Undergraduate Public Health Education Courses

Undergraduate Courses

PBH 230 Public Health Strategies on College Campuses (A)

Provides an introduction to health education and prevention theories to help address health topics and behaviors that affect college students’ everyday lives. All topics will be explored through a gender schema theory lens. Topics include sexual violence, relationship violence, mental health concerns specific to college students, stress and sleep management, alcohol and other drug use and abuse, sexual decision making, LGBTQ issues, nutrition, and physical activity. Students will work to create, plan , and implement a small scale program related to their topic area of choice. 3 Cr. Spring.

PBH 235 ZIP Codes, Community, Health (A,D)

Examines the influence of the social determinants of health, including economic stability, education, social context, health and healthcare, and neighborhood, on individuals and communities. Explores the causes of health inequity and culturally competent strategies for addressing disparities. 3 Cr. Fall.

PBH 301 Principles of Healthful Living (A)

Focuses on lifestyle factors and their relationships to well-being, behaviors, and disease. Explores health content areas, defined by NYS Education Department. Includes these topics: drug use and abuse, nutrition, personal and community health, safety education (identifying dangerous environments, prevention of child abduction, fire, and arson), communication skills for productive relationships (i.e. conflict resolution), identifying and reporting suspected child abuse/maltreatment, and SAFE Schools Against Violence Education Legislation Certification. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 302 Foundations of Health Education (A)

This course covers health education philosophy; history; present status and future projections related to the promotion of healthful lifestyles; appropriate response to human health needs; and principles of learning, goal setting, behavioral objectives, teaching methodologies, evaluation, professional ethics, and legislation. This course supports the constructs of knowledge, reflection and responsible leadership required by those in the fields of public health and health education. Course requires a minimum grade of (for Major/Minor/Certification) 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 303 Environmental Health (A)

Examines the complex relationship between people, environment, and health, highlighting the role of environmental factors as contributors to health disparities. Topics covered include sources of environmental risk (e.g., chemical, microbial, physical), epidemiological methods used to identify environmental hazards, risk assessment methods (e.g., toxicology), health protection strategies (e.g., role of regulatory agencies and policy), health promotion strategies, and risk communication. PBH 303 is required of students in the Public Health Education program. Students in the Health Science (Consumer Health) program may select the course as one of five required content courses. Course requires a minimum grade of "C" (for General Education/Major/Minor/Certification) 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 306 Contemporary Issues in Health (A,I,Y)

Provides for the identification and analysis of current critical health and health care issues in the US; focuses on ethical, legal, economic, and social implications of controversial health issues; and examines the dynamics of the American health care system from the perspective of the patient, consumer, and health care provider. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 311 Public Health Nutrition (A)

Introduces the fundamentals of nutrition including all classes of nutrients and their sub-categories, their metabolic roles, and the composition of a healthy diet. Examines the relationship between diet and disease, examining acute and chronic disease (including foodborne illness). Students approach nutrition from a public health perspective, examining the determinants of over- and under-nutrition (e.g., access, safety). Students will examine community-based interventions and governmental policies/programs (e.g., federal food assistance) designed to reduce disparities in this context. Hunger from a global and environmental perspective will also be examined. Course requires a minimum grade of "C" (for General Education/Major/Minor/Certification) 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 312 Mental Health (A)

This course is designed to explore the concept of mental health and dimensions of self-esteem and emotional well-being. It examines the meaning of the various models and theories of mental health and mental illness, the major biological and social influences on human behavior, developmental approaches to human behavior, and the impact of emotional states on physical well-being. This course also presents current information concerning life stages, stress, rape, suicide, and death and loss. The importance of effective interpersonal communication and the careful selection of a lifestyle consistent with a person's needs, goals, and sense of spirituality are emphasized. Course requires a minimum grade of C (for Major/Minor/Certification). 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 313 Introduction to Safety (A)

This course introduces future public health professionals to safety concepts, educational efforts, regulatory policies, and professional agencies that focus on researching and preventing injury. Areas of consumer protection, industrial hygiene, violence prevention, and emergency preparedness are explored. Course requires a minimum grade of (for Major/Minor/Certification). 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 314 Family Life Science (A)

Provides for the study of diverse family forms in the US today. Examines cultural and social factors affecting family life; explores how family dynamics affect the health of each individual, analyzes components of successful family life; and identifies common problems within families and strategies for their resolution. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 317 Introduction to Public Health (A)

An introduction to the theory and practice of public health. Topics will include the history and future of public health, law, government and politics as they pertain to the discipline, the science and analytical methods fundamental to the field, and the determinants of health. The public health workforce and the settings of public health practice will also be examined. Course requires a minimum grade of C (for Major/Minor/Certification). 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 320 Health Behavior Theory (B)

Write a brief course description for the College Catalog. Reflect content as accurately as possible. Explores the fundamental, theoretical foundations of social and behavioral science. The course will provide an introduction to behavior change models and theories, the history of the theories, and principles of ethical decision making for intervention research. Students will become familiar with the health behavior literature and research, and will develop an understanding of the theoretical and scientific basis of health education programs. Students will apply theoretical models to develop health education interventions. Course requires a minimum grade of "C" (for Major/Minor/Certification). 3 Cr. Spring.

PBH 402 Women's Health (A,W,Y)

Provides a study of women as healthy functioning human beings. Includes lecture and discussion with guest speakers (when available) to present positive information and insights on the anatomical, physiological, mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects of contemporary women. 3 Cr.

PBH 410 Health Care & Policy (A,I)

This course provides an overview of health policy and the health care system, its components, organization, and management. Additionally, health care systems in other countries will be described as well as health care ethics. Implications for public health professionals will be addressed. Course requires a minimum grade of C (for General Education/Major/Minor/Certification). 3 Cr. Spring.

PBH 416 Consumer Health (A)

Provides a framework for evaluating consumer health information. Specifically, the course provides students with tools and resources to identify, and evaluate product information used in the delivery of health care, health services, and other health behaviors. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 419 Human Sexuality (A,W)

Sexual knowledge, attitudes, values, and behaviors are examined within various topic areas as part of one’s total health and wellness. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of, experiences with, and modern practices in sexuality education to meet the needs of diverse learners. Course requires a minimum grade of C (for General Education/Major/Minor/Certification). Cross-listed as WMS419. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 425 Women and Safety (A)

Examines issues of violent crime and personal victimization, especially for women, and the implications for personal crime prevention. Includes an in-depth examination of these violent crimes (e.g.: sexual assault, relationship violence), followed by a focus on individual strategies for maintaining personal safety and reducing crime risks. Considers crime prevention for children and other special populations. 3 Cr.

PBH 426 HIV/AIDS: Issues and Implications (A,W)

Examines HIV/AIDS issues and implications facing the United States and the world today; provides an understanding of the disease, its perceived causes, pathways for transmission, and prevention strategies; and explores the development of educational strategies for schools and community agencies. 3 Cr.

PBH 450 Global Health (A,I)

This course provides an introduction to the nature of global health issues focusing on factors that determine health in the major geographical regions of the world. The course covers topics regarding child and maternal health, nutrition, epidemiology of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria. Includes discussions about international agencies, NGOs, successful global health interventions and Millennium Development Goals. Course requires a minimum grade of C (for General Education/Major/Minor/Certification). 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 460 Leadership in Public Health (A)

Addresses leadership skills needed in health education including recruiting, managing, training and evaluating staff and volunteers, procuring resources, team building, analyzing and changing organizational culture and developing organizational policies. Students will also learn how to develop, facilitate and maintain collaborative efforts, partnerships, and coalitions with emphasis on community organizing principles. Course requires a minimum grade of C (for General Education/Major/Minor/Certification). 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 470 Health Implications of Stress (A)

Involves a comprehensive study of research, theory, and empirical knowledge of the psychosomatic implications of stress on health and disease. Examines the nature of stress, and the effects of stress on the human organism, including an examination of physiological, psychological, and behavioral symptoms and changes. Also examines the causes of stress during various stages of life, as well as occupational and family sources of stress; and studies and allows for the practice of behavioral interventions and specific techniques. 3 Cr.

PBH 471 Childhood and Adolescent Stress (A)

Provides an overview of stress and its effects on children and adolescents in today's society; the nature, symptoms, and causes of stress in children and adolescents; positive and negative ways children and adolescents manage stress; useful techniques for controlling and reducing stress in a healthful manner; and how parents, teachers, and health professionals can help young people manage stress. 3 Cr.

PBH 475 Computer Applications in Health Education (A)

Provides students with an introduction to the potential issues of microcomputers in the field of health education. Covers a range of hardware and examines general and specific software applications of microcomputer technology to the practice of health education. Explores important social, educational, legal, and ethical issues related to the use of technology in health education. 3 Cr.

PBH 485 Dimensions of Teaching School and Community Health (B)

Focuses on the practice of strategies and methodologies needed for effectively teaching health education in school and community settings. Includes the process of analyzing and discussing field placement experience (HLP 486) to reinforce theoretical content. Includes these discussion topics, often reinforced by guest speakers with particular expertise: elements of effective instruction, classroom management, learning disabilities, controversial issues, school law, health education standards in New York state, and health education programming in community settings. 3 Cr.

PBH 486 Field Experience (B)

Provides a field experience in a school/community site requiring a minimum of two days per week for each six-week placement. Allows students to begin to demonstrate health education planning, teaching, and evaluation skills plus complementary responsibilities in community and school sites. 3 Cr.

PBH 488 Applied Biostatistics & Epidemiology (A,M)

Provides an overview of developing data analysis plans, analyzing data using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, interpreting results of analysis to address research questions/hypotheses, and disseminating findings. Introduces topics such as hypothesis testing and calculation of odds ratios/relative risk, that will allow students to better interpret literature from the fields of public health, epidemiology, and medicine.  *note course grade minimum of "C" is required for general education/major/minor/certification. **this is a required course for Public Health major, Consumer Health concentration. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 489 Epidemiology (A)

Provides an overview of the science of epidemiology regarding the understanding and management of disease. Topics include the examination of procedures to determine the existence and management of epidemics; the study of disease causation; the tracing of disease rates and other health indices; application of research findings to interventions; and the role of epidemiology in public health. Findings from major epidemiology studies will be reviewed. Students also will complete a service learning project. 3 Cr.

PBH 490 Selected Topics in Public Health (A)

To be defined by the instructor in accordance with the specific topic to be covered that semester. May be repeated, but under another topic area in health science. Additional information may be obtained from the department. 1-6 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 491 Methods for Health Education (B)

Enables students to develop, implement, and evaluate a variety of health education programs for school, community, and work-site settings and audiences; and to utilize appropriate instructional methodologies such as discussion, lecture, problem solving, demonstration, experiment, role play, gaming, newsletter, brochure, television, radio, and computer assisted instruction. 3 Cr.

PBH 492 Health Communication (B)

Addresses basic principles of interpersonal communication and communication strategies, models, and theories used by health educators in the delivery of health information. Students will design educational materials to address health literacy in various populations using multiple channels of communication. Course requires a minimum grade of "C" (for General Education/Major/Minor/Certification). This course is required of students in the Public Health Education major. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 493 Program Planning (B)

Examines contemporary health problems in the United States and investigates the role of health education in solving these problems. Identifies and applies techniques for community needs assessments and how to engage community stakeholders in the program planning process. Examines theories, methods, strategies, and techniques of health education program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Course requires a minimum grade of "C" for Major/Minor/Certification. 3 Cr. Fall.

PBH 495 Health Research (A)

Explores the topic of research in health education and health promotion. Covers topics such as critiquing literature, writing research questions/hypotheses, selecting appropriate research designs, and analyzing and interpreting data. Includes information on instrumentation, sampling, research methods common to epidemiological research (e.g., case control, cohort), and research ethics. * course is required for Public Health major; consumer health concentration. ** a minimum grade of "C" is required for general education/major/minor/certification. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

PBH 496 Practicum in Community Health Education (B)

$21 Course fee required: Prerequisite: all Public Health requirements must be complete prior to PBH 496 and a 2.5 GPA is required. Provides students with the opportunity to function as full-time health educators in community, hospital, or work-site settings under the supervision of a health education professional. Allows students to develop, implement, and evaluate health education programs as appropriate for the setting. Satisfactory/ Unsatisfactory Grading. 12 Cr.

PBH 497 Program Evaluation (B)

Provides students with foundational knowledge and skills needed to evaluate public health programs, interventions or policies. Covers concepts and methodologies of evaluation including formative and summative evaluation, logic models, research/evaluation designs, measurement, and data analysis techniques. 3 Cr.

PBH 499 Independent Study in Public Health Education (A)

To be defined in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement. 1-9 Cr.