Introduction to Public Health – HLTH 500

Course Description

This course will provide a broad overview of the practice of public health. It is intended for those with a limited exposure to the field or in the need of a refresher of analytical and critical thinking skills prior to beginning a graduate level course of study. The course will specifically address basic algebraic and probability concepts, review the use of peer-reviewed literature, introduce students to literature citation using the AMA style, and provide a framework to approach public health practice.

Rationale

Some students are less prepared than others to begin graduate studies. The problem may arise because of undergraduate performance earlier in undergraduate studies, lack of exposure to courses in the discipline, or the time elapsed since undergraduate studies were completed. This course provides a framework to address these identified or self-perceived weaknesses in the student early in his or her study of public health.

Course Assignment

Lecture presentations and notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (7)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete seven Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread of at least 400-500 words. The student must then post two replies of at least 200-250 words. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least one scholarly citation and integrate at least one biblical principle in AMA format. Each reply must incorporate at least one scholarly citation in AMA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include government websites, scholarly articles, and the Bible.

Public Health Essay Assignment

The student will write a 5–7 page research-based paper describing the practice of public health and how a public health degree relates to the student's career goals. The paper must use current AMA format and include at least five peer-reviewed or governmental sources published within the past five years.

Quizzes (7)

Quiz: LU Online Writing Center will have two short essay questions on the LU Online Writing Center with a two hour limit.

The other 6 quizzes will cover the textbook reading for the assigned Module: Week. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes and contain 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions. Each quiz will have a one hour time limit.