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| Public Health Sciences | |
| PHS 2050 | Introduction to Public Health (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | This course is designed to expose students to a foundational knowledge of U.S. & global public health, develop an appreciation of how public health knowledge relates to their lives, and gain an appreciation of career opportunities. Lectures, assignments and activities are based on the new undergraduate public health learning outcomes developed by the Association of Schools of Public Health. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Course was offered Fall 2012, Spring 2012 |
| PHS 2291 | Global Culture and Public Health (3.00) |
| This course considers the forces that influence the distribution of health and illness in different societies, with attention to increasing global interconnectedness. We will examine the roles of individuals, institutions, communities, corporations and states in improving public health, asking how effective public health and development efforts to improve global health have been and how they might be re-imagined. Course was offered Fall 2012, Spring 2012 | |
| PHS 2559 | Topics in Public Health (1.00 - 6.00) |
| Topics in Public Health Sciences Course was offered Fall 2011 | |
| PHS 3000T | Non-Uva Transfer/Test Credit (3.00) |
| PHS 3090 | Health Care Economics (3.00) |
| Reviews principles of economics most relevant to analyzing changes in health care provision and applies those principles to current health care institutions and their performance, trends in health care service delivery, and methods of forecasting future trends. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 3102 | Introduction to Public Health Research: Population Data Analysis (3.00) |
| This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge & skills needed to use population data to answer research questions. Students will utilize SPSS to access, evaluate, & interpret public health data. The course will give students an opportunity to generate hypotheses & variables to measure health problems. The course will also describe how the public health infrastructure is used to collect, process, maintain & disseminate data. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 3103 | Intro to Epidemiology:Case Studies on Hlthy Lifestyles & Disease Prevention (3.00) |
| This undergraduate course provides an introduction to basic epidemiology concepts, including measures of frequency & association, study design, & methodological issues such as confounding. Students will use case studies & team projects, as well as literature reviews, to examine strategies for promoting healthy behavior & lifestyles & addressing such public health challenges as obesity & tobacco abuse. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 3186 | Comparative Health Care Systems (3.00) |
| Provides a background for students who may be interested in learning about challenges & opportunities for improvement in health status for citizens in all countries. Although at the operational level, each national system is unique, there are common characteristics that permeate the design & structure of most health care delivery sectors. The major health reform activities occurring in developed & developing countries will be highlighted. | |
| PHS 3559 | Topics in Public Health (1.00 - 6.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Topics in Public Health Sciences Course was offered Spring 2013, Fall 2011 |
| PHS 3620 | Built Environment & Public Health: Local to Global (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | How do sidewalks, block parties, food deserts, and transit systems impact our health? This course maps the intersections between architecture, urban planning, and public health that shape the built environment, health and well being of our local and global communities. Lectures and learning applications will present the evidence and its limits on topics such as food security, age-friendly cities, obesity, social equity and vulnerable population. |
| PHS 4559 | Topics in Public Health (1.00 - 6.00) |
| This course provides the opportunity to offer new topics in the subject of Public Health Sciences Prerequisite: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 5000 | Introduction to Biostatistics (3.00) |
| Covers the fundamentals in medical statistics including descriptive statistics, estimation, hypothesis testing, precision, sample size, correlation, problems with categorization of continuous variables, multiple comparison problems, and interpreting of statistical results. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 5010 | Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3.00) |
| Introduces the field of Epidemiology and the methods of epidemiologic research. Students learn how to interpret, critique, and conduct epidemiologic research, including formulating a research question, choosing a study design, collecting and analyzing data, controlling bias and confounding, and interpreting study results. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 5015 | Qualitative Methods for Community and Global Health (3.00) |
| Designed to introduce undergrads to a graduate level coursework. This course advances methodological and cultural competency in the design and implementation of community health qualitative research investigations. Coursework provides opportunities to practice specific methodologies such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies, and historiographies in accordance with standards of rigor (e.g., reliability, generalizability, validity). Prerequisites: Instructor Permission. | |
| PHS 5050 | Public Health Law, Ethics, & Policy (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Explores the legitimacy, design, & implementation of a variety of policies aiming to promote public health & reduce the social burden of disease & injury. Highlights the challenge posed by public health's pop-based perspective to traditional ind-centered, autonomy-driven approaches to bioethics & const. law. Other themes center on conflicts between PH & pub morality & the relationship between PH and social justice. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission Course was offered Fall 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2009 |
| PHS 5060 | Program Planning and Evaluation (3.00) |
| Provides an overview of the principles and methods of evaluation in public health and health informatics. Covers evaluation paradigms, program planning, evaluation plan design, and use of evaluation findings. Frequent tools in evaluation (surveys, focus groups, and interviews) will be discussed in depth. Students will have the opportunity to design and conduct an evaluation for an existing program in public health or application in health informatics. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Course was offered Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 5070 | Introduction to Health Care Informatics (3.00) |
| Explores nature and functions of health informatics, the current state of the science, present and future applications, and major issues for research and development. Includes information processing and management, decision support, computer-based patient records and information systems, standards and codes, databases, outcomes research, and the generation and management of knowledge. Also surveys current developments in instructional technology. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 5080 | International Health Policy (3.00) |
| Addresses the questions of what makes a good health system, how we know whether a health system is performing well, and what makes a health system fair through a comparison of the financing, delivery, and operation of health systems throughout the world. Focuses on differences both in health system performance (as measured by death, disability, morbidity, access, and patient satisfaction) and in health system inputs. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 5090 | Health Care Economics (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Reviews principles of economics most relevant to analyzing changes in health care provision and applies those principles to current health care institutions and their performance, trends in health care service delivery, and methods of forecasting future trends. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. |
| PHS 5100 | Health Care Policy & Management (3.00) |
| Seminar to introduce undergraduates to graduate level work. Examines the evolution of the U.S. health care system from a health policy and health values perspective, with an emphasis on the current health system. Topics include issues surrounding the financing, organization, and delivery of health care, including acess, coverage, cost, and quality of health services. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Course was offered Spring 2012, Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 5101 | Current Issues in Health Policy (1.00) |
| This 1 credit seminar will examine current issues in U.S. health policy and will include areas surrounding access and coverage to health services, the cost of health care, quality measures within the health care delivery system, and health reform initiatives. Students will examine the current literature within health policy and be responsible for formal and informal presentations. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission Course was offered Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 5102 | Introduction to Public Health Research: Population Data Analysis (3.00) |
| This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge & skills needed to use population data to answer research questions. Students will utilize SPSS to access, evaluate, & interpret public health data. The course will give students an opportunity to generate hypotheses & variables to measure health problems. The course will also describe how the public health infrastructure is used to collect, process, maintain & disseminate data. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 5103 | Intro to Epidemiology:Case Studies on Hlthy Lifestyles & Disease Prevention (3.00) |
| This undergraduate course provides an introduction to basic epidemiology concepts, including measures of frequency & association, study design, & methodological issues such as confounding. Students will use case studies & team projects, as well as literature reviews, to examine strategies for promoting healthy behavior & lifestyles & addressing such public health challenges as obesity & tobacca abuse. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 5130 | Introduction to Health Research Methods (3.00) |
| Much of what we know about human health & health-related behavior is based on quant & qual research. This course involves students in the research process from start to finish, including formulating a research question; conducting a background literature review; choosing a study design; developing data collection tools; recruiting a study population; collecting data; assuring data quality; analyzing data; & interpreting & presenting results. Course was offered Spring 2013 | |
| PHS 5182 | Emerging Issues in Global Public Health (0.00) |
| Global public health as a field of study focuses on the use of tools, skills, & knowledge to benefit the health of everyone, regardless of geogr & polit borders. This seminar will introduce Global Public Health minors to the opportunities & challenges involved in improving global health & topics ranging from infectious diseases & natural disasters to env. toxins & social/political structures. Issues of human rights & soc justice. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission Course was offered Fall 2009 | |
| PHS 5183 | Emerging Issues in Global Public Health (1.00) |
| Global public health as a field of study focuses on the use of tools, skills, & knowledge to benefit the health of everyone, regardless of geogr & polit borders. This seminar will introduce Global Public Health minors to the opportunities & challenges involved in improving global health & topics ranging from infectious diseases & natural disasters to env. toxins & social/political structures. Issues of human rights & soc justice. Course was offered Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 5184 | Global Health Policy & Practice (3.00) |
| The Policy & Practices in Global Health Course will enhance the students' understanding of the social, political, and economic context of common global health challenges and issues. The course will review case studies that review organizations' responses to global health challenges and their successes and failures. Course was offered Spring 2011, Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 5185 | Global Health Research Methodologies (3.00) |
| A curriculum of practice approach will imbue within students the skills & methods of global health practitioners. Global health will take on the broadest definition to include not only medical practice by health professionals, but also the complex socio-technical system that affects public health worldwide. We will use the Water & Health in Limpopo (WHIL) Project as a study for a broader understanding of how this system works in the real world Course was offered Fall 2011 | |
| PHS 5186 | Comparative Health Care Systems (3.00) |
| Provides a background for students who may be interested in learning about challenges & opportunities for improvement in health status for citizens in all countries. Although at the operational level, each national system is unique, there are common characteristics that permeate the design & structure of most health care delivery sectors. The major health reform activities occurring in developed & developing countries will be highlighted. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 5200 | U.S. Healthcare: Policy, Organization, and Administration (3.00) |
| Examines the U.S. health care system from health policy, health systems, and health administration perspectives, with an emphasis on current challenges facing the financing, administration, and delivery of health services. Using a case-based method, the course will employ lecture, discussion, and student-led group projects that encourage analysis of real-world scenarios in today's complex health and medical environments. May be open to undergraduates as PHS 5200 with instructor permission. Prerequisite: instructor permission. | |
| PHS 5210 | Community Engagement for Research & Policy (1.00) |
| This course is designed to introduce undergrads to a graduate level course. It will expose students to community-based factors that influence the health of populations and individuals. The principal objective of the class is to provide the rationale for meaningful engagement of diverse communities and introduce effective strategies that will enhance research and policy protocols designed to improve health status. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission Course was offered Fall 2010 | |
| PHS 5212 | Community Health Assessment and Strategic Planning (2.00) |
| This course will introduce ugrads to a grad level course. Concentrate on designing & completing comm hlth assessments & associated strategic planning to improve priority areas identified in these assessments. Emphasis will be on field work with local health departments. Students should be able to work independently as well as work well within multi-disciplinary groups. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Course was offered Fall 2011 | |
| PHS 5213 | Community Health Assessment and Strategic Planning II (2.00) |
| Introduce undergraduate to graduate level work. This course builds on community health assessment strategies used in PHS 5212 to do fieldwork with local health departments. This course is open to student who were in PHS 5212 as wll as those who were not. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Course was offered Spring 2012 | |
| PHS 5250 | Public Health Ethics: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives (3.00) |
| This interdisciplinary seminar focuses on the ethical dimensions of the choices societies and individuals make when addressing threats to and responsibilities for the public's health. A range of philosophical theories and contemporary positions are examined to explore the complex concepts of "public" and "health." Investigated are the impact of various understandings of the public, not only as a numerical population that can be defined and measured, but also as a political group that operates under legally defined obligations and relationships, and as a "communal" public with diverse cultural and moral beliefs. The various methods and content of public health ethics, including utilitarian perspectives and the role of the Code of Ethics for public health professionals are also examined. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 5360 | Health Disparities (3.00) |
| This seminar will explore the core issues and theoretical frameworks for the development of health policy and public health interventions to address health disparities. Students will examine the current epidemiological and social science evidence on both health status disparities and healthcare disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations, including data on mortality, longevity and life expectancy, quantitative and demographic analysis and access, and utilization of health services. The course also will explore the complex and poorly understood reasons for health disparities, which may largely reflect socioeconomic differences, differences in health-related risk factors, environmental factors, direct and indirect consequences of discrimination, and differences in access to health care. Finally, students will consider multifaceted ways to address disparities that focus on health care providers; health care delivery issues, such as access; and health system policies and regulations, such as insurance and quality improvement measures. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 5380 | Environmental Health: Principles and Practices (3.00) |
| Interdisciplinary approach to understanding, assessing, and controlling environmental factors that impact public health. Practical examples are used to help public health professionals understand how epidemiology, health surveillance, and exposure surveillance can be used to determine the potential for health problems that result from various environmental factors, and how monitoring and control techniques can reduce the impact of the environment on human health. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Course was offered Fall 2012 | |
| PHS 5385 | Environmental Health: Epidemiologic Perspectives (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Seminar to introduce ugraduates to graduate level work. This course offers an intro to environmental health with a focus on environmental epidemiology. Through case studies on air, soil and water pollutants, students will examine concepts of study design, exposure assessment and issues of validity. Hands-on introduction to GIS. |
| PHS 5440 | Bayesian Analysis (3.00) |
| Designed to introduce undergrads to graduate level coursework. Provides intro to Bayesian methods with emphasis on medeling and applications. The topics to be covered include methods for forming prior distributions such as conjugate and noninformative priors, derivation of posterior and predictive distributions and their moments, and development of Bayesian models including linear regression, generalized linear models and hierarchical models. Course was offered Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 5470 | Management and Quality in Health Care Organizations (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Provides an understanding of the history, theory, principles, major components, and techniques for quality management, including Six Sigma, in the health care industry. Exposes students to techniques to lead and facilitate effective teams. Also provides practical applications of tools and techniques for quality improvement, such as control charting, statistical process control (SPC), and the use of benchmarking and report cards. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Course was offered Fall 2012, Spring 2011 |
| PHS 5500 | Special Topics in Public Health (3.00) |
| Special Topics courses in Public Health Sciences.. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 5559 | New Course in Public Health Sciences (1.00 - 4.00) |
| This course provides the opportunity to offer new topics in the subject of Public Health Sciences. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Course was offered Spring 2013, Fall 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2009 | |
| PHS 5600 | Quantitative Data Analysis in Public Health (1.00) |
| Undergraduate level course primarily for 5 year BA/BS/MPH students, and others with Instructor consent. The course will introduce Public Health students to tools needed to utilize SPSS for quantitative data analysis. Instruction will include lectures, case study discussions and individual projects. Attendance, participation, a midterm exam and final presentation are required. Pre-requisites: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 5610 | Health Promotion and Health Behavior (3.00) |
| Seminar to introduce undergraduates to graduate level work. Public Health is a multi-disciplinary field that attempts to help individuals and communities prevent illness and maintain & improve health. Explores the social and behavioral aspects of health as well as the relationship between health behavior and community, society and the global environment. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Course was offered Fall 2009 | |
| PHS 5620 | Built Environment & Public Health: Local to Global (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | How do sidewalks, block parties, food deserts, and transit systems impact our health? This course maps the intersections between architecture, urban planning, and public health that shape the built environment, health and well being of our local and global communities. Lectures and learning applications will present the evidence and its limits on topics such as food security, age-friendly cities, obesity, social equity and vulnerable population. Course was offered Spring 2010 |
| PHS 5621 | Healthy Communities (3.00) |
| The Healthy Communities Seminar is an elective planning and public health course that explores the interconnections between these fields and equips students with skills and experiences to plan healthy communities. Course was offered Spring 2011, Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 5630 | Healthy Appalachia: A Community-based Participatory Research Partnership (3.00) |
| This course will introduce undergrads to a graduate level course. It will examine the relationship between Appalachian culture, economic development, education and health in far Southwest Virginia and explore the process for the design and implementation for collaborative, community-based research. It will expose the student to the methodologies of community organizing, partnership development and community based research. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission. | |
| PHS 5640 | Advanced Management Communication (3.00) |
| Develops writing and speaking skills while increasing student understanding of how managers communicate with diverse audiences. Covers communication with the public, investors, and employees. Special topics include media relations, communication ethics, and crisis communications. Practice for communication events such as speaking at a press conference, briefing a small group, telling professional anecdotes, and preparing for a media interview. Course was offered Spring 2012, Spring 2011 | |
| PHS 5810 | West Indies Health Care: Disaster Preparedness, St. Kitts & Nevis (3.00) |
| The participants in this course held in the West Indies, will study the fundamentals of emergency care and disaster preparedness through exploration of existing preparedness infrastructures in St. Kitts and Nevis. | |
| PHS 5815 | Social Determinants of Child Health (3.00) |
| Participants will learn and apply the tenets of social determinants of child health as they explore and analyze child asthma challenges in St. Kitts and Nevis. Culturally respectful engagement will be emphasized in the assessment of existing resources and the development of community-based health education materials sensitive to the priorities of the indigenous people of St. Kitts and Nevis. | |
| PHS 5817 | Global Public Health Policy, Ethics & Governance (3.00) |
| Public Health challenges increasing cross national boundaries & require global strategies & orgs. to address them. Provides an intro to global pub. hlth. policy through site visits & seminars with hlth profs. at such international orgs in Geneva as the WHO & the UN. Explore the impact of the contextual factors that influence the global burden of disease, including political, econ, env. & cultural aspects of globalization. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 5820 | Ethical & Methodological Issues in Public Health Research (3.00) |
| Course reviews both quant & qual methods but its emphasis will be on qual methods. How do these different research traditions relate to each other? The course will be closely integrated with the Public Health Practicum/Field Placement. This methods course will help to initiate & guide the work done in the field research projects . Prerequisite: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 5821 | Practicum in Public Health Field Research/ South Africa (3.00) |
| Students will participate each day in an ongoing, real-world research project. Projects will be highly multi-disciplinary & may include questions, theory & methods from anthropology, epidemiology, health systems, political science, sociology, gender studies, education psychology & dev. studies. If approved by MPH Director, course may be used in lieu of PHS 8900 for MPH Degree seeking students. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 5840 | Human Subjects Research: Methodology, Ethics & Regulations (1.00) |
| Course will introduce undergrads to graduate level research & study. Explores methodological, ethical & regulatory issues in research involving human subjects. Responsible conduct of research, clinical research, hist. & phil. framework of research ethics, the role of IRB, informed consent, assessing risks & benefits, research involving vulnerable populations, protecting participant safety & privacy, comm. based research, & FDA research. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Course was offered Spring 2013 | |
| PHS 5950 | Statistical Bioinformatics in Medecine (3.00) |
| Provides an introduction to bioinformatics and discusses important topics in computational biology in medicine, particularly based on modern statistical computing approaches. Reviews state-of-the-art high-throughput biotechnologies, their applications in medicine, and analysis techniques. Requires active student participation in various discussions on the current topics in biotechnology and bioinformatics. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 5960 | Supervised Independent Research (1.00 - 3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Supervised Independent Research Course was offered Spring 2013, Fall 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2009 |
| PHS 6101 | Current Issues in Health Policy (1.00) |
| This 1 credit seminar will examine current issues in U.S. health policy and will include areas surrounding access and coverage to health services, the cost of health care, quality measures within the health care delivery system, and health reform initiatives. Students will examine the current literature within health policy and be responsible for formal and informal presentations. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission. Course was offered Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 6600 | Quantitative Data Analysis in Public Health (1.00) |
| The course will introduce Public Health students to tools needed to utilize SPSS for quantitative data analysis. Instruction will include lectures, case study discussions and individual projects. Attendance, participation, a midterm exam and final presentation are required. Pre-requisites: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 6620 | Built Environment & Community Health (1.00) |
| An elective interdisciplinary Public Health and Planning Health course that explores the connections between the built environment and community health. The course teaches students about four main areas at the intersection of the built environment and comm. health: planning and public health foundations, natural and built environment, vulnerable populations and health disparities, health policy & global impacts. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission. Course was offered Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 6630 | Healthy Appalachia: A Community-based Participatory Research Partnership (3.00) |
| This course will examine the relationship between Appalachian culture, economic development, education and health in far Southwest Virginia and explore the process for the design and implementation for collaborative, community-based research. It will expose the student to the methodologies of community organizing, partnership development and community based research. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission. Course was offered Spring 2011, Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 7000 | Introduction to Biostatistics (3.00 - 4.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Covers the fundamentals in medical statistics including descriptive statistics, estimation, hypothesis testing, precision, sample size, correlation, problems with categorization of continuous variables, multiple comparison problems, and interpreting of statistical results. Covers the basics of SAS programming so that students can create, run, and debug SAS programs. Prerequisites: PHS 7170, Graduate in PHS programs or instructor permission. |
| PHS 7001 | Introduction to Biostatistics II (3.00) |
| An illustration of the indications, limitations, assumptions, and appropriate applications of analytical methods in a variety of biomedical settings. Students will learn how to determine which analytic technique would be best suited for a variety of translational and clinical research, evaluation, and policy study designs. Prerequisite: Instructor permission;: PHS 7000. | |
| PHS 7010 | Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Introduces the field of Epidemiology and the methods of epidemiologic research. Students learn how to interpret, critique, and conduct epidemiologic research, including formulating a research question, choosing a study design, collecting and analyzing data, controlling bias and confounding, and interpreting study results. May be open to undergraduates as PHS 5010 with instructor permission. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the PHS program or instructor permission. Course was offered Fall 2012, Summer 2012, Fall 2011, Summer 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Summer 2010, Fall 2009 |
| PHS 7015 | Qualitative Methods for Community and Global Health (3.00) |
| This course advances methodological and cultural competency in the design and implementation of community health qualitative research investigations. Coursework provides opportunities to practice specific methodologies such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies, and historiographies in accordance with standards of rigor (e.g., reliability, generalizability, validity). | |
| PHS 7020 | Epidemiological and Translational Research (3.00) |
| This course lays the foundation of epidemiological and translational research. Focus is on core epidemiologic research methodology fundamental to biomed discovery process that integrates bench, bedside, and community partners in advancing PH. Topics include study design (clin trials & observational studies), epidemiologic data analysis, statistical and causal inference, and scientific validity. Entrepreneurship, legal & ethic issues in context. Prerequisites: PHS 7010 & Instructor Permission. | |
| PHS 7034 | Food & Drug Law (3.00) |
| This course considers the Food & Drug Administration as a case study of an administrative agency that must combine law and science to regulate activities affecting public health and safety. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission. Course was offered Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 7050 | Public Health Law, Ethics, & Policy (2.00) |
| Required fall course for Community & Public Health track. Explores the legitimacy, design, and implementation of a variety of policies aiming to promote public health and reduce the social burden of disease and injury. Highlights the challenge posed by public health's population-based perspective to traditional individual-centered, autonomy-driven approaches to bioethics and constitutional law. Other themes center on conflicts between public health and public morality and the relationship between public health and social justice. Illustrative topics include mandatory immunization, screening and reporting of infectious diseases, prevention of lead poisoning, food safety, prevention of firearm injuries, airbags and seat belts, mandatory drug testing, syringe exchange programs, tobacco regulation, and restrictions on alcohol and tobacco advertising. May be open to undergraduates as PHS 5050 with instructor permission. Prerequisites: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 7053 | Health Law Survey (3.00) |
| This course is designed to provide a survey of the spectrum of topics generally considered part of "health law". It will introduce the various institutions and players involved in health care delivery and the legal relationships between those institutions at both the sate and federal level.. | |
| PHS 7060 | Program Planning and Evaluation (3.00) |
| Provides an overview of the principles and methods of evaluation in public health and health informatics. Covers evaluation paradigms, program planning, evaluation plan design, and use of evaluation findings. Frequent tools in evaluation (surveys, focus groups, and interviews) will be discussed in depth. Students will have the opportunity to design and conduct an evaluation for an existing program in public health or application in health informatics. May be open to undergraduates as PHS 5060 with instructor permission. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 7070 | Introduction to Health Care Informatics (3.00) |
| Explores nature and functions of health informatics, the current state of the science, present and future applications, and major issues for research and development. Includes information processing and management, decision support, computer-based patient records and information systems, standards and codes, databases, outcomes research, and the generation and management of knowledge. Also surveys current developments in instructional technology. May be open to undergraduates as PHS 5070 with instructor permission. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the PHS program or instructor permission. | |
| PHS 7080 | International Health Policy (3.00) |
| Addresses the questions of what makes a good health system, how we know whether a health system is performing well, and what makes a health system fair through a comparison of the financing, delivery, and operation of health systems throughout the world. Focuses on differences both in health system performance (as measured by death, disability, morbidity, access, and patient satisfaction) and in health system inputs. May be open to undergraduates as PHS 5080 with instructor permission. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 7090 | Health Care Economics (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Reviews principles of economics most relevant to analyzing changes in health care provision and applies those principles to current health care institutions and their performance, trends in health care service delivery, and methods of forecasting future trends. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the PHS program or instructor permission. |
| PHS 7100 | Health Care Policy and Management (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Focuses on the evolution of the American health care system from a health policy and values perspective, emphasizing the current health care system. Reviews unsuccessful legislative attempts to implement a national health program and discusses current issues surrounding the financing and organization of the delivery of health care under various economic and political frameworks. Prerequisite:Enrolled in PHS program or instructor permission. Course was offered Spring 2013, Fall 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2009 |
| PHS 7110 | Health Survey Methods (3.00) |
| Covers the theory and practice of survey research. Topics include surveys as a scientific method; sampling theory; the construction, testing, and improvement of survey instruments; interviewer training; the organization of field work; coding and data quality control; data analysis; and the preparation of survey reports. Cross-listed as SOC 5110. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the PHS program or instructor permission. | |
| PHS 7120 | Comparative Effectiveness and Outcomes (3.00) |
| Introduces students to the techniques needed for the evaluation of health outcomes from the perspectives of the patient, the physician, the health care provider, and society. Presents measurement and evaluation of survival, functional status, quality of life, and health values. Evaluates the efficacy, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of devices, interventions, and processes of care. Prerequisite: PHS 7000 and 7001 or instructor permission. | |
| PHS 7125 | Outcomes Research & Quality Evaluation (3.00) |
| Reviews topics in health services research, outcomes research, & quality improvement methodologies. Major themes include observational research methods applied to assess to the efficacy, effectiveness, & cost-effectiveness of devices, interventions, & health care delivery systems, & the use of quality improvement methodologies to improve productivity, increase efficiency, & improve patient outcomes. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Course was offered Summer 2012 | |
| PHS 7146 | Global Health Law & Policy (3.00) |
| This seminar will investigate the many and competing challenges to develop a standardized global health policy.
Prerequisites: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 7170 | Introduction to SAS (1.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Covers the basics of SAS programming so that students can create, run, and debug SAS programs on a PC or Unix environment to manipulate data sets into analyzable data. To achieve this, students will need to practice some SAS programming and learn how to detect, diagnose, and correct mistakes. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission |
| PHS 7175 | Geographic Analysis in Public Health (1.00) |
| Geographic information systems (GIS) is a technology with unique & valuable applications for policy makers, planners, practitioners, & managers in many fields, including public health & health care. GIS software & applications enable visualizing and analyzing health data in ways never before possible. This course provides hands-on experience using GIS software in the context of health applications. | |
| PHS 7180 | The Practice of Public Health I (1.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | This course addresses cross-cutting public health competencies in Communication, Professionalism, and Diversity and Culture, and includes sessions with public health officials in practice. The course also will focus on effective written and oral communication. |
| PHS 7181 | Research in Public Health (1.00) |
| Focuses on how to conduct public health research. Research in Practice students concentrate on quant & qual research methodologies for the collection, analysis & interpretation of data. Health Policy, Law & Ethics students concentrate on the analysis of health information & data relevant to policy issues and the evaluation of policy options. Students develop their culminating experience research protocols.
Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Course was offered Spring 2013, Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 7184 | Global Health Policy and Practice (3.00) |
| The Policy & Practices in Global Health Course will enhance the students' understanding of the social, political, and economic context of common global health challenges and issues. The course will review case studies that review organizations' responses to global health challenges and their successes and failures. | |
| PHS 7185 | Global Health Research Methodologies (3.00) |
| A curriculum of practice approach will imbue within students the skills & methods of global health practitioners. Global health will take on the broadest definition to include not only medical practice by health professionals, but also the complex socio-technical system that affects public health worldwide. We will use the Water & Health in Limpopo (WHIL) Project as a study for a broader understanding of how this system works in the real world Course was offered Fall 2011 | |
| PHS 7190 | The Practice of Clinical Research (0.00) |
| Lectures by guest speakers in the field of health evaluation sciences that will help the masters-level student learn about opportunities in the field and prepare for his or her own research. Speakers will vary depending on availability and topical issues. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the PHS program. | |
| PHS 7191 | Practice of Clinical Research 2nd Sequence (1.00) |
| 2nd course in a series. Lectures by guest speakers in the field of public health sciences will help the masters-level student learn about opportunities in the field and prepare for his or her own research. Speakers will vary depending on availability and topical issues. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the MS-CR program. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission. Course was offered Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 7200 | U.S. Healthcare: Policy, Organization, and Administration (3.00) |
| Examines the U.S. health care system from health policy, health systems, and health administration perspectives, with an emphasis on current challenges facing the financing, administration, and delivery of health services. Using a case-based method, the course will employ lecture, discussion, and student-led group projects that encourage analysis of real-world scenarios in today's complex health and medical environments. May be open to undergraduates as PHS 5200 with instructor permission. Prerequisite: PHS 7090 and PHS 7100, or acceptable substitute in health policy, economics, or financing; or instructor permission. | |
| PHS 7210 | Community Engagement for Research and Policy (1.00) |
| This course is designed to expose students to community-based factors that influence the health of populations and individuals. The principal objective of the class is to provide the rationale for meaningful engagement of diverse communities and introduce effective strategies that will enhance research and policy protocols designed to improve health status. | |
| PHS 7212 | Community Health Assessment and Strategic Planning (2.00) |
| Concentrate on designing & completing comm hlth assessments & associated strategic planning to improve priority areas identified in these assessments. Emphasis will be on field work with local health departments. Students should be able to work independently as well as work well within multi-disciplinary groups. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Course was offered Fall 2011 | |
| PHS 7213 | Community Health Assessment and Strategic Planning II (2.00) |
| This course builds on community health assessment strategies used in PHS 5212 to do fieldwork with local health departments. This course is open to student who were in PHS 5212 as wll as those who were not. Course was offered Spring 2012 | |
| PHS 7250 | Public Health Ethics: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives (3.00) |
| This interdisciplinary seminar focuses on the ethical dimensions of the choices societies and individuals make when addressing threats to and responsibilities for the public's health. A range of philosophical theories and contemporary positions are examined to explore the complex concepts of "public" and "health." Investigated are the impact of various understandings of the public, not only as a numerical population that can be defined and measured, but also as a political group that operates under legally defined obligations and relationships, and as a "communal" public with diverse cultural and moral beliefs. The various methods and content of public health ethics, including utilitarian perspectives and the role of the Code of Ethics for public health professionals are also examined. May be open to undergraduates as PHS 5250 with instructor permission. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 7251 | Health of the Public: Policy, Management & Leadership (3.00) |
| This course will examine the current health care and public health systems, with particular focus on the impact of evidence-based medicine and public health, qualify, and financing. Topics include the influence of medical and nonmedical determinants of health, and the impact of the changing practice of medicine on physicians and patients. | |
| PHS 7310 | Clinical Trials Methodology (3.00) |
| Covers the design and analysis of Phase I-III clinical trials. Topics include choice of study population and endpoints, choice of study design and sample size estimation, randomization and masking, patient recruitment, data collection and quality control, data monitoring committees, data analysis, and the interpretation and reporting of results. Cross-listed as STAT 5310. Prerequisite: Instructor permission; PHS 7000 or equivalent. | |
| PHS 7360 | Health Disparities (3.00) |
| This seminar will explore the core issues and theoretical frameworks for the development of health policy and public health interventions to address health disparities. Students will examine the current epidemiological and social science evidence on both health status disparities and healthcare disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations, including data on mortality, longevity and life expectancy, quantitative and demographic analysis and access, and utilization of health services. The course also will explore the complex and poorly understood reasons for health disparities, which may largely reflect socioeconomic differences, differences in health-related risk factors, environmental factors, direct and indirect consequences of discrimination, and differences in access to health care. Finally, students will consider multifaceted ways to address disparities that focus on health care providers; health care delivery issues, such as access; and health system policies and regulations, such as insurance and quality improvement measures. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 7380 | Environmental Health: Principles and Practices (3.00) |
| Interdisciplinary approach to understanding, assessing, and controlling environmental factors that impact public health. Practical examples are used to help public health professionals understand how epidemiology, health surveillance, and exposure surveillance can be used to determine the potential for health problems that result from various environmental factors, and how monitoring and control techniques can reduce the impact of the environment on human health. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 7385 | Environmental Health: Epidemiologic Perspectives (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | This course offers an intro to environmental health with a focus on environmental epidemiology. Through case studies on air, soil and water pollutants, students will examine concepts of study design, exposure assessment and issues of validity. Provides hands-on introduction to GIS. At course completion, students will be prepared to critically review published literature and assist in the design and conduct of environmental health research. Course was offered Fall 2012 |
| PHS 7410 | Database Management: Analyses with Secondary Data (3.00) |
| In this course students will utilize SAS to access, evaluate, and interpret public health data from large databases and draw basic inferences. Students will develop skills to formulate and answer research questions related to clinical research and health policy. The course will also explore how the publci health infrastructure collects, processes, maintains, and disseminates data. | |
| PHS 7420 | Clinical Decision Support Systems (3.00) |
| Provides an overview of computer-based clinical decision support, focusing primarily on systems for assisting health care professionals in applying biomedical knowledge to patient care. Prerequisites: PHS 7070 and Instructor Permission. | |
| PHS 7440 | Bayesian Analysis (3.00) |
| Provides intro to Bayesian methods with emphasis on medeling and applications. The topics to be covered include methods for forming prior distributions such as conjugate and noninformative priors, derivation of posterior and predictive distributions and their moments, and development of Bayesian models including linear regression, generalized linear models and hierarchical models. Course was offered Spring 2010 | |
| PHS 7450 | Database Design and Implementation (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Introduces the basic principles of database design, focusing on databases that support clinical practice and/or investigation. Topics include an introduction to basic database types, DBMS functionality, modeling approaches (with a focus on E-R modeling), normalization, using SQL, and an overview of available DBMSs and design tools. Course methods include a mix of lecture format, small-group discussion, and hands-on activities. A laboratory component will facilitate greater hands-on experience in data management with widely available software tools. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. |
| PHS 7470 | Management and Quality in Health Care Organizations (2.00) |
| Provides an understanding of the history, theory, principles, major components, and techniques for quality management, including Six Sigma, in the health care industry. Exposes students to techniques to lead and facilitate effective teams. Also provides practical applications of tools and techniques for quality improvement, such as control charting, statistical process control (SPC), and the use of benchmarking and report cards. May be open to undergraduates as PHS 5470 with instructor permission. Prerequisite: Instructor permission; understanding of basic statistics. | |
| PHS 7500 | Special Topics in Public Health (3.00) |
| Examination of topical issues and current problems and research in various areas of public health. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. | |
| PHS 7559 | Special Topics in Public Health Science (1.00 - 4.00) |
| This course provides the opportunity to offer new topics in the subject of Public Health Science. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 7610 | Health Promotion and Health Behavior (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Public Health is a multi-disciplinary field that attempts to help individuals and communities prevent illness and maintain and improve health. These health promotion activities are accomplished through the development of programs and policies and associated study of these activities. Although we recognize that there are many factors that impact individuals and population health outcomes, this course will explore the social and behavioral aspects of health as well as the relationship between health behavior and community, society and the environment. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. |
| PHS 7700 | Social Production of Health and Disease (3.00) |
| The seminar explores health and disease in socio-cultural, political-economic, and historic contexts, with a particular focus on health disparities. The course is interdisciplinary (including anthropology, sociology, nursing and public health). Course was offered Fall 2009 | |
| PHS 7815 | Social Determinants of Child Health (3.00) |
| Participants will learn and apply the tenets of social determinants of child health as they explore and analyze child asthma challenges in St. Kitts and Nevis. Culturally respectful engagement will be emphasized in the assessment of existing resources and the development of community-based health education materials sensitive to the priorities of the indigenous people of St. Kitts and Nevis. | |
| PHS 7820 | Proposal Writing for NIH Research Grants (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Highly interactive, participatory weekly seminar & workshop provides structured guidance & support over the semester for fellows or faculty who are committed to preparing a new application for an NIH research grant that is clinically oriented (i.e., not basic science). Students develop Specific Aims Section and Research Approach Section for an original research proposal in accordance with guidelines of the NIH.
Prerequisite: Instructor Permission; Graduate Study Design or Epidemiology course; Graduate Statistics or Biostatists course; Research Problem and Study Purpose identified; Know literature well in research area Course was offered Fall 2012 |
| PHS 7830 | Grant Writing and Presentation Skills (1.00) |
| This course is designed to provide an overview of grant writing with practical "How To" exercises to prepare the student to become successful in applying for funds to sponsor research and/or public health projects. As part of the course, the student will also become skillful in preparing oral and abstract presentations related to obtaining grants as well as disseminating results of research funded by grants. Course was offered Spring 2011 | |
| PHS 7840 | Human Subjects Research: Methodology, Ethics & Regulations (1.00) |
| Explores methodological, ethical & regulatory issues in research involving human subjects. Responsible conduct of research, clinical research, historical & philisophical framework of research ethics, the role of IRB, informed consent, assessing risks & benefits, research involving vulnerable populations, protecting participant safety & privacy, comm. based research, FDA research, & research involving biological specimens. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Course was offered Spring 2013 | |
| PHS 7950 | Statistical Bioinformatics in Medicine (3.00) |
| Provides an introduction to bioinformatics and discusses important topics in computational biology in medicine, particularly based on modern statistical computing approaches. Reviews state-of-the-art high-throughput biotechnologies, their applications in medicine, and analysis techniques. Requires active student participation in various discussions on the current topics in biotechnology and bioinformatics. Prerequisites: Instructor Permission | |
| PHS 8120 | Qualitative Research Methods (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | This course introduces naturalistic and interpretive qualitative approaches to the systematic study of health-related phenomena. Epistomological principles that underlie interpretive and naturalistic research will be practically applied to research designs and IRB protocol development. Coursework provides opportunities to practice specific methodologies in accordance with standards of rigor (e.g., reliability, generalizability, validity).
Prerequisite: Good standing as graduate student in the relevant program, Instructor Permission Course was offered Fall 2012 |
| PHS 8125 | Qualitative Data Analysis (3.00) |
| This course teaches students how to interpret qualitative data by applying systematic coding processes. Analyzing qualitative data involves reading through the interview or focus group transcripts and other data, developing codes, applying and revising those codes through an iterative review of data, and drawing connections between discrete pieces of data to determine research participant meaning. Prerequisite: PHS 8120, GNUR 8120, PHS 7015 Course was offered Spring 2013 | |
| PHS 8815 | Social Determinants of Child Health in St. Kitts (Field Placement) (3.00) |
| Participants will learn and apply the tenets of social determinants of child health as they explore and analyze child asthma challenges in St. Kitts and Nevis. Culturally respectful engagement will be emphasized in the assessment of existing resources and the development of community-based health education materials sensitive to the priorities of the indigenous people of St. Kitts and Nevis. | |
| PHS 8821 | Practicum in Public Health Field Research/ South Africa (Field Placement) (3.00) |
| Students will participate each day in an ongoing, real-world research project. Projects will be highly multi-disciplinary & may include questions, theory & methods from anthropology, epidemiology, health systems, political science, sociology, gender studies, education psychology & dev. studies. If approved by MPH Director, course may be used in lieu of PHS 8900 for MPH Degree seeking students. | |
| PHS 8880 | Practicum (2.00) |
| Practicum | |
| PHS 8890 | M.P.H. Field Placement (3.00) |
| M.P.H. Field Placement Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the PHS program. Course was offered Fall 2009 | |
| PHS 8900 | Practicum/Field Placement (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | The field placement is a planned, supervised & evaluated work experience with an organization that contributes to the health of a community. Students apply skills learned in the program to a real-world setting & work toward achieving competencies. Placements are selected based on the interests & needs of the student. A min of 200 hours is required; placements may occur during an academic year, one semester or over summer. Course was offered Spring 2013, Fall 2012, Summer 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Summer 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Summer 2010, Spring 2010 |
| PHS 8910 | Topical Research (Thesis only) (5.00) |
| Topical Research Prerequisite: Graduate standing in the PSH program. | |
| PHS 8930 | Culminating Experience (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | The culminating experience project should demonstrate application of knowledge acquired in the MPH program to a real-world public health issue. Students write a paper & create a poster for presentation describing their projects. Students also take a review test of basic material from the core public health disciplines & complete a competency self-assessment to obtain feedback on their progress & accomplishments achieved by the end of the program. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission. Course was offered Spring 2013, Fall 2012, Summer 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Summer 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Summer 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2009 |
| PHS 8950 | Supervised Clinical Research I (3.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Supervised Clinical Research Course was offered Spring 2013, Fall 2012, Summer 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Summer 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Summer 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2009 |
| PHS 8960 | Supervised Independent Research I (1.00 - 6.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Supervised Independent Research Course was offered Spring 2013, Fall 2012, Summer 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Summer 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Summer 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2009 |
| PHS 8961 | Biostatistical Consulting Practice (1.00) |
| This course is targeted to students who are interested in practical data analyses. It will provide them a real-life opportunity to work with clinical investigators, under the guidance of a biostatistical faculty member. Each student will be assigned at least one project and guided individually by a faculty member. Course was offered Fall 2009 | |
| PHS 8998 | Non-Topical Research (1.00 - 12.00) |
| Non-Topical Research | |
| PHS 8999 | Non-Topical Research (1.00 - 12.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | Non-Topical Research Course was offered Spring 2013, Fall 2012, Summer 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2011, Summer 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2009 |
| Public Health Sciences Ethics | |
| PHSE 7650 | Ethics & Law of Human Subject Research (2.00) |
| Offered Fall 2013 | This two-credit course, specifically designed to be interdisciplinary, is open to grad students in bioethics, nursing, public health sciences, law students, & medical school junior faculty & fellows. Grades will be based on papers, participation, & projects. Topics to be covered include: federal regulations governing research, ethical norms of HSR, responsible conduct of research, international & public health research & history of research ethic |
| PHSE 7651 | Practicum - Ethics & Law of Human Subjects Research (1.00) |
| This one credit practicum is designed to provide students taking PHS 7650 an opportunity for first-hand experience with the practices and procedures of human subjects protections and other research ethics applications (e.g., IRB review, policy development, etc.). Course was offered Fall 2009 | |
| PHSE 8110 | Clinical Ethics (3.00) |
| This course will begin with an exploration of common modes of ethical deliberation about clinical moral questions, then focus more intensely on a variety of moral issues that regularly arise within clinical medicine in such areas as reproduction, the care of children, disability, end of life, organ transplantation, and others. Format for sessions will include brief didactic presentations, but will center on class discussion and ethical analyses. Course was offered Summer 2012 | |
| PHSE 8650 | Ethics & Law of Human Subject Research (3.00) |
| We will begin with a brief look at the origins of the current system for regulating human subjects research and the ethical and legal frameworks that have evolved to assist with that regulation. We will explore central issues like risk-benefit assessment, informed consent, confidentiality, diversity in subject populations and how subjects are recruited and retained. We will look at issues like stem cell research and genetic engineering, etc. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission. Open to medical residents, medical school junior faculty, law students, and graduate students in bioethics, nursing, and public health sciences. Course was offered January 2013 | |
| PHSE 8960 | Supervised Independent Research (1.00 - 6.00) |
| Student will work on a supervised independent research project related to the their area of study or expertise with a member of the PHS faculty. | |