Course Description
This foundational course introduces students to the principles, practices, and core functions of public health. Students explore the history and philosophy of public health, the 10 Essential Public Health Services, population-based approaches to health, and the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Emphasis is placed on understanding health determinants (biological, behavioral, social, environmental, and policy-related), health equity, disease prevention, health promotion, and the public health system in the United States and globally.Through lectures, readings, discussions, case studies, and applied assignments, students develop critical thinking skills to analyze public health issues, interpret basic data, and appreciate the role of public health professionals in protecting and improving community health. The course highlights current challenges such as infectious and chronic diseases, health disparities, environmental influences, and emerging threats like climate change. It prepares students for advanced public health coursework and careers in the field.Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: None (or sophomore standing recommended).
Format: In-person, online, or hybrid; includes asynchronous readings/discussions and possible synchronous sessions.Course Objectives / Learning OutcomesUpon successful completion, students will be able to:Describe the history, core values, functions, and essential services of public health.
Explain the public health approach to problem-solving and its application to real-world issues.
Identify and differentiate the social, behavioral, environmental, and biological determinants of health and their impact on populations.
Apply basic epidemiological concepts to understand disease distribution, patterns, and prevention.
Analyze contemporary public health challenges, including health inequities, infectious/chronic diseases, and policy implications.
Evaluate the roles of various stakeholders (government, NGOs, communities) in the public health system.
Demonstrate effective communication of public health information through discussions and written assignments.
Required ResourcesTextbook: Schneider, M.J. Introduction to Public Health (latest edition, e.g., 6th or current). Jones & Bartlett Learning. (Alternative open educational resources or equivalent introductory text may be used.)
Additional readings: Articles, CDC/SAMHSA/WHO reports, and documentaries (e.g., Unnatural Causes) accessed via the learning management system (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard).
Optional: Access to public health data tools (e.g., CDC Wonder, County Health Rankings).
Weekly StructureEach week typically includes:Assigned readings and multimedia (textbook chapters, articles, videos).
Weekly Discussion (initial post due mid-week + 2–3 substantive replies to peers; graded on depth, integration of readings, and engagement).
Assignment/Activity (quizzes, reflections, short analyses, or data exercises; cumulative project in later weeks).
Week 1: Introduction to Public Health – What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
Discussion: Introduce yourself and share a current public health issue in your community or from the news. Why do you think public health is important? Respond to at least two peers.
Assignment: Syllabus quiz + short reflection (1 page): “What Public Health Means to Me” based on introductory readings.
Week 2: History and Philosophy of Public Health + Core Functions and Essential Services
Discussion: Compare historical public health achievements (e.g., sanitation, vaccines) with modern challenges. How do the 10 Essential Public Health Services apply today?
Assignment: Map the 10 Essential Services to a real-world public health agency or program (short written summary with examples).
Week 3: The Public Health Approach and Problem-Solving Framework
Discussion: Outline the steps in the public health approach (define the problem, identify risk/protective factors, develop/test strategies, assure widespread adoption). Apply to one current issue.
Assignment: Case study analysis: Apply the public health approach to a provided scenario (e.g., obesity or vaccine hesitancy).
Week 4: Epidemiology Basics – The Science of Public HealthDiscussion: Explain key epidemiological measures (e.g., incidence, prevalence, rates) and their use in public health decision-making. Discuss strengths and limitations with examples.
Assignment: Interpret simple epidemiological data sets or tables from CDC sources; calculate basic rates and submit with explanations.
Week 5: Sources of Health Data, Surveillance, and Information Systems
Discussion: How does public health surveillance contribute to disease prevention and control? Provide an example of successful surveillance in action.
Assignment: Explore a public data tool (e.g., County Health Rankings) and summarize key health indicators for your local area or a chosen population.Week 6: Social and Behavioral Determinants of HealthDiscussion: Discuss how social determinants (e.g., income, education, racism) influence health outcomes. Reference theories/models from readings.
Assignment: Reflection paper on a documentary segment (e.g., from Unnatural Causes) linking social factors to health disparities.
Week 7: Environmental and Biological Determinants + Midterm Review
Discussion: Examine the interplay between environment, biology, and health (e.g., climate impacts or infectious disease chains).
Assignment: Midterm exam (covers Weeks 1–6) or preparatory quiz + study guide submission.
Week 8: Infectious Diseases – Prevention and Control
Discussion: Describe the chain of infection and strategies to break it. Compare historical vs. current infectious disease challenges (e.g., COVID-19 lessons).
Assignment: Create a simple infographic or outline for preventing a chosen infectious disease at the population level.
Week 9: Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors
Discussion: Why have chronic diseases become a leading public health concern? Discuss behavioral and policy interventions using tobacco or obesity as an example.
Assignment: Annotated summary of evidence-based interventions for one chronic condition.
Week 10: Health Policy, Systems, and the Role of Government/NGOs
Discussion: Analyze the U.S. public health system (players and payers). How does policy influence access and equity? Include examples like the Affordable Care Act.
Assignment: Policy brief outline: Propose one recommendation to address a health access issue.
Week 11: Health Equity, Cultural Competence, and Special Populations
Discussion: How do culture, ethics, and equity intersect in public health practice? Share insights on addressing disparities in diverse populations.
Assignment: Short research paper or presentation prep on health equity in a specific population group.Week 12: Injury Prevention, Global Health, and Emerging Issues
Discussion: Design a basic intervention for injury prevention or discuss a global public health challenge (e.g., climate change and health).
Assignment: Group or individual activity: Brainstorm and outline an intervention for an emerging threat.
Week 13: Ethics in Public Health and Professional Roles
Discussion: Explore ethical dilemmas in public health (e.g., balancing individual rights vs. community protection).
Assignment: Ethical case analysis (choose from provided scenarios).
Week 14: Integration and Career Pathways in Public Health
Discussion: Reflect on how the core functions connect across topics covered. What public health career or issue interests you most and why?
Assignment: Draft a personal statement or career exploration reflection.
Week 15: Course Synthesis and Final Project Presentations
Discussion: Synthesize key takeaways from the semester. How has your view of public health changed? Respond to peers.
Assignment: Culminating Project – Public Health Issue Analysis Paper or Presentation (5–7 pages or 8–10 slides): Select a public health issue, apply the public health approach, discuss determinants, interventions, and recommendations with evidence. Include visuals and references.
(Major project, often 20–30% of grade.)Grading Breakdown (Example)Weekly Discussions & Participation: 25%
Weekly Assignments/Quizzes/Reflections: 35%
Midterm Exam: 15%
Culminating Project: 20%
Final Exam or Synthesis Activity: 5%
