PHLT 500
THE ETHICAL BASIS OF THE PRACTICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH
3 CREDITS/CROSS-CUTTING KNOWLEDGE
This course provides an introduction to the practice of public health, through an exploration of the ethical and philosophical basis of public health research, practice, and policy. Students gain a broad overview of some of the main philosophical and moral ideas used as a basis for resolving debates in the public health arena. Ethical theories are explored and critically examined, with a focus on their application to public health. Emphasis is placed on racial and ethnic disparities in health. Moral developmental theories will be discussed in light of the current debate regarding gender and racial disparities in decision for ethical practice from a systems theory perspective. The course draws on students’ practice experiences to promote moral reflection and personal values clarifications with regard to contemporary public health challenges and examines current and emerging issues as influenced by emerging technological, clinical, political, legal, socio-economic, and fiscal factors.
PHLT 512
INFORMATICS
3 CREDITS/CROSS-CUTTING KNOWLEDGE
This course focuses on understanding the fundamentals of computer systems and how they might be applied to support health care administration. It emphasizes the use of computer applications software for Internet research as well as data analysis and reporting. Content incorporates theoretical and “hands-on” exposure to word processing, spreadsheet, database management, presentation graphics, and electronic mail.
PHLT 520
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND PROGRAM DESIGN
3 CREDITS/CORE KNOWLEDGE
In this course, students examine biological, physical, and chemical factors affecting the health of communities. They analyze direct and indirect effects of environmental and occupational agents and outcomes associated with exposure to hazards. Environmental risk assessment methods, risk reduction, risk management, and mechanisms of toxicity are investigated along with program design. The responsibility of public health professionals for the human safety and health of communities through federal, state, and community regulations and agencies is explored.
PHLT 530
PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
3 CREDITS/CORE KNOWLEDGE
Students explore theories of administration as applied to organizations focused on the delivery of public health programs in the context of community systems. They examine the access and distribution of health services, question issues in managed care, and review budgeting issues challenging public health leaders in the United States. Case studies of health programs are scrutinized.
PHLT 540
INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC HEALTH: CONCEPTS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
3 credits/CROSS-CUTTING KNOWLEDGE
Students focus on models of health promotion, disease prevention, and theories of disease causation from an evidence-base perspective. They explore genetic, physiologic, social, and behavioral factors affecting the health status of individuals and populations. Environmental agents that threaten health in urban and rural settings are considered from a systems perspective. Health disparities are investigated as evidenced by current research. Databases are surveyed to reveal vital statistics and public health records that inform public health programs. Health priorities, major diseases, and disease burden are examined.
PHLT 551
URBAN MEN’S HEALTH
3 CREDITS/ELECTIVE
This course explores the growing disparities among disenfranchised and vulnerable populations in our society. Students examine the predicament of fragile populations with a focus on the unique health status of the urban male. This course recognizes that the trait masculinity, gender roles, employment, and psychosocial factors influence the way men care for themselves and others. Students experience health promotion activities in environments demonstrating the challenges urban men face when seeking access to healthcare.
PHLT 554
PUBLIC HEALTH, AIDS, AND SOCIETY
3 CREDITS/ELECTIVE
This course provides in-depth study of the most critical public health issue facing society. Topics include current HIV/AIDS information and an exploration of issues including the history of HIV, transmission and risk factors for infection, local and global disparities in HIV infection, trends in research programs, international/political implications of research and prevention efforts, and the experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS.
PHLT 556
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH FOR THE PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTITIONER
3 CREDITS/ELECTIVE
Course content emphasizes theories of reproductive health, sexual development and factors influencing sexual behavior within the continuum of health and illness. Common sexual practices and reproductive health issues of people are studied within the context of lifestyle and situational life crises. Concepts of normal sexual function and dysfunction are examined. Contemporary sexual health and reproductive issues are explored. Theoretical foundations of the medical, psychological, socio-cultural, political, and biological determinants of human sexual behavior and reproductive health will be explored. Issues of biology related to sex, gender identity, social sex role, and sexual orientation will be discussed. Contemporary issues of sexual risk behaviors, sexually transmitted infections and safe sex practices will be examined in addition to those issues of chronic illness, disability, and sexual coercion.
PHLT 557
WOMEN, GENDER, AND PUBLIC HEALTH
3 CREDITS/ELECTIVE
This course will focus on constructions of gender and sex and their implications for understanding determinants of population health and creating healthy public policy. It will consider how different frameworks of addressing gender and biological sex shape questions people ask about, and explanations and interventions they offer for, societal patterns of health, disease, and well-being. The course will demonstrate ways of conceptualizing gender in relation to biology and health using case examples. In all cases, issues of gender will be related to other social determinants of health, including social class, racism, and other forms of inequality. Implications of diverse approaches will be debated, as part of developing useful strategies for improving physical, mental, and social well-being.
PHLT 558
ADOLESCENT HEALTH: PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES, PROGRAMS, AND POLICIES
3 CREDITS/ELECTIVE
This course focuses on the major public health issues of adolescents in the United States and the programs and policies that improve the health and well-being of this population. The students examine the prevalence and etiology of health and wellness indicators for youth and explore a variety of aspects of adolescence and adolescent health. They will analyze adolescent health concerns through conceptual frameworks and recommend effective solutions through interventions.
PHLT 615
VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND CONTROL
3 CREDITS/ELECTIVE
Students review theories of violence causation and epidemiologic patterns of violence in urban settings. An ecological framework will be used to guide critical thinking about risk and protective factors regarding violence. Students explore secondary data sources important to public health practitioners working in the area of violence prevention and control. . Programs aimed at prevention violence and injury in urban settings will be examined and critically evaluated.
PHLT 635
PUBLIC POLICY, PROGRAM PLANNING, AND EVALUATION
3 CREDITS/CORE KNOWLEDGE
This course will provide an introduction to health policy, program planning, evaluation and grant writing in the public health context. This course will allow students to strengthen and develop their skills in policy formulation and implementation. The social, economic, legal, ethical, and political environments, which influence public policy, planning, evaluation, and funding will be explored. Students will acquire familiarity with strategies for health planning, evaluation and health care funding.
PHLT 637
EPIDEMIOLOGY
3 CREDITS/CORE KNOWLEDGE
This course focuses on the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in human populations. A historical perspective of epidemiology provides a background for current practices. Basic concepts, study design, data sources, and statistical measures are examined and applied. Emphasis is placed on the practical applications of epidemiology in the work setting and the global environment. Infection, social, behavioral, psychological, genetic, and environmental components of disease are presented from a public health standpoint. Students analyze the efficacy, cost effectiveness, and ethical concerns of screening programs.
PHLT 639
RACE, ETHNICITY, AND PUBLIC HEALTH
3 CREDITS/ELECTIVE
This course provides students with an understanding of racial and ethnic differences in health status and the factors that shape them. During the course, students examine the concepts of race and ethnicity, and distinguish between categories of biological and social constructionist perspectives. Students define and describe racial and ethnic health disparities, discuss mechanisms underlying disparities, and think critically about existing health research on health disparities. They explore theoretical frameworks for interpreting disparities in health and examine approaches for elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities.
PHLT 696
GRANT WRITING SEMINAR
3 CREDITS/CROSS-CUTTING KNOWLEDGE
Students investigate private and governmental requests for proposals, grants databases, and grant elements with an emphasis on the introduction, proposal summary, problem statement, program goals and objectives, evaluation, personnel, equipment, consultants, budgets, timelines, and periodic reporting of progress. Requests for information from funding entities are also compared. Students write and critique a grant proposal based on the needs of a vulnerable population.
PHLT 704
STATISTICS AND BIOSTATISTICS
3 CREDITS/CORE KNOWLEDGE
This course reviews correlation, prediction and regression, hypotheses testing, t-tests, ANOVA, and ANCOVA. Statistical support of decisions to treat is emphasized, including point and interval estimators, risk evaluation, odds ratio, and analysis of dichotomous and continuous variables representing health outcomes. Concepts are applied to the critique of research studies in health care disciplines.
PHLT 705
SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES IN PUBLIC HEALTH
3 CREDITS/CORE KNOWLEDGE
Students analyze the contribution of social factors to health and illness, including risk behavior and health inequities. Health behavior programs and interventions are explored. Theories of health promotion, health behavioral change, and health education are examined and applied to a health promotion project for a vulnerable and diverse community.
PHLT 707
COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTION
3 CREDITS/CROSS-CUTTING KNOWLEDGE
In this course students compare concepts of neighborhood, community, and population and specify the processes of needs and community assessment as well as program development and evaluation. Primary and secondary sources of data are analyzed and applied to service acquisition and community health analysis. Principles of community engagement are examined in relation to a community health promotion problem challenging a diverse group.
PHLT 750
PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE EXPERIENCE I
3 CREDITS/120 HOURS/PRACTICE
Students complete 120 hours in a practice experience in an underserved community. Program evaluation is emphasized and program design, outcomes, measurement of outcomes, data collection, and data analysis are examined. Students discuss actual case studies illustrating the practical challenges of program development and evaluation. Placements are negotiated with the faculty adviser and field practice coordinator.
PHLT 751
PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE EXPERIENCE II
3 CREDITS/120 HOURS/PRACTICE
Students continue with their practice experiences and complete 120 hours in a community setting. Seminar meetings are conducted in which students discuss their practicum projects and the continuing challenges of program development and evaluation.
PHLT 752
PUBLIC HEALTH CAPSTONE I: SEMINAR
3 CREDITS/CAPSTONE
Part one of this two-part course sequence facilitates initial development and planning for the Master of Public Health (MPH) student’s Capstone project (also known as the culminating project). The culminating experience is required for MPH programs by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Students write a public health-related manuscript suitable for publication in a scholarly journal over two semesters. Students begin their Capstone project during the first Capstone course (PHLT 752) and complete the project during the second course (PHLT 753).
PHLT 753
PUBLIC HEALTH CAPSTONE II: SEMINAR
3 CREDITS/CAPSTONE
Part two of this two-part course sequence continues the development and brings to completion the Master of Public Health (MPH) Capstone project (also known as the culminating project). A culminating experience is a required component in MPH programs by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Students complete their Capstone project, which includes a written manuscript suitable for publication in a scholarly journal as well as oral presentations to various audiences, in this final course.
Assistant Professor and Director
Master of Public Health Program
La Salle University
1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141 USA
Phone: 215.951.1865
Fax 215.951.1896
E-mail: mph@lasalle.edu
La Salle University reserves the right to alter or change this information
at any time, without notice.