Explore the dynamic connection between experiential learning and career readiness in the field of public health by engaging with insightful podcasts that bring real-world perspectives to the forefront. Through active learning, you will evaluate your skill set, reflect on your experiences, analyze industry trends, and uncover best practices essential for success in the public health workforce. This course is designed to help you bridge the gap between your current abilities and your career aspirations. By strategically planning your curricular and co-curricular engagement, you'll develop a roadmap tailored to your unique goals. This personalized action plan will empower you to navigate your career path moving fearlessly forward.

An overview of the goals, functions, and methods of public health. After an introduction to the core concepts and tools used in public health research and practice, applications of these methodologies are considered in the context of current controversies/problems in public health. Students work together to develop strategies for prevention and control that take into consideration different points of view, outside research, and impacts on individuals and communities.

Broad overview of the impact of food and food policy on public health. Course covers topics such as access to food, food systems, influence of food policies on the individual, the cost of food, influences on food selection, food safety risks and responses, nutrition-related health challenges, and a comparison of US food/nutrition issues with those of other nations.

Presents the basic scientific and biomedical concepts of modern public health problems and explores in depth mechanisms and models of the major categories of disease. The biologic principles presented are foundations to public health disease prevention, control, or management programs.

An exploration of immunology and vaccines through a public health lens. We will examine the cells, systems, and molecules that comprise the human immune system and defend your body against disease. In addition, we will discuss the strategies used during vaccine development including the history and future of vaccination and how increased understanding of the immune system has allowed scientists to improve and refine the process. Finally we will examine the current social and political situation surrounding vaccination and the roles and responsibility of public health practitioners.

Recent advances in genomic science and biomedical technologies have increased our understanding of the genetic basis of disease and the interplay between genetics and environmental and behavioral factors. This course will provide a solid background in basic genetics and genomic science and highlight the role of public health professionals in translating breakthroughs in this rapidly transforming field into the clinical setting, program planning, and policy. Topics covered will include the molecular basis for genetic variation, fetal and newborn screening, genetic risk factors for cancer, pharmacogenetics, the role of pathogen genomics in outbreak investigation, and applications of genetic engineering in solving public health issues.

Exposure to issues related to city habitation and the health of the public, including how the urban environment impacts the lives and health of city dwellers, including discussion of the social determinants of health. Students are encouraged to think about urban health and policy, and to question the current state of urban public health. Issues of race, class, and equality will be discussed throughout the course as they relate to each of these topics.

A focus on addressing social and structural inequities within race, gender, disability, and class through various perspectives in the field of public health. Students explore the causes, challenges, consequences, and extent these injustices have on health disparities from local, national, and global perspectives. Students view these inequities through the lens of the affected populations, and work interactively and collaboratively to interpret, design, and evaluate public health interventions and approaches to address key health disparities within specific communities. The aim of this course is to help students define appropriate research and address structural inequities with innovative approaches through the professional practice of public health.

The capstone course is the culminating experience for Public Health Science students and must be taken only in the final semester of study. The Public Health Science capstone course is designed to challenge students to integrate the five core areas of public health in investigating, researching and addressing public health issues. Throughout the semester, students will be required to evaluate, analyze and synthesize scholarly works as they research and propose solutions to a variety of public health issues. By the conclusion of this research based course, students will understand how the various public health perspectives can combine in addressing and informing public health practices.