Courses
Public Health
Note:Formerly Health Studies
0500. Applications of
Research for Practitioners (3 s.h.)
Research methods used by practitioners in school and community
settings. Emphasis is on the interpretation and application
of research by practicing professionals.
0502. Biostatistics (3
s.h.)
Introduction to applied biostatistics as used in research in
public health. Statistical methods used for descriptive and
analytic research, inferential statistics, surveillance systems
and statistical software used in public health.
0504. Industrial Safety (3
s.h.)
In-depth presentation of the safety hazards that can be found
in a work environment, and methods for their control. Students
will identify different classes of safety hazards, and design
and present solutions for them.
0505. Industrial Ventilation (3
s.h.)
The use of ventilation to maintain suitable environmental conditions
in work areas. Topics include dilution ventilation; comfort
ventilation; local exhaust ventilation system design, including
fan, duct, and hood selection; and ventilation system testing.
This course is available online.
0506. Radiological Health (3
s.h.)
This course explores the physical nature and the biological
and health effects of ionizing and nonionizing radiation. Topics
include nuclear reactions, the sources and nature of natural
and induced radioactivity, methods of radiation detection and
determination, and the practice of radiological safety. A laboratory
exercise provides familiarization with instruments for detection
and determination, and demonstrates the properties of ionizing
radiation. This course is available online.
0507. Environmental Noise (3
s.h.)
This course addresses the physics of noise, the physiology
of hearing, and the nature of noise-induced hearing loss. It
explores the recognition, evaluation, prevention, and control
of noise in the workplace and community, with emphasis on preventing
noise-induced hearing loss and other adverse health effects
of noise. This course is available online
0509. Environmental Toxicology (3
s.h.)
A review of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion
of environmental toxicants. Methods used to measure acute and
chronic toxicity, including carcinogenesis, are explored.
0510. Epidemiology (3
s.h.)
Prerequisite: Matriculated students in
Environmental Health, Public Health, Health
Studies or permission of instructor.
Introduction to descriptive and analytical epidemiology. Concepts
and methods used in public health with emphasis on the calculation
and interpretation of indices of community health, morbidity
and mortality rates, age-adjustment, risk ratios and sensitivity
and specificity and predictive value of screening tests. Overview
of epidemiological research designs, surveillance systems,
and evidence-based practice guidelines.
Note: Introductory course for students in public health and related fields. Masters and doctoral students who have strong quantitative skills and plan to conduct epidemiological research should enroll in PH 670, Intermediate Epidemiological Methods.
0513. Analytical Instrumentation (3
s.h.)
Sampling and analysis of chemical and physical agents using
laboratory-based methods and real-time monitoring. Sample collection
and proper handling. Analytical applications of absorption
spectroscopy in the ultraviolet, visible and infrared; atomic
absorption; emission spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; separation
methods, including liquid chromatography.
0515. Hazardous Waste
Management (3 s.h.)
An introductory course on the problems and solutions of hazardous
waste management, including the federal CERCLA (Superfund)
waste clean-up program. The course is designed to familiarize
the students with applicable federal and state laws. The technology,
abatement, control practices and siting of waste facilities
considering community relations will be reviewed.
0516. Air Pollution
Control (3 s.h.)
Community air pollution sources, health and environmental impacts,
regulations, and control programs. Theory and principles of
the design and operation of the major categories of air pollution
control equipment. Introduction to dispersion modeling. An
extensive design problem is a major course component.
0517. Industrial Hygiene (3
s.h.)
Anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of occupational
and environmental health hazards. Topics include recognition
of hazards from chemical, physical, and biological agents;
analytical and survey methods of hazard evaluation; and engineering
solutions, administrative actions, and personal protective
equipment for hazard control. This course is available online.
0518. Computer Applications
in Quantitative Industrial Hygiene. (3
s.h.)
In-depth exploration of the quantitative tools required in
industrial hygiene practice, with emphasis on the capabilities
expected for professional certification. Students will also
study the application of spreadsheet-based analysis programs,
advanced analytical decision aids, and expert systems in industrial
hygiene practice.
0519. Medical Aspects
of Occupational Health (3 s.h.)
The physiology and the relationship to occupational health
of the following: allergies; cardiovascular system; ear, nose,
and throat; eye; hematology; lung; neurology; neuromuscular-skeletal
system; occupational hepatitis; psychiatry; and skin.
0520. Historical and
Bioethical Issues in Public Health (3
s.h.)
This course encompasses historical and sociocultural approaches
to understanding public health and bioethics. Emphasis is on
understanding public health systems from the dawn of history
to the 21st century and the evolution of bioethical issues
including the application of bioethical principles, regulations
and strategies in research and health practice. This seminar
emphasizes the integration of conceptual and experiential learning.
This is reflected in the course design and in teaching and
learning processes.
0521. Seminar in Occupational
Health (1 s.h.)
Participation by students and guest lecturers in discussions
relating to environmental health.
0524. Political-Economic
Aspects of Public Health (3 s.h.)
Survey of the policical and economic aspects of public heatlh
systems, practice, research.
0525. Ergonomics- Human
Factors in Occupational Health (3
s.h.)
This course covers both the observational, programmatic elements
and the technical tools of ergonomics, including a number of
computer-based applications for assessing specific situations.
Ergonomic concepts and solutions are discussed covering low
back pain, manual handling tasks, cumulative trauma disorders,
repetitive tasks, human fatigue, job design, anthropometry,
workplace design, human error, equipment design, vibration,
and illumination. This course is available online.
0526. Models for Teaching
Health and Patient Education (3
s.h.)
Description and application of teaching models used in health
and patient education in communities, health care systems,
and schools. Emphasis on creating learning environments, communication
skills, tailoring for diverse populations, teaching techniques.
0527. Curriculum Construction
in Health Education (3 s.h.)
In-depth examanination of constructing, delivering and evaluating
curricula. Provides opportunity to develop curricular materials
for teaching in school situations.
0529. Environmental
Health (3 s.h.)
This course explores the effects of interactions between the
environment and human health, and the ways that adverse effects
may be mitigated. Environmental health hazards, including chemical,
biological, and physical pollutants in air, water, soil, and
food are addressed, as are risk analysis and risk communication
as applied to environmental health. Examines how problems and
solutions are identified globally, nationally, and locally.
The use of biological and chemical agents as weapons is also
explored. This course is available online.
0530. Stress and Change (3
s.h.)
Impact of stress on physical and emotional health and quality
of life. Focus on the causes, types and physiology of stress
and stress reduction methods including relaxation, biofeedback,
fear control, cognitive restructuring, social psychological
interventions in community settings.
0534. Theoretical Foundations
of Health Behavior (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: matriculated students in
Public Health, Health Studies or permission
of instructor.
Theories of decision-making related to health behavior. Emphasis
on the dynamic interaction of attitudes, values, situational
factors and other factors that influence health promoting and
health damaging behavior.
0550. Public Health
Program Planning (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: matriculated students in
Public Health, Health Studies or permission
of instructor.
Program planning in public health practice. Analysis of national
health objectives and their applications at the state and community
levels. Emphasis on program planning as a change strategy to
alter knowledge, attitudes, and health behavior to achieve
positive health outcomes.
0552. Addictions and
Dependencies (3 s.h.)
Social, psychological, cultural, clinical, and biological factors
associated with addictions and dependencies, including the
use of psychoactive drugs and lifestyle behaviors. Review of
prevention and treatment approaches based on the causes and
correlates of addictions and dependencies.
0560. Seminar in Maternal
and Child Health (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: matriculated students in
Public Health, Health Studies or permission
of instructor.
Seminar on social, economic, and political issues in maternal
and child health policies from the national to agency levels.
Students undertake an analysis of a MCH issue using a policy
analysis framework developed throughout the seminar. Includes
definitions of MCH, the organization and funding of services,
literacy and cultural issues and the evidence base for policies
and programs.
0561. Seminar in Behavioral
Change (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: PH 534 or permission of instructor.
Application of health behavior theories to the development,
implementation and evaluation of behavioral change programs
for individuals and groups.
0562. Seminar in International
Health (3 s.h.)
Global public health issues including morbidity and mortality
across the life-span for populations, strategies to improve
health status and role of governmental and non-governmental
international organizations in public health.
0593. Independent Project
in Environmental Health (1-3 s.h.)
Under the direction of an appropriate graduate faculty member,
students tie together their coursework in a project that poses
a problem, gathers data to help analyze the problem, and provides
a solution.
Note: Enrollment must be approved by Advisor and Director of Graduate Programs.
0594. Independent Study
in Environmental Health (1-3 s.h.)
Study in an area of environmental health under the direction
of an appropriate graduate faculty member.
Note: Requires the approval of Advisor and the Director of Graduate Programs.
0601. Readings and
Conference in Public Health (3
s.h.)
Advanced tutorial in public health with an appropriate faculty
member.
Note: Requires written contract with the supervising faculty member and approval of Advisor and the Director of Graduate Programs.
0651. Public Health
Program Evaluation (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: PH 510 and PH 550 or equivalent
with permission of instructor.
Research methods and techniques used to evaluate public health
programs. Student will develop an evaluation design, including
defined evaluation questions, study design, specific measures
and methods and human subjects protocols.
0688. Health Communication (3
s.h.)
Levels of communication processes and effects in 1) intrapersonal
health communication related to personality, attitudes, cognitive
style, and quality of life 2) interpersonal communication in
the patient-caregiver relationships including dynamics of stress,
conflict, and social support; 3) organizational communication
in health-care settings 4) mass communication processes including
media campaigns to promote good health and disease prevention
and 5) risk communication across settings and strategies.
0799. Preliminary Examination
Preparation (1 s.h.)
Prerequisite: All coursework for degree.
Preparation for taking the preliminary examinations in Health
Studies. To enroll, students must have completed all required
coursework for the Ph.D. and obtain the approval of the Ph.D.
Program Director. Students must be enrolled to take the preliminary
examinations.
0899. Pre-Dissertation
Research (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: Completion of Preliminary
Examinations.
Preparation of the dissertation proposal. Required for students
who have passed the preliminary examinations and who have not
yet defended the dissertation proposal.
0940. MPH Capstone
Seminar (3 s.h.)
Required of MPH students during final year of study. Seminar
includes integration of coursework, practice skills to develop
a fieldwork project or internship in a public health agency.
0941. MPH Fieldwork
I (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: PH 940.
Fieldwork project or internship in a public health agency.
Includes seminars, oral and written reports of progress and
joint supervision by a preceptor and faculty member.
0942. MPH Fieldwork
II (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: PH 940; may be taken concurrently
with PH 941.
Evaluation of the fieldwork project or internship using a full
range of research methodologies. Data are collected, analyzed
and reported in a comprehensive final report. Oral and/or poster
presentations are presented to public health organizations.
Includes a final oral defense of the project or internship.
0951. Research Design
in Public Health (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: PH 510 and 6 s.h.'s of graduate
statistics .
Design seminar integrates research and statistical methods
by comparing the appropriateness and feasibility of alternate
design strategies commonly used in public health research.
Covers the components of the PHS 398 research proposal including
requirements for NIH certification for protection of human
subjects. Students will complete research concept papers in
preparation for the HRP 952 Research Seminar.
0952. Research Seminar
in Health Studies (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: PH 951 or permission of instructor..
Research seminar on linkages between theory and research in
social and behavioral health studies. Required for Ph.D. students
prior to taking the preliminary examinations; may be repeated
for credit.
0958. Independent Research
in Public Health (2-12 s.h.)
Independent research in public health supervised by an appropriate
faculty member.
Note: Requires written contract with the faculty member supervising the research, human subjects certification and documentation of IRB approval, approval of Advisor and Director of Graduate Programs.
0959. Seminar in Current
Issues in Public Health (3 s.h.)
Seminar topics rotate to address current issues in public health
research, policy and practice.
0960. Master's Thesis
in Public Health (3-6 s.h.)
Limited to students who fulfill the master's degree by writing
a thesis.
0962. Master`s Continuing
Research (1 s.h.)
Continuing research supervised by an appropriate faculty member.
Note: Requires written contract with Advisor and approval of the Director of Graduate Programs.
0999. Doctoral Dissertation
in Health Studies (3-6 s.h.)
Prerequisite: Advanced to candidacy with
approved dissertation proposal..
Limited to Ph.D. candidates who have completed and defended
a dissertation proposal that is filed with the Graduate School
by the last day to add a course in the semester. Continuous
registration in 999 fall and spring is required until the dissertation
is successfully defended.
PH 675. Public Health
Surveillance Methods (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: PH 510 or 670 or permission
of instructor..
Use of population-based data sources (CDC and NCHS data sets,
disease registries, state-level reporting systems); methods
of rate construction, direct and indirect age-standardization,
life-tables, small area analysis.
PH 670. Intermediate
Epidemiological Methods (3 s.h.)
Introduction to epidemiologic methods and research designs;
confounding, interaction, bias, and measurement of risk; analytic
techniques including modeling using multiple variables, survival
analysis, and issues related to quality assurance.
Note: This course is the introductory epidemiology course for students in the MS in Epidemiology or related public health degree programs that require advanced quantitative methods. May be taken in place of PH 510 for students in the MPH, MSEH and PhD programs.
PH 677. Mental Health
Epidemiology (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: PH 510 or 670 or permission
of instructor..
Epidemiology of psychiatric disturbances, including alcohol
and other drug dependencies, psychosocial aspects of health
and illness. Emphasis on epidemiologic methods and theories
in psychosocial and mental health research.
PH 979. Epidemiology
of HIV/AIDS (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: PH 510 or 670 or permission
of instructor..
Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS Application of epidemiological principles
and concepts in infectious disease epidemiology to with emphasis
on surveillance, research, prevention, and control.