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School of Medicine
Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Omowale Amuleru-Marshall, PhD, MPH, Chairman
Course Descriptions:*
Core Courses
Department Required Courses
Track Required Courses
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Track
Health Behavior and Policy Track
Environmental/Occupational Health Track
Elective Courses
Principles of Epidemiology (3 credits)
PUBH 803
Investigation of the factors which determine the distribution and dynamics of health and disease in human populations. Covers measures of disease frequency, descriptive epidemiology, study types, and methods to document variation in disease occurrence. The tools of epidemiology are used in all aspects of public health to describe the patterns of illness in populations, design research studies, evaluate public health programs, and keep abreast of changes in the health status of populations.
Principles of Biostatistics (3 credits)
PUBH 804
Presents the principles and methods of data description and statistical analysis used for planning, development, and evaluation of health problems. Provides an introduction to descriptive statistics, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, inference, and basic parametric and nonparametric tests. A program called Epi Info, developed by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control, is the primary computer program used for the course, although other computing programs will be demonstrated. Emphasis is placed on understanding and interpretation of data used in public health.
Health Policy and Management (3 credits)
PUBH 805
Focus is on a comprehensive background in the organizational, financial, legal, and political issues surrounding the health care environment. Examines the major substantive issues confronting health policy makers in the areas of health systems, health sector reform, family and community health, and environmental and occupational health.
Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health (3 credits)
PUBH 806
This course explores the influence of social, psychological and cultural factors on the health status of individuals and communities. While this topic may be studied from many perspectives, the class seeks to understand the origins of health-compromising behaviors, their distribution in the population, and ways to change or prevent them.
Principles of Environmental Health (3 credits)
PUBH 807
Interaction between humans and physical, chemical, and biological agents has an important impact on health. This course considers important environmental health issues facing society. Topics include environmental physiology, radiation protection, air pollution control, water and waste water management, food protection, hazardous material management, ecology and control of animal vectors of disease, and basic community sanitation issues.
Concepts, Practice and Leadership of Public Health (3 credits)
PUBH 831
One of four courses that the department requires of every graduate student in the public health program. It focuses on the determinants of health, and the philosophical and organizational foundations of the professional practice of the core areas of public health. It provides an integrated overview of the field by surveying Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Preventive Medicine, Environmental Health, Social and Behavioral aspects of Health and Health Policy. The course will also give students an understanding of the tools needed to be effective leaders in carrying out the core public health functions of assessment, policy development and assurance.
Public Health Research Methods and Ethics (3 credits)
PUBH 832
The second course that the department requires cover basic research tools needed to work successfully in public health and explores some of the common types of research encountered in public health settings. Topics include, qualitative and quantitative data collection, designing research instruments, interpretation and dissemination of data, doing community assessments, and presenting research findings. The course integrates case studies in public health ethics throughout the discussion of research so that the later is considered in the light of moral and ethical dilemmas that often occur. A combination of lecture, discussion, reading of the literature, and computer applications are used to familiarize students with public research methods in public health.
Practicum/Internship in Public Health (6 credits)
PUBH 890
A third requirement of this department is the practicum. The practicum experience is a critical part of the MPH program which integrates academic preparation with field-based experience. The internship allows students to apply academic coursework and training within a public health agency setting under the direction of a mentor or on-site supervisor. Internships are arranged on an individual basis, with written goals spelled out in advance and approved by the student, faculty advisor and on-site supervisor. Students complete a minimum of 180 hours of fieldwork in the public health practice setting.
Capstone Seminar (3 credits)
PUBH 893
The fourth departmental requirement is designed as a practical seminar to assist students to work through systematic steps in the preparation of their Capstone Paper. The seminar covers topics such as the following in a planned sequence: selecting a topic, reviewing the literature, selecting data sources, selecting methods of analysis, preparing a proposal, and writing stepwise drafts. The Capstone Paper demonstrates mastery of selected concepts of public health by integrating the core functions of public health within a comprehensive research paper. The student determines the topic of the paper and works according to the schedule of the Capstone Seminar to show understanding and mastery through their application of public health concepts to their chosen research question. The finished paper is presented orally in a seminar setting, kept in the Department as a reference document, and may be submitted for publication.
TRACK REQUIRED COURSES
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Track
Chronic Disease Epidemiology (3 credits)
PUBH 813
Principles, methods, and issues in the epidemiology of chronic diseases. Starting with a strong focus on preventive medicine and exploring risk factors for various chronic conditions, the course covers major conditions in extensive detail including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, lung disease, arthritis, and neurological disorders.
Emerging Infectious Diseases (3 credits)
PUBH 814
Principles and practices of communicable diseases. Methods for epidemiologic investigation of infections and discussion of current infectious diseases of public health importance. Examines trends in evolving pathogens in our changing environment, including implications both globally and in the region.
Epidemiology in Public Health Practice Settings (3 credits)
PUBH 830
This Course addresses the role of public health practitioners in the provision of preventive health services in the public health setting. The focus will be on application of epidemiologic methods to human and animal population health. Emphasis will be on developing an understanding of the biomedical basis and applied use of these services, with particular attention to communicable disease surveillance, food safety practices, and other applications of epidemiologic methods to population health. Students will have the opportunity to directly participate in assessment of services and will be expected to collaboratively develop projects that address specific public health practice problems.
Intermediate Biostatistics (3 credits)
PUBH 817
This course provides a more advanced examination of quantitative statistical methods. Although a brief overview of core statistical concepts will initially be given in the first two lectures, it will be assumed that the student has a good grasp of all the topics covered in PUBH 804 Principles of Biostatistics. Specific topics that will be covered are theoretical probability distributions (Normal, Binomial, Poisson), two-way ANOVA, multiple 2 x 2 contingency tables, nonparametric methods, multiple regression, and logistic regression. Additionally, several epidemiologic topics such as study design, precision and validity, and confounding will be considered.
Advanced Biostatistics for Population Health Management (3 credits)
PUBH 829
The course applies biostatistical methods to understanding and managing the health of a defined population. The course assists the student in developing advanced analytical capabilities in statistical reasoning and in applying these skills to population health management. The course addresses the issues related to designing healthcare services for populations based on scientific evidence and assessing healthcare utilization by objective means. The student learns how to use biostatistical methods to set priorities and develop strategies to improve health outcomes from which effective public health policy can be established and implemented. As a result, the student learns how to improve quality and lower costs in a health system by optimizing health care delivery through better resource allocation.
Health Behavior and Policy Track
Public Health Program Evaluation (3 credits)
PUBH 818
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to conduct primarily summative evaluations of public health intervention programs. Its goal is to introduce students to the set of research procedures that are commonly used to document effort and measure effectiveness in the promotion of health and prevention of disease. The procedures that are presented represent a mixed-methods approach to program evaluation in that they employ both quantitative and qualitative methods. A commitment to quality measurement and improvement in public health, is nurtured as the effort is made to demonstrate to students the indispensable role of effectiveness measurement in public health practice. Methods of Community Health Assessment (3 credits)
PUBH 819
This is a service-learning community-based course designed to give students the requisite skills to conduct community health needs and asset assessment in a manner that places the power to determine health priorities in the defined community. The goal of this course is to place Communities at the center of health promotion and develop public health professionals whose service in communities result in the latter’s empowerment and development. Students learn and practice methods of community identification, observation, interviewing, document analysis, and data analysis and reporting of primary and secondary data.
Methods of Community Health Promotion (3 credits)
PUBH 828
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills that are required to work with organized communities, to develop health promotion interventions. Using an intervention mapping methodology, students will employ a service-learning framework to facilitate effective decision-making at each step of the process involved in health program design, implementation and evaluation.
Health Planning and Financing (3 credits)
PUBH 820
The theory, practice and politics of health planning are reviewed, employing a variety of techniques and judgments. The course covers the planning stages of initial analysis through evaluation and considers at considerable depth such areas as situational analysis, prioritizing, costing, and resource allocation. Economic concepts and tools are used to examine a range of issues that pertain to the planning and delivery of health care services. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of principles of financing to the health care field, through the study of marketing, budgeting, pricing and monitoring of financial functions in public health agencies.
International Public Health Practice (3 credits)
PUBH 823
This is a survey course that introduces students to a variety of epidemiological, demographic, socioeconomic, political and cultural issues relevant to public health that arise primarily in developing countries. Students are exposed to a range of public health challenges, practices, systems and professional opportunities in global health. Among the topics surveyed are epidemiological surveillance, infectious diseases, maternal and child health, the relationship of health and human development, technology transfer, primary health care systems and multilateral agencies.
International Public Health Law and Policy (3 credits)
PUBH 827
This course is intended to provide students of public health administration, health policy and planning, as well as of other health-related disciplines with a basic understanding of law and the international legal system as it impacts upon public health administration. The course is accordingly tailored to the needs of such students and is specifically designed to assist them in understanding and coping with (a) the legal constraints within which they will pursue their various disciplines and endeavors (b) the legal controversies in which they are likely to become involved and (c) the relationship between public health and international law. As such, the primary audience of this course is intended to be students and others with some interest or expertise in the delivery of health care, but little or no background in law.
Environmental/Occupational Health Track
Occupational Health (3 credits)
PUBH 816
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to recognize and evaluate common occupational hazards (e.g., chemical, physical, biological, psychosocial) which are then followed by a review of common approaches that can be taken to prevent these hazards from causing work-related diseases and injuries. The relationship between workers and their jobs with respect to health outcomes are explored from historical, scientific, and policy perspectives. A systematic approach to the study of the causes and extent of work-related injuries and ill health is emphasized. Principles of occupational safety and models of accidents causation and investigation are also covered.
Ergonomics and Industrial Hygiene (3 credits)
PUBH 821
This course offers a unique perspective on preventive medicine by introducing students to the fundamental principles of ergonomics and industrial hygiene, showing how these two disciplines can be used to provide meaningful insights on the root-causes of many work-related health problems, and then outlining practical approaches to the eradication or minimization of occupational hazards from the workplace. Students are introduced to the science of ergonomics and shown how it is used to determine information about human behavior, capabilities, and limitations, and how this information in turn is used to design tools, machines, jobs, and work environments that are productive, safe, and comfortable. Specific ergonomic topics include work physiology, anthropometry, biomechanics, psychosocial stress, noise, vibration, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders with special emphasis being placed on the recognition, prevention, and control of disease and injury to workers from these occupational hazards. Industrial hygiene topics cover the identification, measurement and control of chemical and biological hazards (e.g., blood-borne pathogens, tuberculosis) in the work environment as well as cover the principles of air sampling and analysis, ventilation and other control technologies, and the use of personal protective equipment.
Child Health and the Environment (3 credits)
PUBH 833
This course will explore the unique interaction that children have with their environment and the health consequences as a result. The course will include the following topics: infectious diseases, injuries, legacy of toxic metals, environmental chemicals and pests, reducing environmental health risks, risk management and policy development. The course will examine the environmental threats posed the children over the years and the importance of proper intervention.
Public Health Sanitation (3 credits)
MPTH 802
Study of pathogenic organisms present in air, water, sewage, food and dairy products as well as their epidemiology, prevention and control in relation to public health.
Applied Food Microbiology (3 credits)
MPTH 806
This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the relationship between the chemistry and microbiology of food; the epidemiology and significance of food poisoning outbreaks and procedures of control; detailed analysis of current and emerging food-borne pathogens, their isolation and detection, current topical problems in food technology and their possible resolution. Food control systems such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and current legislation of food quality and hygiene will also be covered.
Maternal and Child Health (3 credits)
PUBH 808
Covers the major issues involved in the provision of maternal and child care services across countries, special needs and programs targeting women and children, changing structure of the family, domestic violence, and child abuse. Issues involving maternal and child health in the Caribbean region are a special focus.
Nutrition and Public Health (3 credits)
PUBH 812
Substance Abuse and Public Health (3 credits)
PUBH 822
This course reviews historical, social, cultural, psychological, and physiological factors associated with the epidemiology of alcohol, tobacco and other psychoactive drug use. The public health impact of these epidemiological patterns of use and consequences are studied primarily in the context of the United States; although some comparative attention is paid to selected countries in Europe and the Caribbean. While models of addiction and treatment are presented, this course focuses more primarily on the prevention of substance abuse problems.
Preventing Mental Illness: Global Perspective and Universal Strategies
(3 credits)
PUBH 824
This course provides an advanced introduction to community psychology and public health theory and research with the goal of helping them to develop a global understanding of the prevention of mental illness. This course is divided into three components:
Section I: Psychological Theory and Research
Community psychology theory and research is primarily concerned with person-environment interactions and the ways society impacts individual and community functioning. In this section of the course, students will explore the framework of community psychology theory and practice.
Section II: Prevention and Primary Care
Students will investigate the integration of psychological theory with public health medicine. In particular, the focus will be on the role of the primary care provider in mental illness prevention.
Section III: Specific Areas of Prevention
During this section of the course, students will focus upon a variety of psychosocial issues and the practical application of psychosocial theory and research to the prevention of mental illness and the promotion of mental health and wellness.
Family Violence: A Public Health Problem (3 credits)
PUBH 825
This course presents an in-depth study of family violence: a growing public health problem. Characteristics of the problem, its history and its numerous manifestations in specific population groups across the life span will be studied. The role of public health agencies and their interface with the criminal justice systems will be an important focus. Prevention strategies and community responses to the problem will provide students with the opportunity to evaluate and plan a public health solution to a specific aspect of family violence for a geographical location of their selection.
Women and Health: A Sociolegal Perspective (3 credits)
PUBH 826
This course is intended to develop an understanding of the conception and operation of the law as it relates to women and health. Critical conceptual issues from the Humanities, Law and Social Sciences will be used to investigate and theorize the intersections of women, health and the law, with an emphasis on the North American experience but with glimpses into global conversations. The ways in which differences of race, class, ability and sexuality make a difference to women's health will be constantly interrogated.
Independent Study (3 credits)
PUBH 881
Opportunity for a student to design a course of particular interest for self-study in association with a faculty mentor. Prerequisite: permission of faculty advisor.
Principles of Clinical Preventive Medicine (3 credits)
PUBH 834
Clinical Preventive Medicine deals with health maintenance and the reduction of risk factors that result in adverse health outcomes. The course deals with the evaluation of individual risk through the appropriate use of screening and intervention through medical, behavioral and environmental approaches to reduce those risks. In addition Clinical Preventive Medicine applies risk assessment and risk reduction techniques to communities and populations and helps to ensure that appropriate management and organization practices are used in clinical settings to facilitate preventive services.
