HCA 125 : INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC HEALTH

This course provides an introduction to mission, functions, and scope of U.S. public health at local, state, and federal levels and to major 20th century public health achievements and 21st century challenges. Topics include: definitions of public health; emphasis on population, health promotion, and disease prevention; balancing individual rights vs. the needs of society; health disparities related to age, gender, race, and ethnicity; and the ecological view of health within the context of biological, social, and environmental determinants of individual and population health. The significant role of collection, analysis, and communication of surveillance data will be explored through readings and interpretation of current public health reports of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports). Alternate years.