Preview of Courses

The following are courses that have been offered or are usually offered by the Public Health minor. For a comprehensive list of courses, please refer to the Course Catalog. 

INTD 270. Introduction to Public Health

In this course we will explore what public health is (and what it is not), the science and data that underpin it, and how it is a part of our social fabric. We will explore some of the causes of disease, and other societal threats to health. And, because public health is intertwined with medical delivery services, we will explore health care systems. While our focus will be on what is happening within the United States, we will take the opportunity to explore things that are different in other parts of the world, as well. 

Biol 365. Epidemiology

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of epidemiology- the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in human populations and the application of theses studies to the prevention and control of health problems. The course will cover epidemiological theory, approaches, techniques, research designs, and how they are applied to answer health related questions. In addition, in this course students will apply their foundational biological and statistical knowledge to work through various case studies and news files covering topics of epidemiology. At the end of this course, students will apply their new epidemiological knowledge to design and propose an epidemiological study that addresses a current public health issue.  Minimum Sophomore class standing required

CHEM 380. Environmental Chemistry

Course covers the fundamentals of atmospheric chemistry, aquatic chemistry, and environmental fate and transport. Lessons on environmental policy making and the disproportionate impacts of environmental pollution on marginalized communities are also integrated throughout the course. The laboratory portion covers common analytical techniques for environmental samples, analysis of environmental data, and the use of environmental measurements to address issues of environmental justice and inform policy making. Prerequisite: CHEM 110B

ENVS 100. Introduction to Environmental Science

An introduction to the field of environmental science, examined from multiple perspectives: biology, earth sciences, chemistry, and physics. The class focuses on the contributions these different disciplines make to the diagnosis and solution of environmental problems, with an emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of these issues. Lecture, laboratory, and field trips. 

MATH 080. Elementary Statistics

Descriptive Statistics: descriptive measures, probability concepts, discrete random variables, normal distribution. Inferential Statistics: sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, Chi-square procedures, linear regression. Emphasis on methodology rather than theory. (Not open to those who have had 315.) Prerequisite: 74, 76, or 79, or sufficient score on math Placement Exam.

PSYC 227. Stress and Disease in the 21st Century 

This course will explore how modern life generates stressors that are new in the history of humanity and how this may impact human health, incorporating biological, anthropological, sociological, psychological, and policy perspectives. The goal of this course is to help each student gain a greater understanding of sources of stress in their own lives, how that stress impacts them physically, and what they can do to manage (if not eliminate) the stress they experience. Prerequisite: PSYC 100.  

SOC 246. Sociology of Health and Medicine

Theory and research on the organization, politics, and inequities of health and medicine in the United States and around the world; lived experiences of patients and professionals; and health disparities.

SOWK 364. Social Welfare Policy and Services

Students examine the history of social work, the history and current structure of social services, and the role that social policy plays in service delivery. Students learn to analyze social policies that effect local, national, and global social welfare issues and research that relates to competent social service delivery. The course also focuses on strategies that advocate for policy consistent with social work values and skills and that prepare students to work within economic, political, and organizational systems.