Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025
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Public Health (PH)

PH 100    Personal & Public Health    3 Hours

Examines behaviors and environmental conditions that enhance or hinder individual and groups’ health status. In addition to exploring social and environmental factors, students are encouraged to think critically about behavioral choices that impact individual and groups’ health. Students assess their individual and group behavior in the light of current scientific knowledge concerning mental health; drugs, alcohol and tobacco; health care; selection of health products; prevention of disease; nutrition; exercise, and stress management. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; winter 2024; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024

PH 165    Drug Abuse    3 Hours

This course offers an opportunity for the student to explore the drug culture, and both healthful and harmful use of drugs. The scope will include marijuana, hallucinogens, narcotics, stimulants, depressants and volatile chemicals. Pharmacological, psychological and sociological aspects of drug abuse will be studied through individual research, group discussion, lectures and field trips when practical. Equivalent(s): HED 165C.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

PH 261    Foundations of Public Health Education    3 Hours

An introduction to the discipline of health education, including history, theoretical basis, comparison and contrast of work settings, ethics, professional organizations, and perspectives on the future.

Prerequisite(s): PH 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

PH 280    Introduction to Environmental Science    3 Hours

An introductory course devoted to the study of environmental issues. A general understanding of application of science to solution of contemporary environmental problems. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-NS | NS

Equivalent(s): ENV 280

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

PH 365    Human Sexuality    3 Hours

Examines sociological, physiological, and psychological aspects of human sexuality in relation to family life, courtship, marriage, reproduction, education, and aging. Includes information on sexual assault, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV/AIDS. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; winter 2024; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024

PH 381    Public and Community Health    3 Hours

Study of international, national, state and local health problems, and the governmental, voluntary and private sectors of the health care system. Emphasis is placed upon preventative strategies appropriate for contemporary public health concerns. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (PH 261 or PH 100)

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; winter 2024; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024

PH 382    Peer Health Education    3 Hours

Admission based upon academic background and interview. Course focuses on health concerns specific to college students with a strong emphasis on alcohol and other drug issues, and methods of addressing these issues through peer health education. Note: Permission of instructor required.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

PH 383    Biostatistics in the Health Sciences    3 Hours

Introduction to statistical methods, scientific structure of study design, hypothesis formation and verification and study classification. Includes descriptive statistics, data presentation, data sources, questionnaire construction, interviewing techniques and use of computer technology.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 109 or MATH 115 or MATH 116 or MATH 117 or MATH 118 or MATH 119 or MATH 121 or MATH 127 or MATH 136 or MATH 137 or MATH 183 or MATH 205 or MATH 206 or (MATH 225 or MATH 302) or MATH 237 or MATH 240 or MATH 275 or MATH 295 or MA 109C or MA 115C or MA 116C or MA 117C or MATH 109E or MATH 115E or MATH 116E

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

PH 384    Introduction to Epidemiology    3 Hours

Explores the distribution and determinants of health and diseases, illnesses, injuries, disability, and death in populations. Examines the application of epidemiologic procedures to the understanding of the occurrence and control of conditions such as infectious and chronic diseases, mental disorders, community and environmental health hazards, accidents, and geriatric problems.

Prerequisite(s): PH 383 or MATH 183 or SOCL 300 or PSYS 313 or PSY 313 or STAT 301 or BIOL 382

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; winter 2024; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024

PH 385    Environmental Health    3 Hours

This course examines the environment and its relationship to health status. Areas of emphasis include food protection, air, water and land pollution, hazardous wastes, and noise and radiation hazards.

Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 113 or BIOL 120 or BIOL 122 or BIOL 131 or BIOL 207 or BIOL 222 or BIOL 224 or BIOL 226 or BIOL 231 or BIOL 312 or BIOL 315 or BIOL 316 or BIOL 317 or BIOL 319 or BIOL 321 or BIOL 335 or BIOL 348 or BIOL 350 or BIOL 372 or BIOL 377 or BIOL 382 or BIOL 390) and (CHEM 101 or CHEM 105 or CHEM 107 or CHEM 109 or CHEM 111 or CHEM 116 or CHEM 120 or CHEM 222 or CHEM 304 or CHEM 320 or CHEM 330 or CHEM 340 or CHEM 342)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

PH 390    Wellness and Fitness Assessment    3 Hours

Techniques of wellness and fitness assessment, evaluations of various populations including identification of individual health risk factors, and personal goals for cardiovascular health and fitness. Note: CPR certification required.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 131 and HMD 211

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

PH 410    Global Perspectives on Population Health    3 Hours

Global population health focuses on the health and well-being of entire populations. Populations may be geographically defined, such as neighborhoods, states, or countries, or may be based on groups of individuals who share common characteristics such as age, gender, race-ethnicity, disease status, employee group membership, or socioeconomic status. With roots in epidemiology, public health, and demography, a key component of population health is the focus on the social determinants of health and "upstream" collaborative interventions to improve population health and variance, identify and reduce health disparities, and reduce healthcare costs. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

PH 412    Health Disparities and Health Equity    3 Hours

Health disparities are differences in health outcomes that cannot be solely attributed to genetic or biological differences among populations; instead, they are associated with social, cultural, and economic factors such as income, residence, minority status, or educational attainment. Health disparities are diminished and health equity is achieved when all people have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible despite any social, cultural, or economic differences. Unravelling the multifactorial causes for health disparities and pursuing health equity both require a systems thinking approach. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

PH 443    Health and Aging    3 Hours

Examines the multiple factors affecting health of older adults. The course will discuss normal changes in aging and how to promote health of older adults. Students are required to have hands-on field experience. Students are responsible for their own off campus transportation. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

PH 444    Death, Dying and Bereavement    3 Hours

A study of the universal experience of dying and death, within societal, cultural, philosophical and spiritual contexts, designed to help people make sense of their mortality and the development of coping skills to assist with dealing with the death of loved ones. Note: 3 hours of social or behavioral science courses is required.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

PH 447    Human Values and the Health Sciences    3 Hours

An analysis of the difficult ethical, legal, and social dilemmas confronting the health care delivery system, patients, medical practitioners and other health care professionals in contemporary American society. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC

Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status

Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; winter 2023; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024

PH 450    Rural Health and Safety    3 Hours

Students will explore a variety of health and safety issues unique to rural populations. The interdisciplinary team concept will be used throughout the course to foster collaboration that facilitates sharing of the expertise of the students and faculty. One Saturday meeting will be required for a team building activity.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

PH 456    Independent Study in Health and Safety    1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Specific and detailed analysis of practical problem areas in health and safety. Designed specifically for independent study. Note: Permission of instructor is required.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; winter 2024; spring 2024; fall 2024

PH 461    Comprehensive School Health Program    3 Hours

Examines the instructional component of a comprehensive school health program. Discusses the role of administrators, teachers, counselors, health service personnel and policy issues in coordinating and evaluating the comprehensive school health program.

Prerequisite(s): PH 381

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

PH 462    Folklore and Medicine    3 Hours

This course examines the role of traditional culture in shaping attitudes and behavior related to sickness, health, and healing. Institutional, alternative, and informal medical settings are discussed. Equivalent(s): FLK 462.

Equivalent(s): FLK 462

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

PH 463    Consumer Health    3 Hours

This course examines the benefits and/or hazards associated with health related products, services and information presently available to the consumer. The methods and techniques of health frauds are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on the development of individual criteria for the potential selection and purchase of health products and services. Field trips may be required.

Prerequisite(s): PH 261

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

PH 464    Women’s Health    3 Hours

An analysis of the major health problems of contemporary women, with a special emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, and consumer health concerns. Note: Permission of instructor is required.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024

PH 465    Health and Safety in the Elementary School    3 Hours

An exploration of the nature and purpose of school health and safety in the elementary school, including curriculum development, instructional content areas, appraising students health and evaluation.

Prerequisite(s): PH 100

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

PH 467    Drug Abuse Education    3 Hours

A drug abuse education and prevention course designed to provide current and documented information about abused substances. Includes study of the development, implementation and evaluation of drug prevention programs in the home, school, community and workplace. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

PH 468    Sexuality Education    3 Hours

A critical review of programs designed to promote sexuality education in community and school settings. Forces that impact on the adoption of various curricula and the development of new curricula are examined. Students are taught to utilize scientific and cultural considerations in preparing and adopting curricula for different populations. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior or Freshman may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024

PH 469    Critical Issues in Health and Safety    3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Analysis of current health problems from both school and community viewpoints. The purpose of the course is to permit in-depth exploration, through research and discussion, of specific local, national and worldwide health and safety problems.

Prerequisite(s): PH 261 and PH 381

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

PH 472    Illicit Drug Policy in the Us    3 Hours

Examination of the illicit drug policy in the United States and its intended and unintended outcomes. Topics include the history of illicit drug policy, current trends in drug policy enforcement, drug use and abuse, and proposed alternative policies. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.

Prerequisite(s): (PH 100 or PH 165)

Recent Term(s) Offered: None

PH 483    Administration of Public Health Programs    3 Hours

Introductory study of the basic principles, theories and practices of public health administration. Emphasis will be placed on the development and organization of health programs from voluntary and official agencies to meet the health needs of the community.

Prerequisite(s): PH 384

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; fall 2024

PH 484    Community Organization for Health Education    3 Hours

Examines the role of the health educator in solving community health problems. Emphasis is placed on appropriate methods and techniques of communication, processes by which a community identifies its needs and the importance of cultural and social factors in community organization and community development. Principles of community organization and planning as a process will be stressed as well as the imporantance of public health policy. Note: Permission of instructor is required.

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024

PH 485    Fundamentals of Public Health Planning    3 Hours

The roles and functions of the community health educator in planning, implementing, and evaluating health education programs.

Prerequisite(s): PH 483

Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024

PH 488    Public Health Senior Seminar    3 Hours

Course allows students to synthesize and apply public health skills and knowledge acquired in their prior coursework to design an action plan to solve a health problem in a selected community. Course will expose students to public health professional preparation skills.

Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor

Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.

Enrollment is limited to students in Public Health (521)

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2023; spring 2024

PH 490    Internship    3-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)

Supervised, 400-hour field experience planned with various agencies, organizations, facilities, industries, and businesses with health related missions or programs, and approved by the Department of Public Health. Off-campus travel required, and students are responsible for their own transportation. Note: Permission of instructor is required.

Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024