process Control and Quality Improvement (QI) techniques to address the pressing need for the adoption of quality improvement methods and techniques in public heath today. The course also includes an overview of health quality initiatives in general and the progress of QI in public health systems.

PUBH   7132   Scientific Basis of Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course explores the scientific basis of 21st century disease processes including a survey of the origins, natural history, factors influencing individual and community risk. Clinical symptoms of diseases impacting humans, both acute and chronic, as well as epidemiologic trends will be also be discussed. Students will obtain an understanding of scientific mechanisms associated with the disease processes with particular focus on using this information in health-related professions and public health decision-making. As such, emphasis will be placed on the understanding and application of proposing community-based solutions designed to break the cycle of disease.

PUBH   7133   One Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Our world is becoming increasingly connected due to globalization. As a result, challenges arise that directly affect human, animal, and environmental health. One Health is an integrated approach that focuses on improving communication and collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Because emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and food safety represent a significant threat to health across all populations, the One Health approach is increasingly important to our comprehensive understanding of and response to global health challenges. This course will provide students an introduction to One Health and the skills needed to address issues at the human-animal-environmental interface. More specifically, this course will 1) examine how different disciplines contribute to the practice of One Health, 2) explain the importance of an ecological perspective through case-based applications, and 3) explore the value of epidemiologic principles in solving problems observed in disease detection and response. Through interdisciplinary mechanisms, this course will research team-oriented approaches to complex health problems and promote a framework for the holistic understanding of factors impacting global health and disease of all species.

PUBH   7140   Applied Statistical Methods in Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course instructs students on the application of quantitative data analysis techniques, and the use of health information for program planning (or intervention development). Students will learn how to use the statistical software package SPSS to answer a research question. Topics include identifying data sources and study designs, analysis of (secondary) data on selected determinants of health status and services used by population, sampling, and power calculations. Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical thinking skills, statistical reasoning, and collaboration. Students will learn to apply the concepts covered in class through a semester-long hands-on analysis of real public health data using statistical software.

PUBH   7530   Integrated Capstone Experience

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course serves as a culminating experience designed to promote refinement of the hard and soft skills necessary for the public health workforce. Throughout the semester, students acquire skills in the integration of basic public health concepts and refine the application of discipline specific knowledge. This course relies on a case-based format that promotes problem solving and critical thinking in the context of real world public health problems.

PUBH   7790   Practicum in Public Health

1-4 Credit Hours.   0 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Permits the student to receive practical experience in a selected public health-related setting.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.

PUBH   7890   Directed Individual Study

1-3 Credit Hours.   1-3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Provides the student with an opportunity to investigate an area of interest under the direction of a faculty mentor.

PUBH   7991   Public Health Capstone Research Project

1-3 Credit Hours.   0 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Requires the completion of an independent research project in the preferred field requiring the defense of the design, methods, analysis, and interpretation of the data. MPH Students may register for more than 3 credits of PUBH   7991 while working on their Capstone Research Project, but only 3 credits of PUBH   7991 may be applied toward the degree requirements. Excess PUBH   7991 credits cannot be used for electives or required coursework. Extra (greater than 3) credits of PUBH   7991 will simply increase the number of credits the student earns to more than 45.

PUBH   7999   Thesis

1-6 Credit Hours.   0 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Requires the completion of an independent research project in the preferred field requiring the defense of the design, methods, analysis and interpretation of the data.

PUBH   8132   Environmental and Occupational Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course is designed to reinforce basic concepts of environmental and occupational health. Students will be exposed to the current impact of potential environmental and occupational health and safety hazards. Students will also be exposed to current concepts associated with environmental and occupational regulatory standards, assessment protocols, sampling and monitoring techniques, and remediation strategies.

PUBH   8133   Advanced Epidemiology

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

An in-depth integration of advanced epidemiology concepts designed to reinforce epidemiological principles, as well as build a foundation for epidemiologic research in public health practice. Specific course content includes theory, methods, and applications for epidemiologic studies including random and systematic error, confounding, counterfactuals, causal inference, effect modification, internal and external validity and advanced study design. Emphasis will also be placed on choosing and performing appropriate analytic techniques necessary for biostatistical inference, including estimability and interpretation of effect measures.

PUBH   8134   Health Economics, Policy and the Political Process

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

Foundational economic and specific health economic theory, trends, market issues, and applications are presented to include health insurance and payment theory, processes, and applications. Comparison between rational and irrational theory is explored. Evolution of health policy, considering past, current and future major legislation and executive directives, are explored within the political process.

PUBH   8136   Theoretical Perspectives of the Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course will explore social and behavioral science theories, models, and approaches that inform public health research and practice, as well as their philosophical foundations. With emphasis on an ecological perspective, students will apply relevant theories to understanding community health issues and to developing interventions. The course also examines social and behavioral determinants of health equity across the ecological spectrum. In this course students will gain an enhanced understanding of the contributions of the social and behavioral sciences to Public Health.

PUBH   9130   Sampling Methodology

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course focuses on study design and sampling methods as well as data analysis of small and large, national and local health surveys and vital statistics in order to gain experience describing data using effective graphical and numerical methods. Students will use statistical software (SAS) to analyze data originating from various national surveys such as the National Crime Victimization Survey, National Survey of Drug Use and Health, National Assessment of Educational Progress, Behavioral Rish Factor Surveillance System, an NHANES. Students will be introduced to sampling design, methods of data collection, nonresponse, writing and evaluating questions and answers in surveys, survey interviews, processing survey data and principles and practices related to ethical research.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "B" in PUBH   6541 or equivalent.

PUBH   9132   Public Health Perspectives in Community-Based and Translational Research

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course will familiarize students with concepts, issues, and skills relevant to translational research approaches in public health, particularly as it relates to how research is applied across all public health concentrations (epidemiology, behavioral health sciences, management and policy, biostatistics, and environmental health). Emphasis will be placed on utilizing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches within an ecological theoretical framework. Students will gain an understanding of the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach, as well as issues related to the ethics of community-based research. Students will learn advocacy skills to catalyze community-level intervention and structural change based on research findings.

PUBH   9134   Professionalism and Ethics in Public Health Practice

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course explores critical issues related to the professional development of public health practitioners and ethical responsibilities necessary to assume leadership roles in the field. Leadership roles include, but are not limited to, recognizing the ecological complexities of factors influencing quality of life for individuals and health status of communities. Students will focus on professional attributes, skills, styles, and strategies required to advance public health goals. In addition, students will examine ethics associated with professionalism, research and public health practice.

PUBH   9135   Public Health, Funding and Grantsmanship

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course will review the major sources of funding for public health programs, including public and private sources, and the components of successful funding proposals. Students will gain experience in writing funding proposals and creating program budgets. Students will learn appropriate techniques to planning and writing research grants for large-scale and small-scale community projects. As a part of this process, students will learn effective means of locating and soliciting funding agencies responsible for financing public health activity.

PUBH   9630   Public Health Doctoral Seminar

3 Credit Hours.   3 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

This course is designed to give doctoral candidates the opportunity to determine and refine their dissertation research topics including identifying potential dissertation committee members particularly the chair.

PUBH   9790   Doctoral Preceptorship in Public Health

1-3 Credit Hours.   0 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

The doctoral preceptorship/field experience consists of 300 hours of field experience under the joint direction of a public health faculty member and a qualified specialist working in selected areas of public health. A written report specifying activities, products, and outcomes of the experience is required upon completion of the preceptorship.

PUBH   9999   Dissertation

1-9 Credit Hours.   0 Lecture Hours.   0 Lab Hours.

The doctoral dissertation is a culminating experience that requires the student to synthesize and integrate knowledge and apply theory and principles learned to an area of public health practice within the area of concentration. A written product must be submitted and must take the form of a manuscript that is suitable for publication in a national-level public health journal, a grant proposal, a technical report, a case analysis, or other similar document. The dissertation must also be presented and successfully defended before the faculty.