Details
INSTRUCTOR: Noel Barengo
SECTION: U02
SCHEDULE: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00PM-4:15PM
Course Description
Throughout the course, students will learn about the key concepts of population health, including health disparities, social determinants of health, health equity, and the role of public health systems. Emphasis will be placed on the ways in which different populations experience varying levels of access to healthcare, resources, and opportunities, leading to significant differences in health outcomes. Students will gain an understanding of how these disparities are often linked to systemic issues like poverty, education, environment, housing, and access to healthcare services.
The course will delve into the critical field of epidemiology, exploring how public health professionals track, measure, and interpret disease prevalence, incidence, and risk factors across populations. Students will develop the ability to analyze public health data to identify trends and patterns, and to assess the health needs of specific communities. Through case studies and practical exercises, students will gain hands-on experience in evaluating health data and using this information to inform public health decision-making and interventions.
Additionally, students will study foundational public health theories and models, such as the Social Ecological Model, which examines the multiple levels of influence on health, from individual behaviors to societal structures. This will help students understand how public health policies and interventions can be designed to improve the health of entire populations rather than just addressing individual health problems.
By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence population health and will be prepared to engage in efforts to reduce health inequities, promote health equity, and design effective interventions that target the health of entire communities. This course is ideal for students pursuing careers in public health, healthcare administration, social work, and related fields where an understanding of population health is crucial to fostering healthier communities.