23 courses with the subject PBH, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PBH 110Introduction to Public Health
Instructor S. Bullock, Butts This course will introduce the fundamentals and core concepts of public health research and practice. As we explore the history, philosophy and different disciplines of public health, we will evaluate contemporary health issues in ongoing individual assignments as well as in group activities. This course will focus on introducing the principles and basic disciplines of public health: epidemiology and biostatistics; environmental health sciences; social and behavioral health; and health policy, law and regulation. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement. Satisfies a requirement in the Communication Studies interdisciplinary major and minor.
Instructor Lee This course will introduce students to the history, evolution and current topics relevant in clinical ethics. Topics will include issues around birth, reproduction, organ donation, refusal of vaccinations and blood transfusions, experimental treatments, alternative medicine, euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, and issues around death. Students will navigate ethical principles from a theoretical perspective, such as autonomy (self-determination), beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. At the same time they will discuss these principles in practical applications through case analysis and they will examine the tension between theory and practice. The course seeks to create awareness of the health care setting as an enterprise with different stakeholders and tensions, and to develop methods and analytical reasoning skills to discuss value-based conflicts in the health care setting. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement. Satisfies Philosophical and Religious Perspectives requirement.
Instructor Mamoon This course provides an exploration of biological mechanisms that underlie the effects of the psychosocial environment on chronic disease susceptibility in humans. In this course, students will learn about the biological and chemical bases of disease manifestation, diagnosis and treatment, psychosocial and cultural factors that impact health and wellness, and disparities in health status and access to healthcare amongst various populations in the US. However, emphasis will be given to the fundamental concepts in biology; this course has been specifically designed for students who are interested in future careers in health and seek to refresh the knowledge they acquired in a high school biology course. Faced with the new realities of aging and associated increase in the prevalence of chronic disease, how do we as individuals, families and communities manage our health? We need a vision of health care which allows effective and efficient management of chronic disease in order to reduce the burden of illness and disability on society. In this course, you will integrate your knowledge of the natural, clinical, and social sciences to understand select chronic illnesses and consider primary care as an effective, equitable and sustainable chronic care management model. The goal of the course is to provide you with the knowledge and skills you will need to be a thoughtful advocate for quality healthcare for yourself, your family and your community. Community-based learning is an important component of this course. As such, it will require a field experience at a local hospital or clinic. Satisfies major and minor requirement in Public Health. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Not open to students who have credit for BIO 111/113 except by permission of the instructor.
PBH 232Introduction to Environmental Health with Community-Based Learning (=ENV 232)
Instructors Staff Students will apply biological, chemical and epidemiological content to environmental health case studies and community-based learning projects. This is an introductory course designed to expose students to different scientific disciplines within the context of environmental health. Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in Public Health. Satisfies depth or breadth course requirement in Natural Science Track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor. Prerequisites & Notes ENV 232 may not be taken for credit after ENV 233.
PBH 233Introduction to Environmental Health with Laboratory-Based Learning (= ENV 233)
Instructors Staff Students will apply biological, chemical and epidemiological content to environmental health case studies and laboratory projects. This is an introductory course designed to expose students to different scientific disciplines within the context of environmental health. Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in Public Health. Satisfies the Natural Science requirement. Satisfies depth or breadth course requirement in Natural Science Track of the Environmental Studies major or interdisciplinary minor. Prerequisites & Notes ENV 233 may not be taken for credit after ENV 232.
Instructor Mamoon Scientific literature suggests that a person’s zip code, and not genetic code, is a better predictor of their health. Thus, to understand and predict chronic disease susceptibility in humans, we must examine an individual’s social and physical environment. How does the environment interact with our bodies to impact our long-term health? Epigenetic/epigenomic mechanisms are thought to underlie such gene-environment interactions. This course provides an introduction to epigenetic mechanisms - mechanisms that regulate gene expression by altering chromosome structure and function. Topics covered in the course include molecular mechanisms in epigenetics, experimental methods that are used to study epigenetic phenomena, and early clues from biological, environmental, epidemiological, behavioral and clinical studies that implicate epigenetics as a plausible mechanism in the pathogenesis of chronic disease such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes, cancer and mental illness. In this course, students will learn to assess the validity of reports on epigenomic phenomena in popular press by identifying relevant primary literature, evaluating experimental design, and interpreting scientific data. Students will also hone their ability to communicate science with a broad audience. Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in Public Health. Satisfies an interdisciplinary major requirement in Public Health. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Bio 111/113 is a prerequisite for this course as it builds on content covered in Bio 111/113.
PBH 244Child Psychopathology (=EDU 234 and PSY 234)
Instructor Stutts An overview of the psychological disorders of childhood, including their description, classification, etiology, assessment and treatment. Emphasis will be placed on the theoretical and empirical bases of these disorders, focusing on relevant research methods and findings as well as case history material. Social-Scientific Thought requirement. Educational Studies minor credit. Public Health interdisciplinary minor credit. Psychology Major credit (Clinical column) Prerequisites & Notes PSY 101
Instructor S. Bullock, Butts This course will focus on introducing fundamentals of methods used in modern public health research and practice. Through a variety of approaches to formal and experiential learning, you will develop your skills and knowledge in several core concept areas of public health methods: quantitative health data analysis, health surveys, policy analysis, environmental health risk assessment, qualitative data analysis, and health communications. One class per week (on average) will be a “workshop class”, in which you and your classmates will break out into groups to evaluate current topics and issues in public health using different methodological approaches. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement. Satisfies a requirement in the Communication Studies interdisciplinary major and minor. Prerequisites & Notes PBH 110 “Introduction to Public Health”
Instructor Seide This course will explore connections between race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and U.S. social policy with the historical and current trends in health disparities in the USA. This course will offer a foundation in both core concepts and theoretical frameworks for understanding health disparities in the US. Additionally, this course will introduce theory and strategies for developing health interventions and policies to address the crisis of racial, ethnic and socioeconomic health disparities in the USA. Satisfies a major requirement in Sociology. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement. Satisfies a requirement in the Communication Studies interdisciplinary major and minor. Satisfies Social-Scientific Thought requirement. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement. Prerequisites & Notes PBH 110 ‘Introduction to Public Health’
PBH 262Antiracist Physiology and Medicine (=BIO 262)
Instructor Barsoum Readings and discussion of historical and current racist practices in healthcare and biomedical research. The focus will be on dispelling myths of biological race and recognizing their insidious consequences, including deliberate biomedical exploitation of racialized groups, systematized practice of racialized medicine, and misconceptions about racialized bodies widely held among medical students, researchers, and practitioners today. Attention will be given to biological and physiological truths as a counterforce to the unfounded beliefs that lead to racist clinical and research practices, inequities in healthcare and medical treatment, and disparities in health outcomes. Relevant physiology and pathophysiology will be addressed. Satisfies the requirement in Justice, Equality, and Community. Satisfies an elective requirement in the Biology major. Satisfies an elective requirement (Structural Inequalities or Natural Sciences) in the Public Health interdisciplinary minor. Prerequisites & Notes Successful completion of Bio 111/113 and 112/114 is required.
PBH 280Foundations in Global Public Health (=SOC 280)
Instructor Chillag The course emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of global health, grounded in the theories, concepts, methods, and contexts of contemporary public health. It situates current and emerging public health challenges in relation to their biological, historical, social, cultural, ethical, and political dimensions. Through a mix of methods that may include lectures, guest speakers, films, simulations, case studies, and other hands-on activities, students will analyze the roles and impact of key actors and institutions, critically evaluate sources of information about and perspectives on global health, and analyze the factors required to design and implement effective programs and policies in different contexts. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement. Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement. Prerequisites & Notes PBH 110
Instructor Bullock Epidemiology is the systematic and rigorous study of health and disease in a population. According to the Institute of Medicine, epidemiology is the basic science of public health. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to core concepts in epidemiology, including history, philosophy, and uses of epidemiology; descriptive epidemiology, such as patterns of disease and injury; association and causation of disease, including concepts of inference, bias, and confounding; analytical epidemiology, including experimental and non-experimental design; and applications to basic and clinical science and policy. The course is designed to require problem-based learning of epidemiological concepts and methods, so that students can use epidemiology as a scientific tool for addressing the health needs of the community. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement. Satisfies the Social-Scientific Thought requirement. Prerequisites & Notes PBH 110
Instructor Chillag The course will explore the history of and contemporary public health, using film to grapple with questions including: why do we pay attention to some public health problems and not others? From whose perspectives are the stories of public health told? How do those representations affect public perceptions and public health practice and policy? The course will require students to engage with public health and documentary ethics as well as critical analysis of how they and others produce and evaluate information about public health. We will engage with a variety of complex topics in public health, including the nature of public health as a profession and a range of public health issues including HIV/AIDS, emerging pathogens, opioid use, and environmental disasters. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement.
Instructor Chillag Those engaged in public health -whether as professionals or persons and communities affected by public health problems -will encounter challenging ethical issues. Beginning with that premise, this course will address ethical issues in public health practice and policy, providing conceptual frameworks and practical tools. It will grapple with challenging questions about what public health issues we pay attention to and why, the use of limited resources, restrictive public health measures like quarantine, vulnerable and marginalized persons, health disparities, and globalization. This course addresses a range of issues in public health ethics. Case studies will be an important component of the course. Satisfies Public Health minor requirement.
Instructor Chillag Access to clean water is essential to human health. Yet, millions of people globally lack access to clean water. Water insecurity is increasing as a result of climate change. From the impact of diarrheal diseases on young children to increasing water-related migration and conflict, this course explores the biological, sociocultural, and political dimensions of water and human health. We will examine a range of topics including global approaches to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and several key case studies including the Flint water crisis, the reintroduction of cholera into Haiti, plumbing poverty in the United States, and the Clean India campaign. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement. Satisfies Justice, Equality, and Community requirement. Prerequisites & Notes PBH 110 ‘Introduction to Public Health’ or PBH 280 ‘Introduction to Global Health’
PBH 354Medical Rehabilitation and Disability (=PSY 354)
Instructor Stutts This course addresses the conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of chronic health conditions, traumatic injuries, and disabilities. The readings will include an evidenced-based handbook on psychosocial adjustment to illness; peer-reviewed articles; and memoirs from the vantage point of the patient, caregiver, and healthcare provider. This course is community-based; therefore, it will also include a field experience at a local rehabilitation hospital . Satisfies Psychology major requirement. Satisfies a Public Health major and minor requirement. Prerequisites & Notes PSY 101
Instructor Stutts This seminar explores the connections between nutrition, bodies, and health from a biopsychosocial perspective and an interdisciplinary lens drawing from biology, psychology, and public health. In the first half of the course, we will discuss the assessment and research of nutritional diseases, contributors and causes of them, and the consequences and stigma related to them. In the second half of the course, we will evaluate interventions for nutritional diseases in the following categories: pharmacological, surgical, dietary, physical activity, body image, community-based, underserved population-focused, and Health at Every Size® interventions. We will approach this topic with an appreciation of body diversity and a social justice framework of size and weight equality. In addition, this course will include a community-based project where students will create an intervention with a group to improve an area of nutrition, bodies, and health in our society. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement. Satisifies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement. Prerequisites & Notes Open to juniors, and seniors only.
Instructor Akinso Fall 2025 Topic Public Health Education and Promotion This course introduces students to the core concepts and methods of public health education and promotion, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice. Through hands-on in-class labs and real-world case studies, students will assess community needs, plan health education programs, and evaluate their impact. By the end of the course, students will gain practical experience in designing and implementing a community health promotion program that drives measurable changes. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement. Prerequisites & Notes PBH 110 or PBH 250 or PBH 280 Not open to first-year students
Instructor Soremekun Fall 2025 Topic - Public Health in Africa This course explores the diverse public health landscape in Africa, focusing on the historical, social, political, and economic factors influencing health outcomes. Students will examine key issues such as infectious diseases, noncommunicable conditions, and maternal health while analyzing real-world case studies and successful interventions. Through collaborative projects and hands-on assignments, students will gain skills in health systems analysis and culturally responsive public health solutions. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement.
Instructor S. Butts The United States is currently facing a preventable maternal health crisis, with continuous high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. This course will explore the opportunities and challenges in preventing pregnancy-related death among women in the US. An investigation of current health issues related to women during the preconception, prenatal, and postpartum periods will be explored. Additionally, the life course perspective principles will be used to connect social and environmental exposures to reproductive health outcomes. Peer-review articles, news media, documentaries, case studies, and books will be used to identify disparities, health inequities and opportunities for improvement of health among women of reproductive age. Satisfies Public Health major and minor requirement.
Instructor Staff The purpose of Issues in Medicine is to critically evaluate the external influence of social values, culture, political climate, technological development, population characteristics, and global concerns on shaping health care systems and delivery. Implications for the patient and health care provider will be discussed. By participating in clinical rotations, students are expected to apply concepts learned in class to real world experiences.
Instructor Chillag Spring 2022 Public Health Ethics Those engaged in public health -whether as professionals or persons and communities affected by public health problems -will encounter challenging ethical issues. Beginning with that premise, this course will address ethical issues in public health practice, research, and policy, providing conceptual frameworks and practical tools. It will grapple with challenging questions about the use of limited resources, restrictive public health measures like quarantine, vulnerable and marginalized persons, health disparities, and globalization. The course will focus on a range of issues affecting public health, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, COVID-19, climate change, migration, malnutrition, and others, often drawn from case studies based on real-world public health practice. Prerequisites & Notes The course is designed for students with prior exposure to public health issues and concepts. Enrollment in the course requires taking one or more of the following as a prerequisite, or obtaining the permission of the course instructor: Introduction to Public Health; Health Disparities in the US and Beyond; Introduction to Epidemiology; Genes, Environment and Health. PBH 395 is repeatable for credit.
