HLTH 300

HLTH 300: Community Health and Epidemiology

Prerequisite: STAT 200  

Credit Hours: (3)

An introduction to community and public health issues. Basic principles of epidemiology will be introduced, and students will use these principles to understand how morbidity and mortality statistics are calculated and interpreted.

 

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

This course shall provide students with information regarding the health service needs and health service demands of individuals and communities. Students shall also be introduced to epidemiological principles and studies. This knowledge prepares students for later courses in the curriculum, in which knowledge of the function of epidemiological studies and interpretation of the results of such studies is essential for prioritizing the health needs of individuals, communities, and populations.

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Students will gain knowledge through lecture, group discussions, and case-studies.

 

Goals and Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, students shall be able to:

• Describe the history of public health in the United States and the world.
• Identify public health organizations that provide health services and valid health information in the United States and the world.
• Interpret the importance of health promotion for the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and the nation.
• Compare and contrast the causes of death among different age groups and racial and ethnic groups in the population.
• Describe the history and importance of the field of epidemiology.
• Differentiate between descriptive, case-control, cohort, and experimental studies, and describe the relevance of each type of study.
• Explain the issues relating to validity and reliability of epidemiological studies.
• Utilize epidemiological data to form conclusions regarding the severity or importance of infectious and chronic diseases.

 

Assessment Measures

Student learning shall be assessed through one or more of the following methods:

• Exams
• Group assignments
• Projects

 

Other Course Information

None

 

Review and Approval

April 2006 Reviewed by Beverly Zeakes

May, 2011