Bioethics & Health Humanities Course Descriptions
BHH 6097 Research
This course is designed to afford the student the opportunity to develop a thesis or dissertation proposal under faculty guidance. The proposal development may involve a literature search, preliminary experimentation, or a pilot field study. The research
will be preliminary but relevant to the thesis or dissertation. Credit and hours to be arranged. Teaching technique is tutorial in nature.
Prerequisites: None
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
BHH 6098 Thesis
Once admitted to candidacy, it is required for students pursuing a Master of Science or Master of Arts degree to enroll in this course. This course is for the formal research and writing leading to the preparation and completion of the thesis for the
Master of Science or Master of Arts degree while under the direction of the student's supervisory committee. The student will pursue the proposed research and present a progress report and/or agreed upon objectives to the mentor and/or supervisory
committee for approval and recommendations. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the chairperson of the student's supervisory committee and will be assigned as Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N), or Unsatisfactory
(U).
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year Offered: Annually
Hours per week: Variable 3-9
BHH 6099 Dissertation
Once admitted to candidacy, it is required for students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy degree to enroll in this course. This course is for the formal research and writing leading to the preparation and completion of the dissertation for the Doctor
of Philosophy degree while under the direction of the student’s supervisory committee. The student will pursue the proposed research and present a progress report and/or agreed upon objectives to the mentor and/or supervisory committee for approval
and recommendations. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the chairperson of the student's supervisory committee and will be assigned as Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N), or Unsatisfactory (U).
Prerequisites:
Admission to candidacy
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year Offered: Annually
Hours per week: Variable 3-9
BHH 6302 Interdisciplinary Methods
This course aims to familiarize students with the knowledge, skills, and tools that are used in a variety of approaches in bioethics and health humanities. During the course, we will explore conceptual approaches in various philosophical and critical
traditions. We will also assess comparative textual or narrative approaches found in art, literature, history, law, critical theory, and cultural studies. We focus particularly on approaches that are typically found in social science and behavioral
research in fields such as sociology, anthropology, and psychology. While we will mainly read about qualitative methods, we will also learn about quantitative and mixed-methods approaches. Across all the weeks, we will consider how conceptual, normative,
and empirical commitments and methods can intersect to understand complex socio-technical problems, provide normative recommendations to shape practice, and develop innovative ways of making knowledge.
BHH 6313 Public Health Ethics
This course provides students with knowledge about the history and ethics of public health, including underlying ideas and concepts from social and political theory that support contemporary public health practices. The course will prepare students for
careers in public health by providing them with a foundation of knowledge and critical thinking skills to guide ethical decision-making in the practice of public health. The seminar will also prepare students for academic careers in bioethics, public
health ethics, and the health humanities.
BHH 6315 Clinical Ethics
A sub-field of bioethics, clinical ethics seeks to bridge ethical theory and clinical practice. In contrast to organizational ethics, public health ethics or research ethics, clinical ethics aims to produce practical recommendations for those working
in direct patient care settings. In this course, students will explore foundational issues such as the nature of therapeutic encounters, decision-making authority and values conflicts in patient care. Students should leave this course with an understanding
of the range of ethical issues that impact patients, families and health practitioners, in addition to knowledge of key considerations and approaches to addressing ethical conflicts at the bedside. This course is a prerequisite for BHH-6382 ‘Clinical
Ethics Consultation’ and BHH-6317 ‘Advanced Practicum Ethics’.
BHH 6318 Global Governance of Biomedicine
This course is a graduate seminar focusing on the different ways in which citizens, patients, and nations relate to, react to, and frame advances in medicine and biotechnology. Such advances raise both ethical and social challenges that require an institutional
response and the recognition of their cultural situatedness. The recent pandemic made evident the need for international coordination and the multiplicity of responses and health outcomes at different socioeconomic levels. This course draws on science
and technology studies, bioethics, and other disciplines in the social sciences. Based on a comparative approach, the course first puts into question the meanings of the global and their associated global governance and global ethics. Then explores
guiding concepts drawing from thinkers about biomedicine and society, and examinations of institutions and frameworks tasked with governing transnationally, emphasizing the imbalances in power and access to health among nations and citizens. In the
second part of the course, we will discuss particular instances and issues that put into question different constructions of responsibility, citizenship, difference and identity, national borders, legality, and what brings us together as humanity.
Looking into specific cases, involving reproduction– including assisted reproduction technologies, abortion, and surrogacy, clinical trials, genetic technologies, medical tourism, human genetic modification, pharmaceuticals, and the prolongation
of longevity, we will examine how societies have reached different conclusions about ethical dilemmas in biomedicine, and the difficulties of coordination that governance requires.
We finish the course with a discussion of public participation
and frameworks of responsibility as avenues for better addressing these issues. The course involves both discussions of the theoretical approaches presented in the readings, and a critical examination of the cases presented, supported by texts such
as policy reports or columns.
The course and its readings will emphasize:
1. The diversity of disciplinary approaches and conceptualizations to problems and challenges in bioethics and biomedicine.
2. The role of institutions and different actors at different scales.
3. The framing of problems requiring attention and policy, including access to health and disparities between nations and citizens.
4. The mechanisms and ways of reasoning by which ethical norms are established or challenged.
5. The role
of economic, political, and social contexts in shaping responses to health and medicine.
BHH 6363 Narratives of Illness
A study of the changing nature and importance of narratives of illness. Focus will be on the historical development of patients' autobiographical narratives of illness (pathographies); the historical development of physiciansÆ narratives of patients'
illnesses (expanded case histories); and representative contemporary patients' narratives of illness that exemplify different forms and styles. Special attention will be given to theoretical background works about pathographies (Anne Hunsaker Hawkins)
and the first person narrative of illness (Arthur Frank). Course grades will be determined by the quality of participation in class discussion of assigned readings (20 percent), two assigned essays about course readings (20 percent each), and a final
course paper (40 percent).
Biostatistics and Data Science Course Descriptions
BIOS 6098 Research Practicum
This course involves practicing biostatistical skills applied in a team-based environment. Applications of commonly encountered statistical methods are explored in the consulting environment. Written and oral communication skills are emphasized, and ethical
aspects of consulting are introduced. Students will interact with non-statistical scientists in need of biostatistical help. They will be guided through the process of initial consultation, progress, and final reports. They will practice oral
and written communication with clients in a professional way. This class will accompany course ‘BIOS 6242 Statistical Consulting’ to implement the strategy taught in that class.
BIOS 6143 Intro to Data Management
This is a required foundation course for Population Health Sciences PhD students. This course builds on the basics that are presented in the course ‘PHS 6210 Introduction to Data Management’ and introduces more advanced techniques in SAS,
and provides an introduction to the data management using R. It will consist of one two-hour lecture per week for total of 8 weeks and will be offered in 2nd block of Fall semester annually. SAS topics include more advanced techniques on reading data
into SAS, SAS functions, using array and do loops, reconstruction on the datasets, output delivery system and an introduction to SAS macro. R topics include basic concepts of the R coding environment and techniques on how to read, modify, combine,
and update datasets as well as produce data summaries in R. Grades will be determined based on the performance on participation in the class activities, graded homework and attendance. Student who complete this course will be acquainted with more
advanced SAS and basic R programming skills to manage and analyze the collected data.
BIOS 6242 Statistical Consulting
This course aims to begin a dialogue that will continue throughout the students’ careers: that between technical statistical knowledge, and the real world application thereof, in collaboration with non-statistically oriented content experts. The
matter of the course details sundry aspects of this conversation: the overarching systems within which statistical consulting takes place, the personal relationships between the client and consultant, the technical details of statistical analysis
and their explanation to clients, and miscellany including an aside into graphical representation of statistical information.
This material will be supplemented with lectures from experts: those who have consulted in non-academic areas of the
biomedical sciences, those who have consulted in other fields, and those who are our partners in this endeavor – our consulting clients.
Evaluation of students in terms of achieving competencies and meeting course learning objectives will
be done through in class assignments and discussion. Consultation is a group activity, not a solo one; this group activity is at the core of the collaboration central to an MPH and modern scientific endeavor. Assessment of many aspects of an individual’s
abilities in this area is thus necessarily done in the social context of a lecture, rather than a solitary one.
BIOS 6302 Health Services Research (2025)
This course will introduce the analytical methods commonly used in health services research. Students will be able to carry out most statistical analyses discussed in the course with SAS. Topics include interrupted time-serial analysis, difference-in-difference,
regression discontinuity, propensity score methods, matching, the parametric g-formula, inverse probability weighting of marginal structural model, instrumental variable analysis, and decision analysis.
BIOS 6314 Multivariable Data Analysis
Multivariable data analysis is a course that focuses on the techniques and methods used to analyze data sets with multiple variables. In this course, students will learn how to use statistical techniques to identify relationships between multiple variables
and how to visualize and present their findings. Students will learn how to use the R statistical software to perform these analyses and how to interpret the results. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge
necessary to effectively analyze multivariable data in the field of public health.
BIOS 6344 Intro to Linear Models
This course provides an introduction to the most common statistical model used in data analysis. The model has been adopted as a conceptual framework throughout the biomedical, public health and social sciences. It includes special cases: simple regression
and correlation, multiple regression, analysis of covariance and analysis of variance. The model is termed as linear model and with broad assumptions, and uses simple computational techniques known as ordinary least squares. The course will cover
assumptions and diagnostic methods of these models. Examples from the biomedical and socio-medical sciences will illustrate all of the techniques. Computations require using the computer package SAS. The interpretation and presentation of results
are emphasized.
BIOS 6388 Intro to Probability Theory
This course will develop basic set theory; fundamental concepts of probability, including conditional and marginal probability; single random variables and probability distributions (discrete and continuous); expected values and moments; moment-generating
and characteristic functions; multivariate, joint and marginal distributions from multiple random variables; limit theorems.
Epidemiology Course Descriptions
EPI 6333 Epi Methods
This course builds on PHS 6330 “Introduction to Epidemiology” offered in the Fall of the previous year. Advanced topics in the theory and practice of epidemiologic research and public health practice will be covered during this course, which
include development of epidemiologic methods, issues with study design, eliminating bias, assessing and controlling for confounding, effect modification/interaction, matching, misclassification, cross-sectional, case-control, cohort studies, clinical
trials, systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
Weekly assignments will include reading and practice exercises, homework that may include data analysis or preparation of written critiques of published studies. Students will be responsible for leading class discussions on various assigned topics or
readings. Conceptual issues challenging epidemiologic research and public health practice presented in the introductory course, such as bias, confounding, and adjustment, will be reviewed in greater detail. Although the core of the class is directed
to conceptual based learning, application of tools to address these challenges will be taught in parallel.
The tools and techniques presented in epidemiologic methods have been selected because they:
- are widely used and can be applied by students without the benefit of advanced training in mathematics, statistics or computers;
- serve as fairly simple models which can be appropriately presented to a wider audience;
- provide a sound introduction to understanding more advanced concepts and techniques.
EPI 6379 Social Epidemiology
Social epidemiology is the branch of epidemiology that considers how social interactions, institutions, and human activity impact health. Essentially, social epidemiology focuses on how society’s social interactions, past and present, yield differential
exposures and thus differences in health outcomes between persons who make up populations. Social epidemiology also investigates how well-known exposures (e.g., cigarette smoking, lead paint, health insurance) are maintained by the social system.
In short, social epidemiology is about social allocation mechanisms (i.e., economic and social forces) that produce differential exposures that often yield health disparities (Oakes, 2015).
The primary objective of this course is to develop and
enhance students’ ability to gather, synthesize, and critically evaluate the research literature in the field of social epidemiology. A secondary objective is to provide students with a practical conceptual and methodological framework
for conducting empirical research in social epidemiology. Course assignments—readings, meetings, papers, and presentations—will focus on the description, explanation, and investigation of social differentials in health outcomes.
Global Health & Emerging Diseases Course Descriptions
GHED 6304 One Health
The past several decades have seen profound shifts in the global burden of disease. Increased population mobility, globalization, and industrialization have also spurred changes in the planet’s climate, which is causing extreme transformations within
human and animal ecosystems and thus potentiating the emergence of novel pathogens. This course will introduce students to the fundamental elements of "One Health" and teach them how to apply that approach to the diverse public and population health
challenges characteristic of the modern era.
GHED 6306 Global Health Policy, Practice & Delivery
This course will provide foundations for global health policies, programming, and implementation. It will focus on building skills related to critical policy analysis, effective communication of science and evidence to achieve targeted change, and successful
programming (planning, monitoring, evaluation, and replanning). In the course, we will provide demonstrative examples from global and local settings.
The course will adopt interactive learning techniques that enable participants to acquire these
skills through practice.
GHED 6410 Tropical & Travel Medicine
The goal of this course is to provide students and other trainees with an in-depth didactic training in tropical medicine and travel health. The course will involve in-depth lectures on parasitology, tropical diseases (including diarrheal diseases, TB,
AIDS), malnutrition, epidemiology and public health in developing countries, and travel medicine. Case conferences will reinforce the didactic lectures. Laboratory sessions will familiarize the students with how to make diagnoses in areas with
limited access to sophisticated laboratories.
Population Health and Health Disparities Course Descriptions
PHHD 6160 Applications of Population Health
The primary objectives of this course are to apply knowledge of research design, epidemiology, and biostatistics in 1) developing hypotheses and research questions; 2) creating conceptual models; 3) developing and implementing analysis plans to test hypotheses
and research questions; 4) interpreting and translating findings from analyses; and 5) applying the skills, knowledge, and tools learned in courses to hands on research projects. A secondary objective is to provide students with a practical conceptual
and methodological framework for conducting empirical research in population health, clinical science, and rehabilitation sciences. Course assignments—readings, meetings, brief papers, and presentations.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Biostatistics, Introduction to Epidemiology, Introduction to Linear Models, Expected eligibility to sit for qualifying exams at next offering
PHHD 6312/6366 Health & Minorities/Aging
The goal of this course is to provide an overview of special health problems of major ethnic minority groups, of socioeconomic, historical, and cultural factors influencing these health problems, and the difficulties in studying these groups in the fields
of preventive medicine and population health.
PHHD 6374 Applied Survey Methods
This course covers survey methods from questionnaire development to sampling. First, qualitative methods are used to develop content for questionnaires and needs assessments. This first phase of “pilot” interviews is important
for focusing the study purpose, learning what questions are relevant, and obtaining content for developing subsequent systematic questions. Second, questionnaires and interview materials will be developed from qualitative interview results,
from standardized scales, and from national survey questions. We review best practices for writing clear questions, review several national surveys, and discuss scale development. Third, a sampling plan is developed. Sampling theory
is reviewed, and students design a plan to obtain a representative sample. Fourth, statistical techniques for evaluating representativeness of a sample and possible re-weighting (raking) are presented. Statistical tests can compare sample
results to national or census data. Class grades will be based upon participation (discussing reading assignments and completing three monthly assignments and a fourth cumulative assignment).
SPPH Course Descriptions
SPPH 6011 Rotation
This course allows the student, under faculty guidance, to engage in a limited research project unrelated to his or her thesis or dissertation, but concerned with their area of study (Population Health Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences,
or Public Health). Credit and hours to be arranged. Course grade will be based on satisfactory performance and accomplishments in the chosen research area.
SPPH 6013 Aerospace Medicine Capstone
This course is the final capstone project of the Master of Science in Aerospace Medicine for Aerospace Medicine Residents. Each resident will choose a project and mentor relevant to the Aerospace Community and get approval to move forward from the course
directors. Deliverables of a final paper and a presentation are required. Publication is encouraged but not required.
SPPH 6016 Integrative Learning Experience
The Integrative Learning Experience (ILE) is a requirement of all MPH students. The ILE is a culminating project that allows students to integrate the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their MPH coursework and practice experience. It is
intended to provide students with the opportunity to explore a public health area of interest in greater depth, produce a high-quality written product that aligns with their educational and professional goals, and demonstrate the synthesis of competencies
attained during the MPH program.
SPPH 6070 Applied Practice Experience
This course involves the completion of the Applied Practice Experience (APE) requirement described by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The APE allows students to gain experience and develop skills towards the application of public health
knowledge to address public health problems. Students are able to gain applied experience in a variety of settings, including governmental, non-governmental, non-profit, and for-profit agencies. The activities that are completed through this course
should be mutually beneficial to both the student and the selected site.
SPPH 6097 Research
This course is designed to afford the student the opportunity to develop a thesis or dissertation proposal under faculty guidance. The proposal development may involve a literature search, preliminary experimentation, or a pilot field study. The research
will be preliminary but relevant to the thesis or dissertation. Credit and hours to be arranged. Teaching technique is tutorial in nature.
Prerequisites: None
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year offered: Annually
Hours per week:
Variable
SPPH 6098 Thesis
Once admitted to candidacy, it is required for students pursuing a Master of Science or Master of Arts degree to enroll in this course. This course is for the formal research and writing leading to the preparation and completion of the thesis for the
Master of Science or Master of Arts degree while under the direction of the student's supervisory committee. The student will pursue the proposed research and present a progress report and/or agreed upon objectives to the mentor and/or supervisory
committee for approval and recommendations. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the chairperson of the student's supervisory committee and will be assigned as Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N), or Unsatisfactory
(U).
Prerequisites: Admission to candidacy
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year Offered: Annually
Hours per week: Variable 3-9
SPPH 6099 Dissertation
Once admitted to candidacy, it is required for students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy degree to enroll in this course. This course is for the formal research and writing leading to the preparation and completion of the dissertation for the Doctor
of Philosophy degree while under the direction of the student’s supervisory committee. The student will pursue the proposed research and present a progress report and/or agreed upon objectives to the mentor and/or supervisory committee for approval
and recommendations. Grading will be based upon the student's level of performance as reported by the chairperson of the student's supervisory committee and will be assigned as Satisfactory (S), Needs Improvement (N), or Unsatisfactory (U).
Prerequisites:
Admission to candidacy
Terms offered: I, II, III
Year Offered: Annually
Hours per week: Variable 3-9
SPPH 6144 Prof. Pres & Teaching Strategies
This course is designed to develop students’ ability to design effective scientific posters and PowerPoint presentations, and successfully communicate their science through both poster and oral presentations. In addition, students will learn and
use effective teaching strategies and fundamental course design. They will develop a teaching philosophy statement, construct instructional objectives, and design a course syllabus. Through a classroom observation experience, students will observe
and discuss teaching strategies used by university faculty. The course will end with an opportunity to conduct a teaching demonstration to prepare students for faculty job interviews in higher education.
Grading will be based on course assignments
and classroom participation, including online participation and discussion, scientific poster design and presentation, scientific presentation design using PowerPoint and presentation, classroom observation, Teaching Philosophy statement, course syllabus
and instructional objective development, and a teaching demonstration. In addition, there will be two written, graded assignments.
SPPH 6195 Professional Development
This course allows students to increase their knowledge and skills around current issues in public health, programs, and research in various areas, including public health, preventive medicine, health policy, advocacy, and community engagement. The seminar also offers an opportunity for practical knowledge exchange and application of skills to help students become well-rounded practitioners in the field of public health.
SPPH 6301 Preventive Medicine
The course is designed to introduce and explore required Preventive Medicine topics for residents in Aerospace Medicine.
SPPH 6302 Environmental Medicine
The primary objective of this course is to examine factors in the environment that contribute to disease risk. We will cover basic concepts of environmental health sciences, methods typically used to assess the interface(s) of human health and the environment,
the health impacts of environmental exposures, and public health approaches to mitigating environmental health risks. The course will be composed of five units of focus: 1) an overview of the field of environmental health including epidemiology, toxicology,
environmental justice, ethics, exposure science, disaster planning and management; 2) an overview of chemical, physical, and biological agents of environmental disease at the regional and local levels, including community-acquired diseases, hazardous
wastes, toxic metals and elements, pesticides and other organic chemicals, and radiation; 3) applications of general environmental health, including overviews of air and water quality, climate, food safety, solid and liquid wastes, and occupational
health; 4) environmental health practice, including risk assessment, management, and communication as well as policy; and 5) environmental health and medicine including issues specific to aerospace medicine and travel medicine. Basic concepts of toxicology
are critical to occupational and preventive health professionals tasked with evaluating risks arising from exposures in the workplace. The course will provide examples of health consequences that can occur as a result of environmental and/or occupational
exposures with a focus on the application of these concepts to the understanding and prevention of mortality and morbidity. The course is designed to cover required topics for medical practitioners, particularly residents in preventive medicine specialties.
Students will be graded based on their performance on the mid-term (take home) examination, class participation, an oral presentation, written case study that will enable the student to integrate and apply learned concepts, and other assignments.
SPPH 6391 Evidence-based Rehab
The goal of this course is to introduce students and professionals to the concepts of evidence-based practice and outcome measurement in health care with a focus on medical rehabilitation. The course will emphasize the need for evidence-based practice
in health care in general and rehabilitation specifically. We will examine how research methods, procedures, and findings can be used to establish evidence-based strategies and contribute to practice guidelines and implementation science that improve
the health and medical services provided to persons with injury, disability or chronic disease.
SPPH 6401 Policy & Equity
The Policy and Equity course will enable students to evaluate and recommend policies for a selected issue, apply advocacy products or plans for the selected issue, and apply the policy-making process for the issue. Students will compare and contrast health
systems’ models at the global level, including how values and culture affect these systems and the policies that create or change these systems. Students will identify historical and present-day factors (e.g., social, systemic, organizational,
community) that contribute to health inequities and obstruct achieving health equity, and develop a systems map identifying multi-level causes, including structural bias, social inequities, and racism, for the public health or health-related issue.
SPPH 6411 Public Health Practice II
This course is designed for students in the Public Health Practice concentration of the MPH program to apply and implement strategies to improve public health at the population/community level. In addition to lectures and other class activities, students
will hear from community partners and others in public health practice about the realities of community-based public health activities and apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to a real-world project for a community partner.
SPPH 6483 MDMPH Healthcare Delivery & Evaluation
This course is for MD/MPH students and teaches principles, methods, and practices of improving quality, outcomes, and costs of healthcare delivery for patients and populations. This course also covers important evaluation methods and updated knowledge
on pandemic preparation to prepare the next generation of clinician researchers and leaders.
SPPH 6483 Healthcare Delivery and Evaluation
This course is for MD/MPH students and teaches principles, methods and practices of improving quality, outcomes and costs of healthcare delivery for patients and populations with a focus on leadership, financing, value-based care, teamwork, care coordination,
and the translation of science into clinical and community practice. Grades are based on debates, a quality improvement project, a final presentation, class participation and a peer evaluation.
SPPH 6486 Ecological Approaches to Health
Health does not occur within a vacuum. Health is a product of genetic code, behaviors and decisions, social supports and networks, culture, environmental exposures, political forces, and many other determinants. This array of determinants impacts health
across the life course. This course will introduce each of these concepts using a social ecological framework. This course teaches the multitude of factors that contribute to disease risk and influence health, including behavior, culture, environment,
and a variety of other social and structural determinants. This course will focus on key research findings and the growing range of variables known to be antecedents of individual and population health and health disparities over the life course.
Research and practice in this area contributes to the development and evaluation of programs and policies in public health and health services. Course activities will focus on developing knowledge and skills in the application of an ecological framing
to public health solutions. Students will not only gain knowledge about each of these important determinants of health, but will also be given the opportunity to apply what they have learned in practical settings and to reflect on their experiences
through an ecological lens. Grades will be based on 4 reflection papers, 3 application exercises, class participation and a peer evaluation.