Course Description

Course Name:  Public Health

Course Number:  HSC 315

Lecture Room:  Meiklejohn Hall (MI) 2064

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisites: HSC 100 (both HSC 1000 & 2200 for Fall 2018)

Lecture Time: Monday 4:00pm - 5:40pm

Tutorial Section 1A

Tutorial Section 1B

Tutorial Section 1C

Tutorial Section 1D

Tutorial Section 1E

Tutorial Section 1F

Tutorial Section 1H

This course will consist of two major components: one large lecture and one smaller tutorial session. The large lecture, which meets once a week, will provide an opportunity for the entire class to become familiar with the overarching problem statement and content on how to approach developing a multifaceted solution.  Skills taught in the class will include problem deconstruction, identification of gaps in knowledge, retrieval and critical assessment of scientific information, and effective presentation of research to key stakeholder groups.  To build these skills and become better consumers and producers of knowledge and information, the lecture will also examine issues and approaches in public health as a way to apply information to solve problems.

The second major component of the course is the tutorial session. In addition to the weekly lecture, each student is also enrolled in a weekly tutorial session. The tutorial session meets every week and provides a forum for students to work with their assigned teams and to receive feedback from your instructors and colleagues. Students will be introduced to Maastricht Seven Step Model, which will be discussed in detail in the lecture and tutorial session.  

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Recognize the history, functions, and objectives of public health, and what distinguishes it from medicine. (PLO 5)
2. Identify and explain the principal determinants of health and disease, including the determinants of inequalities in the health of groups differentiated by race, ethnicity, neighborhood and economic status. (PLOs 2,5,6)
3. Describe the major formal organizational structures within the United States responsible for monitoring and improving the public’s health. (PLOs 2,5)
4. Examine health data in order to understand the magnitude of public health problems, or health risks and behaviors facing at risk populations. (PLOs 2,5,6)
5. Evaluate and question public health interventions for key local, national and international public health problems. (PLOs 1,2,5,6)

In addition to these core learning objectives, students will also be expected to:

1. Understand orientation to problem-based learning
2. Demonstrate key characteristics of successful presentations discussing health issues affecting diverse populations and identify solutions that are culturally appropriate and sensitive.
3. Recognize the importance of a career portfolio and of articulating personal beliefs and goals.