Introduction to Public Health

Catalog description

This course describes and defines “what is public health” and seeks to convey its critical importance and relevance to both public and individual (personal) wellbeing. It presents an overview of the structure, function, and organization of the public health system/services (government, proprietary, and voluntary sectors) and how they operate, emphasizing core functions and major divisions (public health administration, epidemiology and biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral health). Addresses the social, ethical, issues; bioterrorism; epidemics; obesity; tobacco, alcohol, and opioid use; violence. Seeks to challenge students to think critically about existing and emerging U.S. and global public health issues. Introduces public health careers.