Bachelor of Public Health Curriculum

Covers applications of Epidemiologic methods and procedures to the study of the distribution and determinants of health and diseases, morbidity, injuries, disability, and mortality in populations. Epidemiologic methods for the control of conditions such as infectious and chronic diseases, mental disorders, community and environmental health hazards, and unintentional injuries are discussed. Other topics include quantitative aspects of epidemiology, data sources, measures of morbidity and mortality, evaluation of association and causality, study design, and screening for disease.

A culminating experience in the health science program providing students an opportunity to synthesize, integrate and apply skills and competencies gained through their previous coursework. Students develop an evidence-based research topic or service project in healthcare based on an area of interest, prepare a written review of the existing scientific literature, and present work at the end of the semester. Satisfies general education capstone requirement.

Designed to examine the current constructs of contemporary public health, students will survey the field of public health, identify stakeholder groups, what determines health, how public health is communicated, and the approaches to understanding public health information. Emphasis is on discussion of the intersection and connection of human health, animal health, and ecosystem health especially in areas where the U.S. military and government are providing assistance.

Designed to expose public health undergraduate students to fundamental concepts and features of project implementation, including the concepts of population health, and the basic processes, approaches and intervention that identify and address the major health-related needs and concerns of populations, especially in areas where the U.S. military and government are providing assistance.

Designed to examine a systematic way to conduct an effective public health evaluation plan. Understanding and applying elements of an evaluation plan framework allows student to view the program’s context, procedures that are useful, feasible and ethical, and to improve how program evaluations are conceived and conducted. The emphasis is on practical, continuous evaluation plans that involve all public health stakeholders, especially in areas where the U.S. military and government are providing assistance. Understanding program effectiveness outcomes is useful in policy formation and change.

Designed to provide an overview of research methods specific to public health. This course includes purpose, foundations, development of the research topic and research question, ethics, populations, study design, evaluation instrument development, data collection and analysis, report development, and presentation of findings. Research methods in public health, with consideration toward the U.S. military and government are emphasized.

Designed to expand beyond the basic science of public health and to include models, approaches, resources, tools, and programs that intersect human health, disease, and wellness for population health. Clinical presentation and epidemiology of diseases provide opportunities to explore ways to minimize negative health outcomes and promote interventions for population health, especially in areas where the U.S. military and government are providing assistance. 

Designed to expand beyond the models, strategies, theories, and programming found in PUBH 410. This is an applied course that provides opportunities to review and analyze various scenarios of population health and outcomes. Students will review the identified population, public health problem, programming used and outcomes, and then will analyze the case/ scenario. Cases will span various populations, geographies, and public health roles, especially those roles directly related to first-responders, military, and veterans. 

Designed to expand beyond the basic science of public health to include models, approaches, resources, tools, programs, and stakeholders that support the preparing, assessing, responding, and managing disasters and other crisis-based situations. Disaster types, phases, plan principles and requirements, risk reduction, managing a crisis, and recovery concepts are presented across the continuum of disasters, from natural disasters to disasters created by human action, especially in areas where the U.S. military and government are providing assistance. 

Designed to expand beyond the basic science of public health to include models, approaches, resources, tools, programs, and stakeholders that support the preparing, assessing, responding, and managing disasters and other crisis-based situations found in PUBH 420. This is an applied course that provides opportunities to review and analyze various scenarios of disaster response planning, crisis management, and outcomes. Students will review various disaster planning and response scenarios, and crisis management outcomes, and then will analyze the case/scenario. Cases will span various disaster types, geographies, and response and management roles, especially those roles directly related to first-responders, military, and veterans.

Designed to provide an opportunity to integrate, synthesize and apply public health knowledge through cumulative and experiential activities. Demonstration of summative learning requires completion of a cumulative, integrative, and applied experience or inquiry project that serves as public health capstone to the education experience. The experience may include, but is not limited to, internships, service-learning projects, portfolio projects or research papers. Exposure to local-level public health professionals and/or agencies that engage in public health practice, especially those roles directly related to first-responders, military, and veterans.

This course examines the principles used by emergency managers to respond to local or regional disasters. Students examine the NIMS (National Incident Management System) and other standards governing emergency management. 

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the effects physical activity and fitness have on health and wellness, at the individual and community level. Additionally, exercise prescription for health and fitness and the principal of performance exercise prescription are covered. Consideration will be given to the nature of communicable diseases and preventative measures used individually, in schools and community.

Provides students with an introduction to the principles of pharmacology, medical terminology, and documentation used in the care of physically active individuals. Students will have opportunities to explore various careers in the field of healthcare. 3 Lecture hours. Prerequisite: Health Science or Exercise Science standing.

Provides the foundation for understanding basic research methods and the application of research findings to health care. Current literature is used to demonstrate the fundamentals of research design. Focus is on concepts of evidence-based practice with emphasis on forming answerable clinical questions, effective literature search strategies, and evaluation of the strength and relevance of clinical evidence. 3 Lecture hours.

Focuses on leadership, management, and professional ethics in healthcare. Students will complete a series of organization and administrative projects and papers focused on personal and professional ethics. 3 Lecture hours.

This course introduces students to principles of health economics and public policy in health and social welfare. Topics include support for public health, policy intervention in health determinants, the relationship between government regulation and market competition, the demand for healthcare, and the supply of services. This course will enable students to apply economic reasoning to the health-care challenges facing society. Prerequisite: One semester of college level mathematics or QM 213.