MPH600 History and Philosophy of Public Health (3 cr.)

This course provides an overview of the public health field to begin to explore the gaps and inequities in health outcomes.  Students consider the history of public health practice and research, national and global structural institutions, and basic concepts and theories that inform public health practice.  Emphasis is placed on healthy equity from a population perspective. Major data and research resources are reviewed to support future research endeavors.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Relate public health history, philosophy, and values to current programs or initiatives.
2. Identify the core functions of public health and the 10 Essential Services.
3. Describe the current healthcare field as it relates to population health.
4. Identify and use behavioral health theories to describe examples of public health practice.
5. Define the fields of environmental health, community health, epidemiology, biostatistics, and their interrelationship.
6. Articulate the social, political, and economic determinants of health and how they contribute to population health and health inequities.
7. Locate and use key public health data sources.
8. Summarize and analyze current literature and research on public health topics.