Courses in the School of Public Health

School of Public Health

Courses

Behavioral and Community Health Sciences

• BCHS 6212 - Behavioral Science Theories in Public Health Practice

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course is designed to expose students to the origin and use of behavioral and psychosocial theories in public health research and practice. Specifically, this course will explore how theoretical concepts, constructs, frameworks and models are utilized in developing, implementing and evaluating public health interventions.
• BCHS 6213 - Community Analysis, Ecology, and Health Disparities

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is to identify and understand how multiple social determinants of health contribute to health disparities at the community level. This course examines the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods to track health disparities and monitor progress of public health interventions designed to reduce or eliminate health disparities at the community level. Prerequisite: First year Core Courses.
• BCHS 6214 - Health Communication

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Providing a foundation in the science, theory, and practice of effective health communication, this course also prepares the student to develop, deliver, and evaluate health communication campaigns and disseminate information to a wide variety of potential audiences. Prerequisite: BCHS 6212 
• BCHS 6215 - Monitoring and Evaluation

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the concepts of monitoring and evaluation of community, health promotion, and other public health programs. This course presents models, techniques, and practices of designing and implementing program evaluation plans. Prerequisite: EPID 6210 
• BCHS 6216 - Health Program Development and Planning

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course provides the student with a review of the basic principles and methods for planning, executing, monitoring, and evaluating health promotion and health education intervention programs. Prerequisite: BCHS 6212 
• BCHS 6217 - Community Based Participatory Programming

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course introduces the student to the concepts of community-based participatory research and interventional programming in public health. This course presents concepts, models, techniques, and practices useful in developing a collaborative program. Prerequisite: EPID 6210  and BCHS 6212 
• BCHS 6218 - Principles of Rural Health

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an overview of healthcare and access issues involved in rural areas of the US.
• BCHS 6219 - Behavior Theory Applications

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is to expand the student’s knowledge of the analytic and research methods applied in the behavioral and health sciences. This course presents an overview of how these are used to inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of research and interventions within the context of established behavioral theories and models. Prerequisite: BCHS 6212 
• BCHS 6220 - Issues in Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course examines the history, organization, and financing of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services in the U.S and to provide an overview of the health, social, economic, and policy issues currently affecting reproductive age women, infants, children and adolescents. This course presents practices of assessing MCH related data and retrieving evidence-based interventions and translating data/evidence into policy recommendations. Prerequisite: BCHS 6212 
• BCHS 6221 - Survey Design

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is to gain the knowledge necessary to develop and execute a survey and analyze the collected data. Students will gain knowledge essential to design, create, and conduct a survey project. Utilizing knowledge gained from prerequisites, students will be able to analyze the survey data and determine its quality. Prerequisite: BIOS 6100 
• BCHS 6222 - Chronic Disease Prevention and Management

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course introduces the public health student to current issues in chronic disease management, including challenges in disease prevention and management, the population-based perspective of chronic disease, integrating clinical preventive services into chronic care, and issues of public policy that impact the burden of chronic illness. Prerequisite: BCHS 6212 
• BCHS 6223 - Public Health Implications of an Aging Society

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course prepares the public health student to address health promotion, chronic disease self-management and other behavioral and quality of life issues of health care for an aging society. Prerequisite: EPID 6210  and BCHS 6212 
• BCHS 6224 - Health Related Physical Activity

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course introduces the student to the role physical activity and nutrition contribute to creating and maintaining optimum health.
• BCHS 6225 - Infectious Disease: A Public Health Response

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course provides the student with an overview of the impact of infectious diseases on the populations’ health. This course will focus on the public health burden of infectious diseases and public health measures to prevent and control infectious diseases.
• BCHS 6227 - Research Methods in the Health Sciences

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is to provide students with a practical introduction to conducting research and preparing reports using quantitative methods in a structured environment. This course presents an overview of how theory is used to inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of research and interventions. Students will conduct guided research projects using secondary data analysis. Prerequisite: EPID 6210  and BIOS 6100
• BCHS 6400 - Independent Study

  [1-3 Credits]

  ---

  This course provides the student an opportunity to study a topic in depth while under the guidance of a faculty member. The focus of the course will be a specific aspect of a public health discipline which is not the primary focus of exiting public health courses. The course will involve directed readings and may require completion of a paper or study project that provides evidence of comprehension and professional proficiency in the area studied. Independent Study may only be taken for a maximum of 3 credit hours toward the MPH Degree.
• BCHS 6600 - Culminating Experience/Capstone in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  (P/F) All professional degree programs identified in the instructional matrix shall assure that each student demonstrates skills and integration of knowledge through a culminating experience. A culminating experience is one that requires a student to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice. Prerequisite: BIOS 6100 Biostatistical Methods I, BIOS lab or BIOS 6200 - Principles of Applied Statistics ; EPID 6210 - Principles of Epidemiology ; ENHS 6238 - Principles of Environmental Health ; BCHS 6212 - Behavioral Science Theories in Public Health Practice ; and HPSM 6268 - Health Services Administration and Management .
• BCHS 6700 - Behavioral and Community Health Seminar

  [1 Credit]

  ---

  (P/F) This seminar will address a variety of topics related to behavioral and community health. Each seminar will be taught by BCHS faculty and/or guest speakers.
• BCHS 7201 - Ecological Approaches to Community Health Sciences

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course introduces students to the concept that health-related outcomes involve the interaction of the individual with the environment at multiple levels. The ecological approach addresses how both individual-level risk factors, as well as beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions, may be moderated and/or mediated by environmental and social factors, such as norms, social networks, and cultural values, to affect health outcomes. Mirroring the complexity of contemporary public health problems, the major variables in social ecological models are multi-level and their influence is bi-directional. Students will learn to use this approach to address several major public health issues, including health disparity, smoking, obesity, and addiction. Class activities will include lecture, group projects, films, and discussion.
• BCHS 7202 - Health Behavior Change

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This is an advanced course on theoretical and practical aspects of health behavior change. The course is designed to provide an understanding of theoretical issues and current methodologies influencing health behavior change. Several models of health behavior changes will be studied in detail. The strengths and shortcomings of these models for the development and evaluation of interventions at individual, community and system levels will be critically assessed. Students will be expected to translate their knowledge into practical interventions for health behavior change.
• BCHS 7203 - Advanced Research Methods in Community Health Sciences

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Designed for doctoral students, the purpose of this course is to provide students with a practical introduction to conducting research and preparing reports using quantitative methods in a structured environment. This course presents an overview of how theory is used to inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of research and interventions. Students will conduct guided research projects using secondary data analysis.
• BCHS 7207 - Advanced Community Analysis, Ecology and Health Disparities

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Designed for doctoral degree students, this course is to identify how multiple social determinants of health contribute to health at the community level. This course examines the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods to evaluate health behaviors and monitor progress of public health interventions designed to promote health behaviors or eliminate health disparities at the community level.
• BCHS 7217 - Advanced Community Based Participatory Programming

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Designed for doctoral degree students, this course introduces the student to the concepts of community-based participatory research and interventional programming in public health. This course presents concepts, models, techniques, and practices useful in developing a collaborative program.
• BCHS 7218 - Advanced Principles of Rural Health

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Designed for doctoral degree students, this course provides the student with an overview of healthcare and access issues involved in rural areas of the US.
• BCHS 7220 - Advanced Issues in Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Designed for doctoral degree students, this course examines the history, organization, and financing of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services in the U.S and provides an overview of the health, social, economic, and policy issues currently affecting reproductive age women, infants, children and adolescents. This course presents practices of assessing MCH related data and retrieving evidence-based interventions and translating data/evidence into policy recommendations.
• BCHS 7221 - Advanced Survey Design

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Designed for doctoral degree students, this course provides the knowledge necessary to develop and execute a survey and analyze the collected data. Students will gain knowledge essential to design, create, and conduct a survey project. Utilizing knowledge gained from prerequisites, students will be able to analyze the survey data and determine its quality.
• BCHS 7222 - Advanced Chronic Disease Prevention and Management

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Designed for doctoral degree students, this course introduces the public health student to current issues in chronic disease management, including challenges in disease prevention and management, the population-based perspective of chronic disease, integrating clinical preventive services into chronic care, and issues of public policy that impact the burden of chronic illness.
• BCHS 7223 - Advanced Public Health Implications of an Aging Society

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Designed for doctoral degree students, this course prepares the public health student to address health promotion, chronic disease self-management and other behavioral and quality of life issues of health care for an aging society.
• BCHS 7224 - Advanced Health Related Physical Activity

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Designed for doctoral degree students, this course introduces the student to the concepts of community-based participatory research and interventional programming in public health. This course presents concepts, models, techniques, and practices useful in developing a collaborative program.
• BCHS 7225 - Advanced Infectious Disease: A Public Health Response

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Designed for doctoral degree students, this course provides the student with an overview of the impact of infectious diseases on the populations’ health. This course will focus on the public health burden of infectious diseases and public health measures to prevent and control infectious diseases.
• BCHS 7350 - Translational Research

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course will focus on multidisciplinary research skills needed to carry out bench to bedside to community health and population translational research. The primary objective of the program is to train individuals to interpret basic and clinical science research and apply this knowledge to the development of community health and population research projects. Students will gain expertise in research study design, statistical methodology, translational research technologies, grant and scientific writing skills, evaluation and dissemination strategies.
• BCHS 7351 - Race/Ethnicity, Gender and Health Disparities

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course will explore the interconnection between race/ethnicity, gender and health by examining theoretical and research paradigms from sociology, anthropology, policy studies and public health. The course will explore how race/ethnicity and gender are shaped by political, social, economic, geographical and organizational factors and contribute to variations in health outcomes according to social class, geographical location, and social economic position. Class activities include: 1) class discussion with regard to how race/ethnicity and gender translate into unequal distribution of power that simultaneously operate at both the macro (societal) and micro (individual) levels of society; 2) data collection approaches and analytical methods to identify and understand links between race/ethnicity, gender and health; and 3) discussions concerning the role of public health in identifying ways to utilize emerging research regarding race/ethnicity, gender and health to advance public health research and practice.
• BCHS 7352 - Mental Health Promotion in Community Health Science

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course exposes students to the emerging field of mental health promotion; its history, principles, theories; and its differences and linkages to mental illness prevention. The course objectives are to impart knowledge of the basic principles of mental health promotion; teach the many factors causal to mental illness and the maintenance of mental health; and afford students an understanding of the complexity and multiplicity of disciplines involved in the practice of mental health promotion. In this course, students will review trends (vital statistics and epidemiology) in mental health among different populations as well as the risk and protective factors associated with mental health. Students will explore the sociocultural definitions and impact of mental health, mental illness, and stigma. The course describes a conceptual paradigm for mental health promotion from both policy and practice frameworks, including assessment, consultation, education, and training.
• BCHS 7410 - CHS Teaching Practicum

  [2 Credits]

  ---

  (P/F) This course will provide doctoral students in Community Health Sciences with supervised teaching experience to develop their pedagogical skills. This experience will come primarily from serving in the role of teaching assistants for Behavioral and Community Health Sciences courses. Developmental workshops and materials offered by the LSU Health Sciences Center’s Academy for the Advancement of Education Scholarship will be incorporated as part of the training experience.
• BCHS 7700 - Community Health Sciences Seminar I

  [1 Credit]

  ---

  (P/F) This course provides students with a broad overview of issues in behavioral and community health sciences. Each session will address a different topic related to research and practice and will be taught by both CHS faculty and visiting professors.
• BCHS 7701 - Community Health Sciences Seminar II

  [1 Credit]

  ---

  (P/F) This course provides students with a broad overview of issues in behavioral and community health sciences. Each session will address a different topic related to research and practice and will be taught by both CHS faculty and visiting professors.
• BCHS 7702 - Community Health Sciences Seminar III

  [1 Credit]

  ---

  (P/F) This course provides students with a broad overview of issues in behavioral and community health sciences. Each session will address a different topic related to research and practice and will be taught by both BCHS faculty and visiting professors.
• BCHS 7900 - Dissertation Research

  [1-11 Credits]

  ---

  (P/F) For doctoral candidates conducting research for their dissertation. Registration by permission of the program. Amount of credit must be stated at the time of registration.

Biostatistics

• BIOS 6100 - Biostatistical Methods I

  [4 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture and two hours of lab per week. General introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics: techniques and principles for summarizing data, estimation, hypothesis testing and decision-making. Students are instructed on the proper use of statistical software to manage, manipulate, and analyze data and to prepare summary reports and graphical displays. Examples and problems from the health sciences are used throughout. Laboratory sessions will be held in the SPH computing lab and are designed to closely follow the lecture material. (Non-biostatistics majors only)
• BIOS 6200 - Principles of Applied Statistics

  [4 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours lecture and two hours of lab per week. Broad coverage of methods of applied statistics, designed for students who want to take advantage of their good math backgrounds for better understanding. Data description; elementary probability, random variables, distributions; principles of statistical inference; methods for on-two-, and multi-sample settings, including ANOVA and multiple regression; methods for categorical responses. Use of SAS and other software for analysis, simulations, graphics, and report writing. Some cases will use large national databases, such as NHANES and CPS. Laboratory sessions will be held in the SPH computing lab and are designed to closely follow the lecture material. Prerequisite: multi-variable calculus and linear algebra.
• BIOS 6202 - Applied Linear Models

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. This is a practical course on the use of general linear models. Topics include a review of relevant matrix algebra; general linear models including multiple regression, analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, multivariate response, and logistic regression models; methods for estimation, hypothesis testing and diagnostics; model specification for designed experiments and for observational studies; applications are in the health sciences. Prerequisite: BIOS 6100 or BIOS 6200 .
• BIOS 6204 - Statistical Theory I

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Elementary concepts of probability; conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem; random variables and probability distributions, transformations of random variables; moments and moment generating functions; discrete and continuous random variables, common families of distributions; essential inequalities and identities; multivariate distributions, joint, conditional and marginal distributions; covariance and correlation, conditional expectation; basic concepts of random samples; convergence concepts, convergence in probability and in distribution, the law of large numbers, and the central limit theorem. Prerequisite: multivariate calculus and linear algebra.
• BIOS 6206 - Statistical Theory II

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Principles of data reduction, sufficiency and completeness, minimal sufficient statistics; the likelihood principle; point estimation, method of moments, maximum likelihood estimation; methods of evaluating estimators, unbiased estimation, Fisher information, hypotheses testing, likelihood ratio tests, methods of evaluating tests, methods of evaluating interval estimators Prerequisite: BIOS 6204 
• BIOS 6210 - Categorical Data Analysis

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Model formulation, parameter estimation, and hypothesis testing for categorical data from different types of experimental and survey research situations: Characterization of interaction in multidimensional contingency tables, stepwise regression procedures for proportions, and exact inference. Prerequisite: BIOS 6102 or BIOS 6202 .
• BIOS 6212 - Survival Analysis

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. This course provides students with statistical methodology for the analysis of time-to-event data and trains students in the appropriate analysis of survival data, by both parametric and nonparametric methods. Emphasis will be placed on methods and models most useful in clinical research with attention to proper interpretation of statistical packages output. Prerequisite: BIOS 6102 or BIOS 6202 .
• BIOS 6300 - Statistical Computing

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week, summer semester. An introductory programming course oriented toward statistical applications using SAS (including IML) and the R programming languages. Topics include data types, assignment statements, operators, sequential control, conditional control, iteration, subprograms, arrays, character manipulation, manipulating and processing SAS output from SAS procedures, Gibbs sampler, and Markov Chain Monte-Carlo methods. Prerequisite: BIOS 6202  or permission of the instructor.
• BIOS 6302 - Longitudinal Data Analysis

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. This course will emphasize analysis and interpretation of data obtained from subjects measured repeatedly over time. Coverage will begin with traditional approaches to analysis of longitudinal data such as multivariate repeated measures and the univariate analysis of repeated measures as a split-plot model and will quickly lead into models for mean response such as the analysis of response profiles and parametric curve fitting including linear splines. Models for the covariance matrix will be then be considered. Linear mixed models and generalized estimation equations will be covered in detail. Other topics will be covered as time allows. Examples from the health and biomedical sciences will be presented to motivate the material. Prerequisite: BIOS 6102 or BIOS BIOS 6202 .
• BIOS 6304 - Design and Analysis of Experiments

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Principles of experimentation. Completely randomized designs, randomized complete block designs, factorial designs, Latin squares, crossover designs, blocking, response surface designs. Applications in the health sciences. Prerequisite: BIOS 6100 or BIOS 6200 , or permission of the instructor.
• BIOS 6308 - Multivariate Methods

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Review of matrix algebra, multivariate normal distribution, multivariate general linear model, principal components, factor analysis, cluster analysis, discriminate analysis. Applications to the health sciences. Prerequisite: BIOS 6202 , BIOS 6206 .
• BIOS 6310 - Applied Bayesian Methods

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Introduction to Bayesian approach to statistical inference. Application orientated, but such theory as is necessary for a proper understanding of the Bayesian methodology will be covered. Topics covered include Bayesian Inference – prior determination, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, prediction, model assessment and model choice; Bayesian Computation – Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. Gibbs Sampling and extensions; and Bayesian applications on real data sets from the biological or medical fields. Prerequisite: BIOS 6102 (or BIOS 6202 ), BIOS 6206 , BIOS 6300 , or permission of the instructor.
• BIOS 6312 - Sampling Methods

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Methods for conducting sample surveys in the health sciences: Biases and non-sampling errors, probability and non-probability samples, simple random sampling, stratification, varying probabilities of selection, multi-stage sampling, systematic sampling, cluster sampling, double sampling, and ratio estimation. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
• BIOS 6314 - Clinical Trials Methodology

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Introduction to the conduct of clinical trials and clinical trials methodology. Topics covered include selection of primary and secondary research questions and hypotheses, use of surrogate variables, defining study population, generalizability of results, basic study design, randomization process, blinding, sample size estimation, using baseline assessments, recruitment of study participants, data collection and quality control, assessing and reporting adverse events, assessing quality of life, participant adherence, survival analysis techniques and issues, monitoring response variables, data analysis issues, study closeout, and reporting and interpreting results. Prerequisite: BIOS 6102 or BIOS 6202 .
• BIOS 6316 - Stochastic Processes

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Markov chains; birth-death processes; random walks; renewal theory; Poisson processes; Brownian motion; branching processes; martingales; with applications. Prerequisite: BIOS 6206 .
• BIOS 6400 - Independent Study

  [1-3 Credits]

  ---

  This course provides the student an opportunity to study a topic in depth while under the guidance of a faculty member. The focus of the course will be a specific area within biostatistics which is not the primary focus of an existing biostatistics course. The course will involve directed readings and may require completion of a paper or study project that provides evidence of comprehension and proficiency in the area studied. Independent Study may only be taken for a maximum of 3 credit hours toward the MPH Degree.
• BIOS 6450 - Design and Analysis of Expression Studies

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Introduction to DNA, RNA, protein and gene expression; statistical methods; microarray technology; data visualization and quality control; variability in microarray data; specific and non-specific hybridization—background correction; normalization and transformation; gene expression summarization; missing value problems; detection of differentially expressed genes; design of microarray experiments. Prerequisite: BIOS 6202 .
• BIOS 6500 - Special Topics in Biostatistics

  [1-4 Credits]

  ---

  This course is designed depending upon student’s interest and faculty availability, to cover advanced topics such as time series analysis, machine learning, bioinformatics, robust statistics, etc. The hours and credits will be arranged depending on the particular topic.
• BIOS 6600 - Culminating Experience/Capstone in Biostatistics

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  All professional degree programs identified in the instructional matrix shall assure that each student demonstrates skills and integration of knowledge through a culminating experience. A culminating experience is one that requires a student to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice. Prerequisite: BIOS 6200 - Principles of Applied Statistics ; EPID 6210 - Principles of Epidemiology ; ENHS 6238 - Principles of Environmental Health ; BCHS 6212 - Behavioral Science Theories in Public Health Practice ; and HPSM 6268 - Health Services Administration and Management . MPH students only.
• BIOS 6610 - Biostatistical Consulting

  [2 Credits]

  ---

  A practical course designed to expose students to real-life consulting situations and the statistical problems that arise in the health sciences. The student will work on a consulting project under the supervision of a faculty member and will present a progress report each week. Prerequisite: BIOS 6202 .
• BIOS 6700 - Research Seminar in Biostatistics

  [2 Credit]

  ---

  Reports on research progress in current literature. Students attend colloquium and give an oral presentation in their second year.
• BIOS 6900 - Thesis Research

  [1-6 Credits]

  ---

  (P/F) Registration by permission of the program. Amount of credit must be stated at time of registration.
• BIOS 7200 - Theory of Linear Models

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. This course presents the essentials of statistical inference theory for general linear models. Topics include a review of relevant matrix algebra; distributions of quadratic forms; theoretical aspects of estimation, hypothesis testing and diagnostics. Prerequisite: BIOS 6202 , BIOS 6206 , or permission of the instructor.
• BIOS 7202 - Generalized Linear Models

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Study of parametric models in the exponential family of distributions including the normal, binomial, Poisson, and gamma. Parameter estimation with iterative re-weighted least squares and quasi-likelihood methods. Modeling of correlated data or data with non-constant variance via mixed models (e.g., GLIMMIX). In-depth coverage of generalized estimating equations (GEE1 and GEE2) and quadratic estimating equations (QEE). Applications with be presented from a variety of settings such as the basic sciences, medicine, dental, and public health. Prerequisite: BIOS 6202 , BIOS 6206 , or permission of the instructor.
• BIOS 7204 - Advanced Statistical Theory I

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. A mathematical study of the classical theory of statistical inference. Moment generating functions and characteristic functions, distributions of order statistics, exponential family of distributions, models of convergence, the Cramer-Rao inequality, efficiency, best unbiased estimation, completeness, minimal sufficiency, maximum likelihood estimators; monotone likelihood ratio, unbiased and invariant hypothesis tests, generalized likelihood ratio tests, Bayes’ and minimax procedures. Prerequisite: BIOS 6206 .
• BIOS 7205 - Advanced Statistical Theory II

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. A mathematically rigorous survey of selected topics in the theory of statistical inference such as: Bayesian inference, decision theory, information theory, large sample theory, multivariate distributions, nonparametric inference, sequential analysis, stochastic processes, time series, components of variance. Prerequisite: BIOS 7204 .
• BIOS 7302 - Mixed Models

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Three hours of lecture per week. Rigorous course on the theory of mixed models. Essentials of relevant matrix algebra; distribution of quadratic forms; models with variance-covariance components; one-way, two-way random and mixed models with fixed effects; methods of estimation of variance components; ML, REML, ANOVA; estimation of fixed effects; testing hypotheses about fixed effects; repeated measures design methods; choices of covariance structures; generalized linear mixed models. Prerequisite: BIOS 7200 .
• BIOS 7410 - Teaching Practicum in Biostatistics

  [1-3 Credits]

  ---

  Advanced PhD students in Biostatistics working under the supervision of a faculty member will have the opportunity to gain valuable in-class teaching experience. Students will be intensively involved in all aspects of course teaching and administration. Working closely with a faculty member, the student will prepare a syllabus, lectures, handouts, quizzes, and exams. The student will also be responsible for all grading of homework, quizzes and exams. The faculty member will evaluate each of the lectures, providing direction, advice and feedback to the student. A written evaluation detailing the student’s performance will be provided as feedback to the student and will be the basis for the (Pass/Fail) grade. Each PhD student in Biostatistics is required to successfully complete at least 3 hours of supervised teaching before graduation. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the qualifying exam at the PhD level.
• BIOS 7900 - Dissertation Research

  [15 Credits]

  ---

  (P/F) Registration by permission of the program. Amount of credit must be stated at time of registration.

Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences

• ENHS 6238 - Principles of Environmental Health

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course explores the relationships between man and the natural environment by examining the impact of human activities on air, water, soil, and food quality, and by analyzing the outcomes of encounters between humans and natural events, venomous animals, and toxic plants and fungi.
• ENHS 6239 - Principles of Occupational Health

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this ENHS curriculum core curriculum course is (1) to provide public health practitioners and managers with an overview of occupational health and related medical issues, (2) to link occupational hazards and exposures with the pathophysiologic development of occupationally-related illnesses, and (3) to fulfill the Occupational Health and Medicine course requirements.
• ENHS 6240 - Traveler’s Health and Tropical Medicine

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is (1) to provide an overview of traveler’s health and related travel and tropical medical issues, and (2) to link foreign travel and tropical and other environmental exposures with the pathophysiologic development of travel and environmentally related illnesses. This course is not a laboratory course and does not duplicate the didactic and laboratory material presented in Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology (MIP). This course emphasizes the etiologic agents, clinical manifestations, medical and surgical management, and primary and secondary prevention of travel-acquired and tropical diseases.
• ENHS 6241 - Medical Toxicology

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is (1) to provide public health, medical, and health sciences graduate students with an introduction to medical toxicology and related medical issues; (2) to link illicit, prescribed, and OTC pharmaceutical poisonings with the pathophysiologic development of drug-induced illnesses, (3) to link occupational, environmental, and wilderness hazards and exposures with the pathophysiologic development of organic toxin-induced illnesses; (4) to develop methodologies for the primary prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common poisonings in children and adults; and (5) to prepare medical students for the USMLE Parts 2 and 3, specifically to prepare for questions regarding common poisonings and envenomations in children and adults.
• ENHS 6242 - Analytical and Forensic Toxicology

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of the course is to provide public health professionals with an understanding of the application of Analytical Chemistry in Forensic Toxicology. Forensic Toxicology (analytical, clinical, environmental, etc.) is the science of toxicology used in a legal setting.
• ENHS 6243 - Air Quality, Air Pollution, and Dispersion Modeling

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course will consider the common biological, chemical, and physiochemical contaminants of indoor and outdoor air in relationship to national air quality standards and recommended maximum exposure levels. In addition, this course will introduce the application of computer modeling in predicting the directions, configurations, maximum contaminant levels, and human health effects of intentional and unintentional vapor plume releases. Designs for gaseous pollutant and particulate control are discussed.
• ENHS 6245 - Health Risk Assessment and Management

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course provides students with the knowledge and methodology to determine whether current or future chemical exposures will pose health risk to certain population or ecosystems. The objectives of this course are (1) to provide the concept of environmental health risk assessment, (2) to understand the basic components of risk assessment, (3) to understand the methods for risk analysis and management, (4) to familiarize with different toxicological databases and resources, (5) to familiarize with the regulatory aspect of risk assessment (6) to provide the skills of effective risk communication.
• ENHS 6246 - Water Quality Management

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is (1) to provide an overview of principle of water quality management, (2) to familiarize with water quality law and regulation, (3) to familiarize with water sources/usage and water quality characteristics, (4) to identify water pollution parameters, (5) to examine the available treatments, (6) and to understand the importance of water quality monitoring and protection.
• ENHS 6247 - Prevention and Management of Food Borne Diseases

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of (1) food borne diseases and their etiologies, (2) factors that favor and deter microbial growth in foods, (3) characteristics of food borne disease outbreaks, (4) emerging pathogens related to food borne disease, and (5) federal and state responsibilities in control of food borne disease.
• ENHS 6249 - Occupational Lung Diseases

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is to provide public health professionals with a solid understanding of: (1) How occupational and environmental exposures can cause pulmonary disease; (2) How respiratory protection can be employed to prevent occupational pulmonary disease; (3) How physicians assess a worker for possible lung disease; (4) Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and prognosis of common occupational pulmonary diseases.
• ENHS 6250 - Emergency Response to Disasters and Terrorism

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of this course is to provide public health students with an overview and awareness of potential threats facing our homeland and to familiarize students with the protocols for response for Public Health employees and for the local, state, and federal agencies associated with response and recovery. Emergency response is multi-faceted and this course will include observation as well as practical experiences in the field.
• ENHS 6251 - Radiological Health and Radiation Safety

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course provides a basic review of nuclear physics and considers the common environmental sources of natural and manmade ionizing radiation and the human health impact of ionizing radiation. Radiation protection of workers and the general public are discussed.
• ENHS 6252 - Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Safety

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course considers the principles of industrial hygiene including skin and lung absorption, dermal and inhalation toxicology, biohazards, ergonomics, chemical agents, and indoor heating/cooling and ventilation systems. In addition, this course teaches the principles of industrial plant safety including job safety analysis, job re-design, hazard identification, biomarker monitoring, emergency operations, and the socio-behavioral aspects of safety compliance.
• ENHS 6253 - Geospatial Health and the Environment

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The purpose of the ENHS public health course entitled Geospatial Health and Environment is (1) to provide public health, medical, and health sciences graduate students with an introduction to medical applications of the geospatial sciences and related environmental issues; (2) to link new tools in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing (GIS/RS) to environmental and geospatial risk factors that determine the spatial distribution and prevalence of disease, (3) understand the fundamental concepts of landscape epidemiology and the basis for ecological niche modeling of disease agents, (4) develop technical skills needed for application of GIS/RS decision support systems in prevention, control and health education programs, and (5) integrate course concepts and skills by development and presentation of a class project that applying GIS/RS to a disease issue of public health importance.
• ENHS 6400 - Independent Study

  [1-3 credits]

  ---

  This course provides the student an opportunity to study a topic in depth while under the guidance of a faculty member. The focus of the course will be a specific aspect of a public health discipline, which is not the primary focus of exiting public health courses. The course will involve directed readings and may require completion of a paper or study project that provides evidence of comprehension and professional proficiency in the area studied. Independent Study may only be taken for a maximum of 3 credit hours toward the MPH Degree.
• ENHS 6600 - Culminating Experience/Capstone in Environmental Health

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  All professional degree programs identified in the instructional matrix shall assure that each student demonstrates skills and integration of knowledge through a culminating experience. A culminating experience is one that requires a student to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice. Prerequisite: BIOS 6100 Biostatistical Methods I, BIOS lab or BIOS 6200 Principles of Applied Statistics ; EPID 6210 Principles of Epidemiology ; ENHS 6238 Principles of Environmental Health ; BCHS 6212 Behavioral Science Theories in Public Health Practice ; and HPSM 6268Health Services Administration and Management .

Epidemiology

• EPID 6210 - Principles of Epidemiology

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course provides an introduction to epidemiology as a basic science for public health and clinical medicine. It will address the principles of the quantitative approach to public health and clinical problems. The course will discuss measures of frequency and association, introduce the design and validity of epidemiologic research, and give an overview of data analysis. This course is an introduction to the skills needed by public health professionals to interpret critically the epidemiologic literature. It will provide students with the principles and practical experience needed to initiate the development of these skills. Lectures are complemented by seminars devoted to case studies, exercises, or critique of current examples of epidemiologic studies.
• EPID 6211 - Intermediate Epidemiology

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course provides an integrated coverage of the principles of epidemiologic design, analysis, and interpretation at an intermediate level, suitable for epidemiologists and other public health professionals interested in a more thorough understanding of these concepts. Prerequisite: EPID 6210 , BIOS 6100 Prereq / Corequisite: BIOS 6102 or equivalent.
• EPID 6213 - Epidemiology Seminar

  [1 Credit]

  ---

  This seminar series provides exposure to current research and special topics of interest in epidemiology. Prerequisite: EPID 6210 
• EPID 6214 - Infectious Disease Epidemiology

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This introductory course provides an overview of infectious disease epidemiology. It is a companion course to Chronic Disease Epidemiology (EPID 6223 ). The course addresses the most important groups of infectious diseases, including respiratory and enteric infections, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. It focuses on the biological basis, incidence, prevalence, morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases. EPID 6210 .
• EPID 6216 - Biological Basis of Health

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course is designed to provide a background in the biologic basis of health and disease for MPH students who do not have a background in health sciences. The course will focus on the most salient public health topics and diseases.
• EPID 6217 - Database Management

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course provides students with the basic skills to design good relational databases, hands-on experience in creating and managing databases using Microsoft Access, and sources of information for the construction of databases in public health. Prerequisite: EPID 6210  and BIOS 6100.
• EPID 6218 - Spatial Analysis

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course introduces students to a range of geospatial analytic methods. Students will apply problem solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and creative thinking to diverse examples of medical geography and spatial epidemiology. Content will focus on teaching methods and interpretation of spatial analysis. Non-content objectives are for students to develop a critical and creative approach to questions which can benefit from spatial epidemiology. Prerequisite: EPID 6210  and BIOS 6100.
• EPID 6219 - Nutritional Epidemiology

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course is an introduction to the methodological issues related to the design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of studies investigating the relationship between nutritional status, diet, and disease. An emphasis will be placed on the types of dietary and nutritional status assessment methods and their advantages and disadvantages in epidemiologic research. Students will gain practical experience in the actual collection, analysis, and interpretation of dietary intake. The interpretation of studies in nutritional epidemiology given the dietary instrument used and the study design will be considered. Issues such as intra- and inter-individual variation, measurement error, misclassification, homogeneity of intake within populations, and correlations among nutrients, micronutrients, and food groups will be discussed. Prerequisite: EPID 6210 , and BIOS 6100.
• EPID 6220 - Molecular Epidemiology

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course covers the theoretical concepts and practical issues involved in conducting research involving molecular biomarkers in human populations. Class topics include the theoretical advantages of biomarkers, criteria for evaluating potential markers, sample collection and storage, laboratory quality control considerations, issues in epidemiologic study design and analysis, ethical/legal concerns, and discussion of specific examples of research involving molecular markers of internal dose, susceptibility, early pathological alteration, and prognosis. The course will emphasize examples from the cancer research literature. Prerequisite: EPID 6210  and BIOS 6100.
• EPID 6222 - Cancer Epidemiology

  [2 Credits]

  ---

  This course provides students with an understanding of the theory of carcinogenesis and major etiologic factors for cancer, including tobacco, diet and nutrition, alcohol, viruses and bacteria, drugs, occupation, and radiation. The epidemiology of major cancer sites i.e. lung, breast, prostate, colon and rectum, cervix and uterine corpus, and selected cancers of specific interest to the class will also be presented. Study design and methodology used in cancer research are discussed throughout the course. Prerequisite: EPID 6210  and BIOS 6100.
• EPID 6223 - Chronic Disease Epidemiology

  [2 Credits]

  ---

  This introductory course provides an overview of chronic disease epidemiology and prevention strategies. It is a companion course to Infectious Disease Epidemiology (EPID 6214 ). The course addresses the most important groups of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, lung diseases and, neurologic diseases. It focuses on the biological basis, incidence, prevalence, morbidity and mortality of chronic diseases as well as etiologic factors accounting for differences in incidence and mortality. Students will learn how to apply epidemiologic methods in studies of chronic disease prevention and control and to understand the importance of surveillance and applied research as a basis for public health interventions. Prerequisite: EPID 6210 .
• EPID 6226 - Epidemiologic Design and Analysis

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  The course is designed to integrate and apply concepts learned in previous biostatistics and epidemiologic methods courses as they relate to epidemiologic studies. The conceptual basis for the design, conduct, and analysis of observational and experimental studies will be covered, focusing on providing students with data analysis, interpretation, and presentation skills. Students will gain hands-on experience in designing and analyzing studies through classroom sessions and homework assignments. Prerequisite: EPID 6210 , EPID 6211 , BIOS 6100, and BIOS 6102.
• EPID 6301 - Epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  Designed for doctoral and master’s degree students, this course covers the theories and methodologies related to the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Students will gain an understanding of important issues in the epidemiology of HIV and STIs in the US and internationally, and will increase their understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various epidemiologic study designs and the interpretation of data. Also addressed will be implications for transmission, prevention, and the psychosocial, behavioral, and economic aspects of STIs, particularly HIV. Prerequisite: EPID 6210  and BIOS 6100.
• EPID 6351 - Public Health Surveillance System Theory & Methods

  [2 Credits]

  ---

  The goal of this course is to make the students aware of all aspects that must be considered when designing or working with a Public Health Surveillance System (PHSS). The lectures will concentrate on the different types of PHSS, database structures, practical design elements, data gathering strategies, quality control and evaluation considerations and the role of PHSS within the public health community. Additionally, students will be given the opportunity to utilize their analytical skills and demonstrate their mastery of statistical software packages by performing preliminary analysis of a real PHSS data set. Prerequisite: EPID 6210 .
• EPID 6352 - Social Epidemiology

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  This course will provide students with a systematic and selective overview of the conceptual approaches necessary to investigate the impact of social context on the health of populations. Among the social processes to be examined are social inequalities (including social class differences as well as the effects of income inequality per se), social capital and social cohesion, social networks and neighborhood characteristics. The course will include discussion of methods related to the study of social factors across multiple levels. The course will be taught as a seminar. Some analytic writing will be required. Previous exposure to social science methods and theory is advised, but not required. Prerequisite: EPID 6211 .
• EPID 6400 - Independent Study

  [1-3 Credits]

  ---

  This course provides the student an opportunity to study a topic in depth while under the guidance of a faculty member. The focus of the course will be a specific aspect of a public health discipline, which is not the primary focus of exiting public health courses. The course will involve directed readings and may require completion of a paper or study project that provides evidence of comprehension and professional proficiency in the area studied. Independent Study may only be taken for a maximum of 3 credit hours toward the MPH Degree.
• EPID 6600 - Culminating Experience/Capstone in Epidemiology

  [3 Credits]

  ---

  All professional degree programs identified in the instructional matrix shall assure that each student demonstrates skills and integration of knowledge through a culminating experience. A culminating experience is one that requires a student to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice. Prerequisite: BIOS 6200 Principles of Applied Statistics ; EPID 6210 Principles of Epidemiology ; ENHS 6238Principles of Environmental Health ; BCHS 6212 Behavioral Science Theories in Public Health Practice ; and HPSM 6268 Health Services Administration and Management .