This course will examine public health principles and concepts. It will provide a broad framework for understanding public health’s role in community health, prevention, and medicine. Using the five core public health knowledge areas and the ten essential public health services as a foundation, students will explore public health infrastructure, surveillance, social determinants of health, policy, environmental factors, and emerging issues.

This course introduces students to key concepts related to the determinants of health, including behaviors, genetics, clinical care, environment, and social/economic factors. Students will explore topics such as diversity, disparity, and social determinants of health, while learning strategies to address health inequities and barriers. The course includes lectures, readings, skill-building exercises, discussions, self-reflection, and service learning, emphasizing culturally responsive practices and interdisciplinary theories.

This course focuses on the public health response to addressing health equity across the globe. The course material includes the health of populations in relation to geography, determinants of health, and culture. Students will be introduced to global health goals, principles, and concepts. Students will explore global health challenges, strengths, opportunities, and collaborative efforts.