Public Health (PH)

Formerly known as HLED 10. This course provides a comprehensive overview to human sexuality from multiple perspectives including biological, psychological, sociological, cultural and historical perspectives. Students will examine knowledge, sexual attitudes, values and behaviors within the context of society and their own personal lives. Individual value systems, sexual development and interpersonal relationships will be evaluated. Current sexual norms and various aspects of interpersonal and individual sexual adjustment will be explored. This course is not open for credit to students registered in or with credit in PSYCH 10.

Formerly known as HLED 21. This course provides an introduction to the discipline of Public Health and satisfies the requirements of the Public Health Transfer Model curriculum. Students will gain an understanding of the basic concepts and terminologies of public health, and the history and accomplishments of public health officials and agencies. An overview of the functions of various public health professions and institutions, and an in-depth examination of the field of public health will be addressed. Topics of the discipline include the epidemiology of infectious and chronic disease, prevention and control of diseases in the community including the analysis of the social determinants of health and strategies for eliminating disease, illness and health disparities among various populations, community organizing and health promotion programming, environmental health and safety, global health, and healthcare policy and management.

Formerly known as HLED 22. This course provides an introduction to health inequities/disparities in the United States. Students will explore how education, socioeconomic status, racism and gender impact health outcomes, access to health care, and policy development. Students will analyze public health issues and the skills for advocating for health and social justice. Case studies will include prevalent health issues, such as obesity, drug addiction, chronic disease, and newly emerging infectious disease.

Formerly known as HLED 24. This course provides an overview of substance use and abuse in the United States and the impact on personal and public health. In addition to the concept of substance abuse and dependence, the course will cover the distinction between licit and illicit drugs, risk factors, the pharmacology of various drugs, and the neurological and physiological effects on the central nervous system. An analysis of health, social, political and economic factors relative to legal and illicit drugs will also be examined. Epidemiological data on the prevalence, incidence and trends as it pertains to smoking, alcohol, prescription and other drug dependencies in the U.S. will be considered. Prevention, treatment and rehabilitation methods will also be discussed.