COURSE INFORMATION
Alphabetic Listing
BEP 233d. Research Synthesis and Meta-Analysis Applications in Public
Health and Clinical Medicine
Dr. G. Colditz
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
Concerned with the use of existing data to inform clinical decision
making and health care policy, the course focuses on research synthesis
(meta-analysis). The principles of meta-analytic statistical methods are
reviewed, and the application of these to data sets is explored.
Application of methods includes considerations for clinical trials and
observational studies. The use of meta-analysis to explore data and
identify sources of variation among studies is emphasized, as is the use
of meta-analysis to identify future research questions.
Course Activities: Students prepare a protocol to conduct a meta-analysis
and use existing meta-analysis software to apply principles outlined in
the course to data sets provided for this purpose.
BEP 233t. Research Synthesis and Meta-Analysis Applications in Public
Health and Clinical Medicine
Dr. M. Stoto
2.5 credits
Lectures. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
Concerned with the use of existing data to inform clinical decision
making and health care policy, the course focuses on research synthesis
(meta-analysis). The principles of meta-analytic statistical methods are
reviewed, and the application of these to data sets is explored.
Application of methods includes considerations for clinical trials and
observational studies. The use of meta-analysis to explore data and
identify sources of variation among studies is emphasized, as is the use
of meta-analysis to identify future research questions.
Course Activities: Students prepare a protocol to conduct a meta-analysis
and use existing meta-analysis software to apply principles outlined in
the course to data sets provided for this purpose.
BIO 112a. Computing Principles and Methods
Ms. L. Allred, Dr. M. Pagano
2.5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week. One 1.5-hour lab each week.
Introductory course is designed to provide basic computer literacy to students from all disciplines. Topics include computer architecture and terminology; brief introductions to email and a web browser; brief introductions to text processing, word processing, spreadsheet, graphic, data management and statistical analysis programs in the Windows environment.
Course Note: Lab or section time to be announced at first meeting.
Pass/fail only. Minimum enrollment of 5 students.
BIO 113b. Introduction to SAS
Ms. L. Allred, Dr. M. Pagano
2.5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week. One 1.5-hour lab
each week.
Provides intensive instruction in the use of SAS to prepare data for
statistical analysis. The focus is on database management and programming
problems. Basic issues in each of these areas are discussed in the
context of teaching the specific skills required to use SAS effectively.
Course Note: BIO 112a or signature of instructor required; credit is
given for only one section of BIO 113b or t; lab time to be announced at
first meeting.
BIO 113e. Introduction to SAS
Dr. T. Fenton (P), Dr. M. Pagano (S)
1.25 credits
Lectures. Five 2-hour sessions. Five 2-hour lab sessions.
Provides intensive instruction in the use of SAS to prepare data for
statistical analysis. The focus is on database management and programming
problems. Basic issues in each of these areas are discussed in the
context of teaching the specific skills required to use SAS effectively.
Course Note: Credits is give only for one section of BIO 113a,e or s;
lab time to be announced at first meeting
BIO 113s. Introduction to SAS
Ms. L. Allred (P), Dr. M. Pagano (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures. Five 2-hour sessions each week (including laboratory sessions).
Provides intensive instruction in the use of SAS to prepare data for
statistical analysis. The focus is on database management and programming
problems. Basic issues in each of these areas are discussed in the
context of teaching the specific skills required to use SAS effectively.
Course Note: Credit is given for only one section of BIO 113a,e or s; lab
time to be announced at first meeting.
BIO 200ab. Principles of Biostatistics
Dr. M. Pagano
5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 1-hour sessions each week. One 2-hour lab
each week.
Lectures and laboratory exercises acquaint the student with the basic
concepts of biostatistics and their applications and interpretation. The
computer is used throughout the course. Topics include descriptive
statistics, graphics, diagnostic tests, probability distributions,
inference, tests of significance, association, linear and logistic
regression, life tables, and survival analysis.
Course Note: Credit is given for only one of these courses: BIO 200ab,
BIO 201ab; this course cannot be counted as part of the credit
requirement for a major or minor doctoral field course; course enrollment
is limited to 150 students; lab or section time to be announced at first
meeting.
BIO 200s. Principles of Biostatistics I
Dr. Testa
Lectures, laboratories. Five 2 - hour sessions and five 2- hour labs each
week.
This course is the first part of introductory biostatistics and acquaints
the student with the basic concepts and methods of biostatistics, their
applications, and their interpretation. The material covered includes
data presentation, numerical summary measures, rates and standardization,
and life tables. Probability is introduced to quantify uncertainty,
especially as it pertains to diagnostic and screening methods. Also
covered are sampling distributions so that students may be introduced to
confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. The computer is used
throughou t the course, and the student will gain familiarity with the
software package STATA.
Course Note: Requires a basic knowledge of mathematics and familiarity
with use of personal computers.
BIO 200t. Principles of Biostatistics, Part II
Dr. C. Yiannoutsos (P) and Dr. S. Lagakos (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Five 2-hour sessions each week and five 2-hour
labs each week.
This course is the second part of introductory biostatistics; it
continues to explore inference in greater depth. Lectures and laboratory
exercises will emphasize applied data analysis, building upon the
fundamentals emphasized in BIO 200s. Topics covered include the
comparison of two means, analysis of variance, non-parametric methods,
inference on proportions, contingency tables, multiple 2 * 2 tables,
correlation, simple regression, multiple regression and logistic
regression, analysis of survival data, and sampling theory. The computer
is used throughout the course, and the student will gain more familiarity
with STATA.
Course Note: BIO 200s is required; students who successfully completed
BIO 200s in 2001 are eligible to take BIO 200t in the 2002 Summer
Institute.
BIO 201ab. Introduction to Statistical Methods
Dr. K. Gauvreau
5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week. One 2-hour lab
each week.
Covers basic statistical techniques that are important for analyzing data
arising from epidemiology, environmental health, biomedical and other
public health-related research. Major topics include descriptive
statistics, elements of probability, introduction to estimation and
hypothesis testing, nonparametric methods, techniques for categorical
data, regression analysis, analysis of variance, and elements of study
design. Applications are stressed. Designed as an alternate to BIO 200ab,
for students desiring more emphasis on theoretical developments or those
having had an introductory statistics course at the level of BIO 200ab.
Course Note: Courses in algebra and calculus strongly recommended; credit
is not given for both BIO 200ab and BIO 201ab; lab or section time to be
announced at first meeting.
BIO 206s.Introductory Statistics for Medical Research
Dr. E. J. Orav
2.5 credits
Lectures. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
Introduces basic biostatistical techniques with an emphasis on
applications to clinical research. Topics include probability and
statistics, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, non-parametrics,
and power calculations.
Course Note: Designed primarily for participants in the Program in
Clinical Effectiveness; no auditors.
BIO 207t. Statistics for Medical Research II
Dr. G. Reed, Dr. E.J. Orav
2.5 credits
Lectures. Five 1.75-hour sessions each week.
Presents additional biostatistical techniques that commonly appear in the
analysis of clinical databases and trials. Topics include contingency
table analyses, log-rank tests, paired and matched analyses, analysis of
variance and multiple comparisons procedures.
Course Note: BIO 206s required; no auditors.
BIO 208t. Statistics for Medical Research, Advanced
Dr. E. J. Orav
2.5 credits
Lectures. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
Presents additional biostatistical techniques that commonly appear in the
analysis of clinical databases and trials. This course will move at a
faster pace than the alternative BIO 206t while covering all of the same
topics (contingency tables, log-rank tests, paired and matched analyses,
analysis of variance and multiple comparisons procedures). In addition,
linear and logistic regression will be introduced.
Course Note: BIO 206s required; no auditors.
BIO209t Statistics for Medical Research, Translational
Dr. L. Sleeper (P), Dr. E. J. Orav (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
Presents additional biostatistical techniques that are most relevant to
researchers involved with designed experiments. Topics include
contingency tables, paired analyses, simple analysis of variance,
multiple comparisons procedures, two-way analysis of variance, and simple
repeated measures analysis of variance.
Course Note: BIO 206s required; no auditors.
BIO 210cd. The Analysis of Rates and Proportions
Dr. R. Glynn
5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week. One 1.5-hour lab
each week.
Emphasizes concepts and methods for analysis of data which are
categorical, rate-of-occurrence (e.g., incidence rate), and time-to-event
(survival duration). Stresses applications in epidemiology, clinical
trials, and other public health research. Topics include measures of
association, 2x2 tables, stratification, matched pairs, logistic
regression, model building, analysis of rates, and survival data analysis
using proportional hazards models.
Course Note: BIO 200ab, BIO 201ab or BIO 200s and BIO 200t or signature
of instructor required; lab or section times to be announced at first
meeting.
BIO 211cd. Regression and Analysis of Variance in Experimental Research
Dr. J. Ibrahim
5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week; one 1-hour lab
each week.
Covers analysis of variance and regression, including details of
data-analytic techniques and implications for study design. Also included
are probability models and computing. Students learn to formulate a
scientific question in terms of a statistical model, leading to objective
and quantitative answers.
Course Note: BIO 200ab, BIO 201ab, or signature of instructor required;
lab or section time will be announced at first meeting.
BIO 212cd. Survey Research Methods in Community Health
Dr. T. Mangione (P), Dr. S. Lagakos (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
Covers research design, sample selection, questionnaire construction,
interviewing techniques, the reduction and interpretation of data, and
related facets of population survey investigations. Focuses primarily on
the application of survey methods to problems of health program planning
and evaluation. Treatment of methodology is sufficiently broad to be
suitable for students who are concerned with epidemiological,
nutritional, or other types of survey research.
BIO 213ab. Applied Regression for Clinical Research
Dr. E. J. Orav
5 credits
Lectures. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week. One 1.5-hour lab each week.
This course will introduce students involved with clinical research to
the practical application of multiple regression analysis. Linear
regression, logistic regression and proportional hazards survival models
will be covered, as well as general concepts in model selection,
goodness-of-fit, and testing procedures. Each lecture will be accompanied
by a data analysis using SAS and a classroom discussion of the results.
The course will introduce, but will not attempt to develop the underlying
likelihood theory.
Course Note: Previous introductory level statistics course and SAS
programming ability required; lab or section time will be announced at
first meeting.
BIO 214c. Principles of Clinical Trials
Dr. J. Ware
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Designed for individuals interested in the scientific, policy, and
management aspects of clinical trials. Topics include types of clinical
research, study design, treatment allocation, randomization and
stratification, quality control, sample size requirements, patient
consent, and interpretation of results. Students design a clinical
investigation in their own field of interest, write a protocol for it,
and critique recently published medical literature.
Course Note: BIO 200ab, BIO 201ab, BIO 206s, BIO 207t, or BIO 200s and
BIO 200t or signature of instructor required.
BIO 214t. Principles of Clinical Trials
Dr. K. Stanley, Dr. R. Gelber
2.5 credits
Lectures. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
Designed for individuals interested in the scientific, policy, and
management aspects of clinical trials. Topics include types of clinical
research, study design, treatment allocation, randomization and
stratification, quality control, sample size requirements, patient
consent, and interpretation of results. Students design a clinical
investigation in their own field of interest, write a protocol for it,
and critique recently published medical literature.
Course Note: BIO 200ab, BIO 201ab, BIO 206s, BIO 207t, or BIO 200s and
BIO 200t or signature of instructor required.
BIO 222ab. Basics of Statistical Inference
Dr. P. Catalano
5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 1.5 hour-sessions each week. One 2-hour lab
each week.
This course will provide a basic, yet thorough introduction to the
probability theory and mathematical statistics that underlie many of the
commonly used techniques in public health research. Topics to be covered
include probability distributions (normal, binomial, Poisson), means,
variances and expected values, finite sampling distributions, parameter
estimation (method of moments, maximum likelihood), confidence intervals,
hypothesis testing (likelihood ratio, Wald and score tests). All
theoretical material will be motivated with problems from epidemiology,
biostatistics, environmental health and other public health areas. This
course is aimed towards second year doctoral students in fields other
than Biostatistics.
Course Note: One intermediate level biostatistics course such as BIO
210cd, BIO 211cd, or permission of the instructor required; some
elementary calculus and algebra skills; lab or section time to be
announced at first meeting.
BIO 223cd. Applied Survival Analysis and Discrete Data Analysis
Dr. R. Xu
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week. One 1-hour optional lab each
week.
This course will cover topics in both discrete data analysis (25% of
class) and applied survival analysis (75% of class). The course will
begin with a review of sampling plans and contingency table for discrete
data. Further topics in discrete data analysis will include logistic
regression, exact inference, and conditional logistic regression. This
short survey of discrete data topics will provide a natural transition to
analysis of survival data. Survival topics include: hazard, survivor,
and cumulative hazard functions, Kaplan-Meier and actuarial estimation of
the survival distribution, comparison of survival using log rank and
other tests, regression models including the Cox proportional hazards
model and accelerated failure time model, adjustment for time-varying
covariates, and use of parametric distributions (exponential, Weibull) in
survival analysis. Class material will include presentation of
statistical methods for estimation and testing, along with current
software (SAS, Stata, Splus) for implementing analyses of discrete data
and survival data. Applications to real data will be emphasized.
Course Note: BIO 210cd, BIO 213ab, or BIO230ab required, or permission of
instructor.
BIO 224t. Survival Methods in Clinical Research
Dr. R. Davis
2.5 credits
Lectures. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will cover the common approaches to the display and analysis
of survival data, including Kaplan-Meier curves, log rank tests, and Cox
proportional hazards regression. Computing, using SAS, will be an
integral component of the course.
Course Note: BIO 210cd, BIO 211cd, BIO 213ab or signature of instructor
required.
BIO 225c. Multiple Regression Analysis for Health Policy and Management
Dr. S. Normand
2.5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week. One 1.5-hour lab
each week.
This course will provide a hands-on, non-mathematical introduction to the
use and interpretation of regression modeling in health policy and
management research. Simple and multiple linear regression, including the
analysis of variance, will be emphasized and logistic regression will be
introduced.
Course Note: BIO 200ab, BIO 201ab, or equivalent required; students not
in Health Policy and Management should discuss course with instructor
prior to enrollment; lab or section time to be announced at first
meeting.
BIO 226ab. Applied Longitudinal Analysis
Dr. B. Coull
5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course covers modern methods for the analysis of repeated measures,
correlated outcomes and longitudinal data, including the unbalanced and
incomplete data sets characteristic of biomedical research. Topics
include an introduction to the analysis of correlated data, repeated
measures ANOVA, random effects and growth curve models, and generalized
linear models for correlated data, including generalized estimating
equations (GEE).
Course Activities: Homework assignments will focus on data analysis in
SAS using PROC GLM, PROC MIXED, and PROC GENMOD.
Course Note: BIO 211cd, BIO 213ab, or BIO 232ab, or signature of
instructor required; lab or section time will be announced at first
meeting.
BIO 230ab. Probability Theory and Applications I
Dr. M. Bonetti
5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 2-hour sessions each week. One 2-hour lab
each week.
A first course in probability fundamental to the biostatistics program.
Topics include axiomatic foundations, frequency and personal concepts of
probability, combinatorics, discrete and continuous sample spaces,
independence and conditional probability, random variables, expectation
operator, moments, generating functions and characteristic functions,
standard distributions, transformations, sampling distributions related
to the normal distribution, convergence concepts, weak and strong laws of
large numbers, the central limit theorem, and elements of stochastic
processes.
Course Note: Multi-variable calculus (one or two semesters beyond
elementary calculus) suggested; signature of instructor required; lab or
section time to be announced at first meeting.
BIO 231cd. Statistical Inference I
Dr. M. Zelen
5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 2-hour sessions each week. One 1.5-hour lab
each week.
A fundamental course in statistical inference. Discusses general
principles of data reduction: exponential families, sufficiency,
ancillarity and completeness. Describes general methods of point and
interval parameter estimation and the small and large sample properties
of estimators: method of moments, maximum likelihood, unbiased
estimation, Rao-Blackwell and Lehmann-Scheffe theorems, information
inequality, asymptotic relative efficiency of estimators. Describes
general methods of hypothesis testing and optimality properties of tests:
Neyman-Pearson theory, likelihood ratio tests, score and Wald tests,
uniformly and locally most powerful tests, asymptotic relative efficiency
of tests.
Course Note: BIO 230ab or signature of instructor required; lab or
section time to be announced at first meeting.
BIO 232ab. Methods I
Dr. M. Wand
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Introductory methods course aimed at first year Biostatistics students. Topics cover introduction of common statistical models and methods for data analysis. Concepts of populations and samples, contingency tables and distributional models such as Bernoulli, Poisson and normal models and related ones will be introduced. Methods for data analysis include chi-square tests, one- and two-sample t-tests, linear rank tests, correlation, ANOVA, and simple linear regression. Methods of exploratory data analysis and robust estimation will be discussed. The application of methods to the analysis of data using SAS and Splus statistical software packages will be emphasized.
Course Note: A working knowledge of calculus and linear algebra and one introductory statistics course are required. For non-Biostatistics degree candidates, BIO 222ab or equivalent is also required.
BIO 233cd. Methods II
Dr. D. Wypij
5 credits
Lectures, laboratories (optional). Two 2-hour sessions each week. One
1.5-hour lab each week.
This course focuses on the analysis of categorical data and count data,
and provides an introduction to methods for analysis of survival data.
Topics include a review of sampling plans, analysis of contingency
tables, large sample and exact methods for constructing confidence
intervals and hypothesis tests, measures of association, logistic
regression, and log-linear analysis. Survival topics will include
estimation of survival distributions, comparison of groups, and
regression models such as the Cox proportional hazards model and the
accelerated failure time models.
Course Note: BIO 210cd and BIO 222ab or BIO 232ab, or signature of
instructor required. Lab or section time to be announced at first
meeting.
BIO 235cd. Regression and Analysis of Variance
Dr. F. Vaida
5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 2-hour sessions each week. One 2-hour lab
each week.
This is an advanced course in data analysis for linear models -
regression and analysis of variance. Estimation methods (maximum
likelihood and least squares) and issues of inference (confidence
intervals, hypothesis testing, analysis of residuals) are presented from
a theoretical and data analysis perspective.
Course Note: BIO 232ab and BIO 231cd, or signature of instructor
required; familiarity with matrix algebra and BIO 211cd or equivalent
recommended. Lab or section time to be announced at first meeting.
BIO 244ab. Analysis of Failure Time Data
Dr. L.J. Wei
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Discusses the theoretical basis of concepts and methodologies associated
with survival data and censoring, nonparametric tests, and competing risk
models. Much of the theory is developed using counting processes and
martingale methods. Material is drawn from recent literature.
Course Note: BIO 231cd and BIO 233cd required.
BIO 245ab. Analysis of Multivariate and Longitudinal Data
Dr. N. Laird
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Presents classical and modern approaches to the analysis of multivariate
observations, repeated measures, and longitudinal data. Topics include
the multivariate normal distribution, Hotelling's T2, MANOVA, the
multivariate linear model, random effects and growth curve models,
generalized estimating equations, statistical analysis of multivariate
categorical outcomes, and estimation with missing data. Discusses
computational issues for both traditional and new methodologies.
Course Note: BIO 231cd and BIO 235ab required.
[BIO 247cd.] Design of Scientific Investigations
Dr. V. De Gruttola
5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions and one 2-hour lab each week.
Discusses those aspects of statistical theory and practice relevant to
the design of scientific investigations in the health sciences. Topics
include sample size considerations, basic principles of experimental
design (randomization, replication, and balance), block designs,
factorial experiments, response surface modeling, clinical trials,
adaptive designs, cohort studies, early detection trials, and double
sampling techniques.
Course Note: BIO 235ab or signature of instructor required; minimum
enrollment of 10 students required.
BIO 248cd. Advanced Statistical Computing
Dr. R. Gray
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
A course in computing algorithms useful in statistical research and
advanced statistical applications. Topics include computer arithmetic,
matrix algebra, numerical optimization methods with application to
maximum likelihood estimation and GEEs, spline smoothing and penalized
likelihood, numerical integration, random number generation and
simulation methods, Gibbs sampling, bootstrap methods, missing data
problems and EM, imputation, data augmentation algorithms, and Fourier
transforms.
Course Note: BIO 235ab or consent of instructor and proficiency with C or
Fortran programming required.
BIO 249ab. Bayesian Methodology in Biostatistics
Dr. S. Normand
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course examines basic aspects of the Bayesian paradigm including
Bayes’ theorem, the likelihood principle, prior distributions, posterior
distributions, and predictive distributions. General topics include
Bayesian analysis of linear models, generalized linear models, survival
models, and random effects models. Computations using Markov chain Monte
Carlo methods are discussed. Bayesian methods in meta-analysis and the
design and analysis of clinical trials will be examined.
Course Note: BIO 230ab, BIO 231cd and BIO 232ab or signature of
instructor required.
BIO250ab. Probability II
Dr. S. Lagakos, Dr. L. Yi
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
A sequel to BIO 230ab, covering a variety of more advanced topics in
probability theory. Topics include a brief overview of measure theory
integration, convergence on sequences of random variables and stochastic
processes, limit theorems, projections, and conditional expectation.
Course Note: BIO 230ab, BIO 231cd, and BIO 232ab or signature of
instructor required.
BIO 251cd. Statistical Inference II
Dr. L.Ryan
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Sequel to BIO 231cd. Considers several advanced topics in statistical
inference. Topics include limit theorems, multivariate delta method,
properties of maximum likelihood estimators, saddlepoint approximations,
asymptotic relative efficiency, robust and rank-based procedures,
resampling methods, and nonparametric curve estimation.
Course Note: BIO 231cd required.
[BIO 265c.] Nonlinear Repeated Measure Models
Dr. Y. Wang
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week.
Covers recent methodological developments for nonlinear modeling of data
consisting of repeated measurements on each of a number of individuals,
including parametric, nonparametric, semiparametric, and Bayesian
approaches. Emphasis on applications, with examples from the areas of
pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics, AIDS viral dynamics, immunochemistry,
biopharmaceutics, and environmental science.
Course Note: BIO231cd and BIO235ab required.
BIO 271ab. Statistical Computing Environments
Dr. R. Gentleman
2.5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. One 2-hour session each week.
Acquaints the students with the modern computing environments (hardware
and software) needed for careers in biostatistics. Course will consist of
lectures and computer labs, with several guest lecturers. Specific topics
include, programming environments in statistics, algorithmic and symbolic
mathematics, source language programming and its tools, editors,
typesetters, Internet tools, UNIX and other tools that have great
potential for research in and practice of statistics.
Course Note: Enrollment in a biostatistics degree program required; this
class cannot be used to satisfy the intermediate requirement for doctoral
students in the Department of Biostatistics; signature of instructor
required; no auditors.
BIO 275ab Operational Mathematics
Dr. R. Betensky
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour sessions each week.
The aim of this course is to strengthen students' background in analysis
and operational use of mathematics. The course will emphasize the
application of several fundamental results, and not the proofs of these
results. Students will work several problems which illustrate fundamental
mathematical operations. Topics include concepts of convergence (e.g.,
power series, Taylor's series), functions (limits, continuity, step
functions, L'Hopital's rule, differentiability), integration (Riemann,
Stieltjes, Lebesque), operations convergence theorem, complex variables
(e.g., Laplace transforms, Fourier transforms, inversion formulas).
Course Note: BIO 230ab required; no auditors.
BIO 277cd. Computational Biology
Dr. W. Wong
5.0 credits
Lectures. One 4-hour session each week.
With the rapid advances in molecular biology over the past decade, the
need for quantitative methods to analyze the vast amounts of information
that are being generated is enormous. This course will present and
discuss quantitative methods used in the analysis of several types of
data bases. Topics may include restriction maps, cloning, genome mapping,
sequence assembly, sequency alignment, and trees and sequences.
Course Note: BIO 230ab, BIO 231, or equivalent required; ordinal grading
option only.
[BIO 279d.] Smoothing in Biostatistical Modeling
Dr. M. Wand
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Smoothing is means by which non-linear structure can be incorporated into
a statistical model without the need for parametric modeling. This course
will describe some of the main smoothing techniques and illustrate their
use in biostatistical modeling. Computational and some theoretical issues
will also be discussed. The package S-PLUS will be used for computing.
BIO 300 a,b,c,d,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and
qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made
with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty
time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go
beyond the content of the regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
BIO 301 a,b,c,d,s. Tutorial
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and
qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made
with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty
time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go
beyond the content of the regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
BIO 310.a,b,c,d,s Statistical Methods
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Guided study in specific areas of statistical methodology and
applications.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required; students may register
for a maximum of 5 credits in the summer term.
BIO 311.a,b,c,d,s Teaching
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Work with members of the department in laboratory instruction and the
development of teaching materials.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required; students may register
for a maximum of 5 credits in the summer term.
BIO 312.a,b,c,d,s Consultation
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Work with members of the department on current statistical consultation
activities.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required; students may register
for a maximum of 5 credits in the summer term.
BIO 313. a,b,c,d,s Computing
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required; students may register
for a maximum of 5 credits in the summer term.
BIO 314. a,b,c,d,s Study Design
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Guidance in developing statistical design of a study in which the student
has a particular interest.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required; students may register
for a maximum of 5 credits in the summer term.
BIO 315. Data Analysis
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Guidance in the statistical analysis of a body of data in which the
student is interested.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required; students may register
for a maximum of 5 credits in the summer term.
BIO 350a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
BIO 400 a,b,c,d,s Non-Resident Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
CCB 210ab. Introduction to Cancer Biology (Cross-listed at FAS as
BPH-205 and at HMS as BPH-726.0)
Dr. C. Maki
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Emphasizes current experimental approaches to studying cancer biology and
the process of carcinogenesis. Topics include the biology of cell
modification and differentiation, the phenotype of the cancer cell,
properties of human and animal cancers, the process of cell
transformation, mutagenesis, carcinogen metabolism, and cancer
epidemiology.
Course Note: College-level course in biology required; enrollment limited
to 30 students; signature of instructor required. Ordinal grading only.
No auditors.
[CCB 250cd.] Cell Response to Mutagens and Carcinogens (Cross-listed at
FAS as BPH-213 and at HMS as BP-723.0)
Dr. B. Demple
5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
A seminar course based on emerging research on the molecular effects of
mutagenic, carcinogenic, and cytoxic agents. Particular focus on the
cellular mechanisms that preserve biological integrity (e.g., cell cycle
checkpoints; DNA repair) or mediate cellular responses to stress (e.g.,
redox signal transduction; apoptosis pathways).
Course Activities: This seminar course involves analysis and critical
discussion of research papers. Written assignments in developing relevant
research projects (mini-grant proposals).
Course Note: Advanced/ graduate courses in biochemistry, cell biology or
genetics required.
CCB 300a,b,c,d,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and
qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made
with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty
time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go
beyond the content of the regular courses. Opportunities are provided for
independent studies in molecular, cellular, biochemical, and
environmental toxicology.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
CCB301. a,b,c,d,s Tutorial
Course Note: Completed independent study
contract is required at the time of registration; maximum of 5 credits
per independent study topic; pass/fail only; signature of instructor
required.
CCB 350a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
CCE 204ab. Principles of Toxicology (Cross-listed at FAS as BPH-215 and
at HMS as BPH-713.0)(Department of Cancer Cell Biology and Department of
Environmental Health)
Dr. D. Wolf, Dr. D. Milton
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week. One 2-hour discussion session
each week.
Emphasizes mechanisms of injury and clinical consequences following
exposures to environmental and occupational chemicals. Examines actions
at the molecular, cellular, organ system, and organismal levels.
Discusses methods for detecting, evaluating, analyzing, and combating
toxic effects.
Course Activities: Written examinations.
Course Note: Organic chemistry and mammalian physiology or equivalents
required. Required lab.
CCE 280cd. Biomarkers in Cancer Research (Department of Cancer Cell
Biology and the Department of Environmental Health)
Dr. K. Kelsey
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
This course covers the use of biomarkers as measures of exposure,
absorbed dose, biological effect and health outcome in pre-neoplastic and
neoplastic disease states.
Course Activities: Lectures and seminars relating to the use of
biomarkers in epidemiologic studies.
Course Note: Introductory biostatistics and epidemiology required;
toxicology and environmental epidemiology are suggested; minimum
enrollment of 10 students required; enrollment limited to 25 students;
signature of instructor required.
DBE 208cd. Pathophysiology of Human Disease (Division of Biological Sciences and the Department of Environmental Health)(Cross-listed at FAS as BPH-210 and at HMS as BPH-729.0)
Dr. L. Kobzik
5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Surveys major human disease problems in the cardiovascular, respiratory, hematopoietic, reproductive and gastrointestinal systems. Emphasis on understanding the pathophysiologic basis of common disease manifestations and the pathogenesis of the disease process. Relevant public health perspectives on the epidemiology or control of diseases are also integrated.
Course Note: College level physiology, EH 205ab, or equivalent required.
DBN 209a. Membrane Trafficking (Division of Biological Sciences and the
Department of Nutrition)
Dr. M. Wessling-Resnick, Members of the Faculty
2.5 credits
To be given 2000-2001; offered alternate years.
Lectures, seminars, case studies. One 3-hour session each week.
Intercellular membrane traffic plays an essential role in nutrient
uptake, entry of micro-organisms into cells, and
receptor-down-regulation, thus defects in this process can create a
profound pathophysiology. This course will provide a detailed molecular
overview of the elements involved in membrane traffic, how these pathways
are interconnected, and the regulatory mechanisms responsible for
maintaining cellular integrity through membrane traffic. This course will
emphasize the interdisciplinary interests in this area.
Course Note: This course will be offered as a DBS "short course" in the
DMS catalog and will also be incorporated into the "short course" format
under the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) program; ordinal
grading option only.
DBS 205ab. Biological Sciences Seminars (Cross-listed at FAS as BPH-219)
Dr. M. Grusby, Dr. I. Ho
5 credits
Seminars. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week.
Faculty present seminars on their current research in the biological sciences and direct a student discussion of the logic and experimental design of this research. Topics include chemical and viral carcinogenesis, DNA damage and repair, immunology, molecular biology, metabolism, cardiovascular disease, parasitology, and how these areas apply to public health issues.
Course Note: Required for first-year students in the DBS/BPH program. Offered jointly with the Faculty of Arts and Science as BPH-219.
DBS 300ab,cd. Laboratory Rotations
Director, Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Laboratories. 12-20 hours each week.
An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and
qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made
with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty
time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go
beyond the content of the regular courses. Offers hands-on experimental
methods of research in the biological sciences. Students perform
individualized and original laboratory work. Includes participation in
seminars, journal clubs, and assigned readings.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
DBS 301a,b,c,d. Special Seminar
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Topics and meeting time to be determined.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
DBS 350a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department. Inquiries about
specific research opportunities should be addressed to the chair of the
department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
EEB 271d. Advanced Regression Techniques for Environmental Epidemiology (Departments of Environmental Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics)
Dr. J. Schwartz, Dr. W. Huang
2.5 credits
Lectures and seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
The course will cover nonlinear exposure-response relationships and repeated measure designs, including non-parametric and semi-parametric smoothing techniques, generalized additive models, robust regression and time series models. In addition to the theoretical material, students will apply these techniques using S-plus and SAS to actual datasets including modeling the effects of environmental exposures on health outcomes. These techniques also are widely applicable to problems in infectious disease, psychiatric, nutritional, occupational, and cancer epidemiology.
Course Activities: Lectures and structured workshops in the instructional computer facility.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st, and BIO 233cd or BIO 211cd required; EPI 202b and EPI 204d are strongly recommended; minimum enrollment of 3 students required and limited to 15 students; signature of instructor required; lab or section time to be announced at first meeting.
EH 201b. Introduction to Environmental Health
Dr. J. Brain, Dr. R. Hauser, Department Members
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course offers a general introduction to the health problems stemming
from contamination of air, water, food, the work place, and other special
environments. Policy required for regulation and alternative strategies
for prevention and control will be discussed. Links between environment
and infectious disease will also be examined. This course is designed
for the environmental non-specialist and meets the environmental health
requirement for all professional master's degree programs.
EH 202d. Principles of Environmental Health
Dr. R. Monson, Department Members
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will focus on the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the
assessment of risk to health from environmental exposures; the use of
such data in policy development and environmental management; and
alternative legal strategies available to redress environmental injury
and to control environmental degradation. The course meets the
requirement for all professional master's degree programs.
EH 205ab. Human Physiology (Cross-listed at FAS as BPH-208 and at HMS as
BPH-728.0)
Dr. N. Long Sieber and S. Shore
5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Two 2-hour sessions each week, including 2
laboratory meetings during the semester.
As an introduction to the principles governing function in the human
body, this course is designed to provide a framework in physiology for
future public health researchers and professionals who have not taken
college level physiology courses. Emphasis is placed on the concept of
homeostasis and on integrative aspects of physiology. Examples of
pathophysiology and environmental physiology will highlight these
processes.
Course Activities: Problem sets, exams, laboratories.
Course Note: College-level introductory biology or permission of
instructor required.
EH 223ab. Advanced Respiratory Physiology (Cross-listed at FAS as
BPH-206)
Dr. J. Butler
5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week.
Covers a broad range of topics in respiratory physiology including: lung
structure, volume and flow mechanics, surfactant function, gas exchange,
lung and chest wall interaction. Special topics may include pulmonary
circulation, lung endocrine functions, airway physiology and
pharmacology. Reviews classic concepts and presents some recent advances.
Course Activities: Student presentations.
Course Note: College-level physiology and EH 205ab or equivalent or
signature of instructor indicating suitable background required.
EH 225cd. Advanced Topics in Physiology (Cross-listed at FAS as BPH-207
and at HMS as BPH-727.0)
Dr. J. Fredberg
5 credits
Lectures, supervised independent study. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week.
This course provides opportunities for students interested in the
respiratory system to focus on special topics in lung biology. This
year's emphasis will be on the fundamental physical basis and
quantitative description of chemical, electrical and mechanical signaling
within the cell. Specific topics covered will include passive diffusion,
facilitated diffusion, solvent and solvent transport, channels, action
potentials, membrane transport, receptor-ligand binding.
Course Activities: Students will explore one particular aspect and write
a major research paper.
EH 231cd. Occupational Health Policy and Administration
Dr. D. Christiani, Dr. C. Langer
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
Examines the legal, economic, and political foundations of occupational health activities in the United States. Discusses the roles of government, unions, corporations, and research organizations. Helps students acquire an understanding of management functions in corporations.
Course Activities: Students develop the necessary knowledge and skills in the above areas to apply medical, industrial hygiene, and statistical skills to achieve a healthful workplace.
EH 232cd. Introduction to Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Dr. H. Hu, Dr. D. Christiani
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
Reviews the diagnosis and management of illnesses following exposure to
specific workplace substances and community hazards, such as asbestos,
lead, organic solvents, and vibration. Considers methods of diagnosis of
early organ system effects of chemicals and techniques for assessing
disability.
Course Activities: Written and oral group projects.
Course Note: Basic course in toxicology recommended.
EH 235ab. Epidemiologic Basis of Occupational Health Standards
Dr. E. Eisen, Dr. D. Wegman
5 credits
Seminars, case studies. One 3-hour session each week.
Provides students with the opportunity to review the scientific basis for the association of selected occupational exposures and disease. Special emphasis is placed on the evaluation of the epidemiologic literature, occupational cancer, respiratory disease, and other kinds of occupational morbidity. Attention is directed to the interface of science and regulatory policy and the role of risk analysis in setting health standards.
Course Activities: Discussions based on the process leading to setting of standards.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a and EPI 208st, and BIO 200ab or BIO 201ab or BIO201s and BIO201t, and ID 263bc required; EPE 215cd is strongly recommended; enrollment limited to 15 students; signature of instructor required.
EH 241cd. Occupational Safety and Injury Prevention
Dr. J. Dennerlein, Dr. R. Youngstrom, Dr. R. Spielvogel
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
This course in occupational safety works towards the prevention of
work-related injury and illnesses through proactive management and
control of workplace hazards. The primary objectives of the course are
to: (1) Identify fundamental workplace hazards, (2) develop a basis of
basic government and voluntary regulations, (3) understand issues
pertaining to specific and different industries, and (4) understand
various safety management programs.
Course Activities: Lectures and group discussions, and a term project
developing a employee-training program for injury prevention.
EH 243ab. Ergonomics and Human Factors
Dr. J. Dennerlein, Dr. R. Herrick, Mr. T. Courtney, Mr. R. Ciriello
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
Emphasizes the design of the job "to fit the worker" in terms of both
productivity and the prevention of injuries. Specific problems are
investigated which result from the nature of the job itself, e.g.,
musculoskeletal disorders including low back pain and repetitive stress
injuries of the upper extremity and human error. Fundamental ergonomic
topics, such as human physiology, occupational biomechanics,
epidemiology, and work place design, are considered in the development of
good job design principles.
Course Activities: Lectures and group discussions, and a term project
analyzing a real world job.
EH 250cd. Protecting Workers and Communities from Hazardous Substances
Mr. K. Martin (P), Mr. R. Spielvogel, Dr. S. Rudnick (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures, laboratory sessions, field trip. One 2-hour session each week.
This course covers the recognition, evaluation, and control of workers
and community exposure to hazardous substances. Particular emphasis is
placed on remdiation of hazardous waste sites, emergency response
activities and related operations.
Course Activities: Written reports and class discussions and "hands-on"
activities. Forty-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
certification may be awarded depending upon student's curriculum.
[EH 253cd.] Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
Dr. S. Rudnick, Dr. J. Spengler, Mr. L. DiBerardinis
5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures, laboratory sessions, case studies and field trip. Two 2-hour
sessions each week.
This course covers: systems used for heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning of buildings and for ventilation to protect industrial
workers; indoor air quality assessment and control including indoor
contaminents, their sources, and their health effects.
Course Activities: Written reports, homework assignments, class projects,
class discussions and student presentations.
[EH 256cd.] Introduction to Aerobiology
Dr. H. Burge, Dr. D. Milton, Mr. M. Muilenberg, Ms. C. Rogers
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
This course emphasizes the pathways from resevoirs for biological-source
disease agents to the ultimated response. Characteristics of the
organism and their associated disease agents, biological and physical
factors affecting aerosol formation, dispersion and decay, exposure
factors, dose response data, and mechanisms of the disease process are
included, as are approaches for investigation, research design and risk
assessment.
Course Activities: Lectures, discussions, research papers.
[EH 257cd.] Water Pollution
Dr. T. Ford, Dr. J. Shine
5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is designed to teach an understanding of the basic principles
of water pollution and water pollution issues on local, regional and
global scales. The course will begin with a discussion of the basic
chemical, physical and biological properties of water and water
contaminants, including hydrological considerations. Subsequent lectures
will cover specific chemical and biological contaminants in ground,
surface, brackish and marine waters; sources, fate, transport, and
transformation of contaminants; monitoring techniques, water source
protection and resource management; water and wastewater treatment;
transmission of waterborne disease; toxicological concerns of chemicals
in water, including disinfection byproducts; wetland ecology; remediation
approaches; and interactions with the air and land environments. Invited
lectures will cover issues such as harmful algal blooms, groundwater
modeling, coastal zone management, and regulatory approaches for aquatic
ecosystem protection. Course work will be complemented with exposure to
research within the program on water and health.
Course Activities: Class discussions, homework assignments, and project.
EH 262ab. Introduction to the Work Environment
Dr. R. Herrick, Dr. J. Stewart
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
The course comprises introductory lectures and discussions on key aspects
of industrial hygiene and occupational health covering recognition,
evaluation and control of health hazards at work. Consideration is given
to chemical, physical and biological hazards, and the criteria for each.
One or more visits are made to workplaces.
Course Activities: Written projects, class discussions, laboratories.
Course Note: While intended primarily for students planning a career in
that field, this course provides background to the subject for students
studying environmental issues and is strongly recommended for students
intending to take ID 263cd.
EH 264cd. Water Environment
Dr. J. Harrington
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
Provides students with an understanding of water engineering principles,
emphasizing design and treatment of water supply systems in developing
and developed countries.
Course Activities: Oral and written projects, class discussions, two
field trips.
[EH 266cd.] Land Environment and Waste Management
Dr. M. First
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures, readings, field trips. One 2-hour session each week.
An introduction to the nature, sources, and amounts of municipal,
industrial, and hazardous wastes; the laws governing their storage,
environmental control, transport, and disposal; municipal, industrial and
hazardous waste management; waste minimization, elimination, and
recycling; intermedia transfers, ground to water and ground to air.
Course Activities: Written and oral projects, class discussion, term
paper, field trips to operating waste management, recycling and disposal
facilities.
Course Note: Minimum enrollment of 9 students required.
EH 267cd. Industrial Hygiene/Ergonomics Internship and Environmental
Sciences Research Seminar
Dr. R. Herrick, Dr. P. Koutrakis
2.5 credits
Seminars, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
Material for this course is required for Industrial Hygiene concentrators
doing the Internship Program and for Environmental Science and
Engineering Program students doing research. The objective of the course
is to refine communication skills. Students are required to prepare their
own report, peer-review others and present the results.
Course Activities: Students present seminars on their recent internship
or research projects.
Course Note: EH 273ab Industrial Hygiene Internship or EH 300 level
research course is required; ordinal credit only.
EH 273ab. Industrial Hygiene/Ergonomics Internship
Dr. R. Herrick
20 credits
Field work. Normal working hours of the company, in addition to time
required for relevant reading.
The student works in an industrial or similar workplace under the
direction of a qualified and experienced industrial hygienist (a mentor).
Generally, the first half of the six-month period is devoted to learning
evaluation techniques (e.g., personal air sampling, direct reading
instrumentation, ventilation measurements), and the second half to
studying some specific hazard or problem in depth, and preparing material
for presentation in the succeeding course, EH 267cd.
Course Note: Completion of the first year of the two-year master's degree
program in Industrial Hygiene required; ordinal grading option only; no
auditors.
EH 278ab. Human Health and Global Environmental Change (Cross-listed at
HMS as H0703.0)
Dr. H. Hu, Dr. P. Epstein, Dr. T. Ford, Dr. D. Goodenough, Dr. E. Chivian
5 credits
Lectures. One 4-hour session each week.
Human activity is changing the atmosphere and altering terrestrial and
marine ecosystems on a global scale for the first time in history.
Evidence is mounting that these changes may already be having serious
effects on human health, and there is growing concern that in coming
decades the effects could be catastrophic. This course will provide an
overview of the basic physics, chemistry, and biology of global
environmental change, and of the potential consequences of these changes
for human health. It will cover global climate change, stratospheric
ozone depletion, the effects of toxic substance pollution on global
ecosystems, the degradation of terrestrial and marine environments, the
loss of species and biodiversity, and the impact of these factors on
human health. The role of rapidly growing human populations and of
patterns of resource use and waste disposal in the genesis of
environmental change will be examined. A multi-disciplinary faculty will
provide an integrated assessment of these issues. The course will be open
to all students at Harvard University, but preference will be given to
students from HSPH, HMS, and KSG, as well as to Environmental Science
Public Policy majors in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to approximately 30 students from SPH, 60
students total.
EH 290a,b,c,d. Research in Physiology
Dr. J.Godleski, Dr. J. Fredberg
2.5 credits per period enrolled
Seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Focuses on the design, conduct, and analysis of research in physiology.
Includes laboratory experience and the acquisition of original data and
culminates in the presentation of a research project at a national
meeting and in the preparation of a paper suitable for publication.
Course Note: No auditors.
EH 290a,b,c,d. Research in Physiology
Dr. J. Fredberg, Dr. J. Godleski, Dr. J. Brain
2.5 credits per period enrolled
Seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Focuses on the design, conduct, and analysis of research in physiology.
Includes laboratory experience and the acquisition of original data and
culminates in the presentation of a research project at a national
meeting and in the preparation of a paper su itable for publication.
Course Note: No auditors.
EH 290a,b,c,d. Research in Physiology
Dr. J. Godleski, Dr. J. Brain, Dr. J. Fredburg
2.5 credits per period enrolled
Seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Focuses on the design, conduct, and analysis of research in physiology.
Includes laboratory experience and the acquisition of original data and
culminates in the presentation of a research project at a national
meeting and in the preparation of a paper su itable for publication.
Course Note: No auditors.
EH 290a,b,c,d. Research in Physiology
Dr. J. Fredberg, Dr. J. Brain, Dr. J. Godleski
2.5 credits per period enrolled
Seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Focuses on the design, conduct, and analysis of research in physiology.
Includes laboratory experience and the acquisition of original data and
culminates in the presentation of a research project at a national
meeting and in the preparation of a paper su itable for publication.
Course Note: No auditors.
EH 300a,b,c,d,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and
qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made
with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty
time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go
beyond the content of the regular courses. Opportunities are provided for
independent studies in the fields of aerosol technology, air pollution
control, environmental health management, environmental epidemiology,
environmental microbiology, industrial hygiene and ventilation, nuclear
medicine, occupational medicine, radiological health, respiratory
biology, respiratory epidemiology, and solid waste management.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
EH 301a,b,c,d,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Course Note: Completed tutorial contract is required at the time of
registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic; pass/fail
only; signature of instructor required.
EH 330e. Field Work
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Supervised site visits and field research projects are available in
medical, industrial hygiene, and environmental health departments of
industries and governmental agencies. Students in the various programs in
occupational health may receive one credit for one week of fieldwork in
the "e" period. Students participating in the industrial hygiene
internship program receive 20 credits for fieldwork associated with their
internship and should register for the internship through EH 273ab.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail option only; signature of instructor required.
EH 350a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking.
advanced work along the lines of fundamental or applied research in the
department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
EH 400a,b,c,d,s. Non-Resident Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking.
advanced work along the lines of fundamental or applied research in the
department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
[EH 506ab.] Advanced Seminar in Aerobiology
Dr. D. Milton, Dr. H. Burge
2.5 credits
Not to be offered 2001-2002; alternate year course.
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
This course is intended for students analyzing or ready to begin analysis
of data for investigation of aerobiology, bioaerosol exposure assessment,
or bioaerosal exposure-response relationships.
Course Activities: In the first hour of each class a student will present
their work, research proposals, or critically review current literature
with emphasis on implications for study design and data analysis. The
second hour will be devoted to class discussion and feedback. Each
presentation will be followed by submission of a brief written summary
incorporating insights gained from class discussion. Evaluation will be
based on presentations, written summaries, and class participation.
EHE 215cd. Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology (Department of
Environmental Health and the Department of Epidemiology)
Dr. D. Dockery, Dr. R. Hauser
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
This course has three objectives: to review methods used in evaluating
the health effects of physical and chemical agents in the environment, to
review available evidence on the health effects of such exposures, and to
consider policy questions raised by the scientific evidence. Topics
include lectures on methodology, seminars on the review and criticism of
current literature, and presentations by outside experts on specific
environmental and occupational health issues of current interest.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st and BIO 200ab, BIO
201ab, BIO 206st, BIO 219ab or BIO 200s and BIO 200t required.
EHE 215t. Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology (Department of
Environmental Health and the Department of Epidemiology)
Dr. R. Hauser, Dr. D. Dockery
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
This course has three objectives: to review methods used in evaluating
the health effects of physical and chemical agents in the environment, to
review available evidence on the health effects of such exposures, and to
consider policy questions raised by the scientific evidence. Topics
include lectures on methodology, seminars on the review and criticism of
current literature, and presentations by outside experts on specific
environmental and occupational health issues of current interest.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st required; BIO
200ab, BIO 201ab, BIO 206st, BIO 219ab or BIO 200s and BIO 200t required
(concurrent enrollment permitted).
EHE 268b. Respiratory Epidemiology (Department of Environmental Health
and the Department of Epidemiology)
Dr. D. Dockery, Dr. C. Carmago
1.25 credits
Lectures, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
Reviews the epidemiology of respiratory diseases, including chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, respiratory cancer, and infectious
respiratory disease. Demographic distribution, time trends and risk
factors of these diseases are discussed.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st required.
EHH 500a. Risk Assessment (Department of Environmental Health and the
Department of Health Policy and Management)
Dr. J. Evans, Dr. J. Hammitt
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Introduces the framework of risk assessment, considers its relationship
with cost-benefit, decision analysis and other tools for improving
environmental decisions. The scientific foundations for risk assessment -
epidemiology, toxicology, and exposure assessment are discussed. The
mathematical sciences involved in developing models of dose-response,
fate and transport, and the statistical aspects of parameter estimation
and uncertainty analysis are introduced. Case studies are used to
illustrate various issues in risk assessment and decision making.
Course Activities: Lectures, discussions, computer workshops, case
studies.
Course Note: Calculus and chemistry courses required; course required for
all Environmental Science and Engineering Program students; minimum
enrollment of five students required; enrollment limited to 30 students;
signature of instructor required indicating suitable background.
EHH 501c. Regulatory Toxicology (Department of Environmental Health and
the Department of Health Policy and Management)
Dr. G. Gray
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Covers basic principles of toxicology and how animal and human studies
are used to further the understanding of dose-response relationships. The
toxicological evidence for regulating chemicals in the general
environment, the workplace and food supply is covered. Quantitative
pharmacokinetic and dose-response models used in risk assessment are
presented.
Course Activities: Lectures, discussions, case studies.
Course Note: Calculus and chemistry or biology courses required; EH 205ab
required; course required for all Environmental Science and Engineering
Program students; signature of instructor required if student has not
completed prerequisite.
[EHH 503ab.] Environmental Science and Risk Management Practicum
(Department of Environmental Health and the Department of Health Policy
and Management)
Dr. J. Evans, Department Members
5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
The practicum is designed to allow ESRM students to integrate what they
have learned about risk and decision sciences and to apply this knowledge
in the evaluation of a problem (of importance) in environmental
management or policy. Each student must design and conduct an independent
analysis of an environmental policy problem. Student projects must
demonstrate analytical sophistication and critical interpretation of
relevant science in support of decision making. Each student must prepare
a written report and make an oral presentation of results to the ESRM
faculty. The practicum is a requirement for and is restricted to all
students in the ESRM masters and doctoral program.
EMH 218d. Environmental and Social Risk Factors for Psychiatric Disorders
(Departments of Epidemiology, Health and Social Behavior and Maternal and
Child Health)
Dr. S. Buka, Dr. L. Berkman, Dr. J. Murphy
1.25 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
Reviews the major environmental and social risks for psychiatric
disorders of children, youth and adults. Lectures will address current
theories of gene-environmental interaction for psychiatric illness, and
both biological and psychosocial mechanisms linking environmental risks
with psychiatric disorders. Topics include prenatal complications;
childhood trauma; social networks and social support; critical life
events; culture, ethnicity and religion; social class; and community
influences. Major epidemiologic studies of these topics are presented.
This course is in the psychiatric epidemiology track.
Course Activities: Class discussion, final paper.
EPB253c. Information Management and Data Resources in Epidemiology (Department of Epidemiology and the Department of Biostatistics)
Dr. K. A. Chan, Dr. M. Testa
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies, computer exercises. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week. One 1-hour lab each week.
This course is designed to introduce students to the theory and applications of information technology that are used in modern epidemiology. Pertinent concepts of relational database theory and structured query language will be described, followed by lectures on data forms design, database construction, and data validation for studies that involve ad hoc collection of primary data. Record linkage techniques for utilization of secondary data in epidemiology will be introduced. Existing data sources, such as Medicaid, automated insurance claims systems, and computerized medical records will be described. Students will have hands-on experience working with computer programs in the lab sessions. Examples will be drawn from studies in pharmacoepidemiology, clinical epidemiology, and intervention studies.
Course Note: EPI200, EPI201, or EPI208st, and BIO200 or BIO201 required; for students not familiar with the latest computer technology, BIO112 is recommended.
EPH 227d. Principles of Screening
Dr. G. Colditz, Dr. B. Rockhill
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
The aim of this course is to provide a basic understanding of the principles of disease screening. Particular emphasis is placed on screening from a public health perspective. The first part of the course will focus on the quantitative foundations underlying screening evaluation. We will review current approaches to screening for cancer, as well as applications in a number of other settings. Controversies and limitations of screening strategies will be discussed.
Course Activities: Class participation in seminars and formal debates, one problem set, and final 5-10 page paper.
EPH 286t. Implementing Prevention (Department of Epidemiology and
Department of Health and Social Behavior)
Dr. G. Colditz, Dr. K Emmons
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will cover issues ranging from the evidence underlying
prevention recommendations to theory and practice of implementing
prevention. First, we will examine the sources of evidence and how they
are sythesized to inform recommendations for prevention. This will
include a brief review of methods for research synthesis and the
classification scheme used by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Strategies for prevention that address population-wide change in risk
will be considered including action by health care providers, regulatory
change, and individual and community changes. The theories underlying
behavior change will be reviewed and examples of ongoing prevention
interventions will be discussed. Risk assessment and risk communication
will be addressed and examples from cancer and cardiovascular disease
will be used for class assignments. Finally, students will review a
prevention strategy of their own choice and outline a plan for action.
Course Note: Ordinal grading only.
EPI 200a. Principles of Epidemiology
Dr. S. Hankinson, Dr. M. Stampfer
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 1-hour sessions and one 2-hour seminar each week.
Introduces the basic principles and methods of epidemiology. Lectures are complemented by seminars devoted to exercises or to the discussion of current examples of epidemiologic studies.
Course Activities: Class discussion, seminar participation, quiz, final examination.
Course Note: Credit is not given for more than one of EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st.
EPI 200s. Principles of Epidemiology
Dr. A. Hofman
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will provide an orientation to epidemiology as a basic science for public health and clinical medicine. It will address the principles of the quantitative approach to clinical and public health 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.
Course Activities: Class discussion, seminar, quiz, final exam.
Course Note: This course is taught during Session I of the Summer Institute for Public Health Studies in Quantitative Methods; credit is not given for more than one of EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st.
EPI 201a. Introduction to Epidemiology
Dr. J. Robins, Dr. K. Chan
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week, one 1.5-hour seminar
each week.
This course covers the principles and methods used in epidemiologic
research. It is an alternative to EPI 200a and is designed for students
majoring in Epidemiology or Biostatistics, or for students who desire a
more detailed introduction into the main issues encountered in the
design, implementation, and analysis of epidemiologic studies.
Course Note: Credit is not given for more than one of EPI 200a, EPI 200s,
EPI 201a or
EPI 208st.
EPI 202b. Elements of Epidemiologic Research
Dr. D. Spiegelman, Dr. M. Mittleman
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions and one 2-hour seminar each week.
Introduces elements of study design, data analysis and inference in epidemiologic research. Principles and methods are illustrated with examples, and reviewed through homework and in-class exercises. May serve as an introduction to more advanced study or as a concluding course for those desiring a working knowledge of epidemiologic methods.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI208st required - concurrent enrollment permitted; BIO 200ab, BIO 200s and BIO 200t , BIO 201ab, or BIO219ab required - concurrent enrollment permitted.
EPI 202t. Elements of Epidemiologic Research
Dr. M. Mittleman
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
See course description for EPI 202b.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st required - concurrent enrollment permitted; BIO 200ab, BIO 200s and BIO 200t or BIO 201ab required - concurrent enrollment permitted.
EPI 203c. Design of Case-Control and Cohort Studies
Dr. A. Walker, Dr. A. Ascherio
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Beginning with the randomized clinical trial as a paradigm, this course examines common problems in the design, analysis, and interpretation of observational studies. Cohort and case-control studies are the focus of the discussion, but not to the exclusion of other designs. Problems of exposure and disease definitions, time-dependent effects, confounding, and misclassification are considered in the light of data sources typically available. Relevant statistical methods are introduced but not developed in detail.
Course Activities: Review of published studies, written group projects, class discussion.
Course Note: EPI 202b or EPI 202t and BIO 200ab, BIO 201ab, or BIO 200s and BIO 200t or signature of instructor required.
EPI 204d. Analysis of Case-Control and Cohort Studies
Dr. K. Joshipura, Dr. C. Hsieh
2.5 credits
Lectures, laboratories (optional). Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Develops the material presented in EPI 203c into the rationale and
methodology for mathematical modeling of study parameters. Emphasizes
Poisson and logistic regression.
Course Activities: Written group projects, class discussion, short quiz,
homework.
Course Note: EPI 203c required.
EPI 205ab. Practice of Epidemiology
Dr. E. Rimm, Dr. M. Stampfer
2.5 credits
Seminars, tutorials. One 2-hour tutorial each week during "a" period and
one 2-hour seminar each week during "b" period.
The seminars consist of student presentations of plans for collection and
analysis of epidemiological data, with discussion by students and
faculty. Preparatory work is done under tutorial arrangements with
members of the faculty. The emphasis is on conceptual issues necessary
for the development of a fundable epidemiological study.
Course Activities: Individual student paper and presentation, student and
faculty critiques.
Course Note: This course is aimed at epidemiology doctoral students;
background in epidemiology is required; signature of instructor required.
EPI 207a. Advanced Epidemiologic Methods
Dr. J. Robins, Dr. M. Hernan
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions and one 2-hour lab each week.
Provides an in-depth investigation of statistical methods for drawing
causal inferences from observational studies. Informal epidemiologic
concepts such as confounding, selection bias, overall effects, direct
effects, and intermediate variables will be formally defined within the
context of a counterfactual causal model and with the help of causal
diagrams. Methods for the analysis of the causal effects of time-varying
exposures in the presence of time dependent covariates that are
simultaneously confounders and intermediate variables will be emphasized.
These methods include g-computation algorithm estimators, inverse
probability weighted estimators of marginal structural models,
g-estimation of structural nested models. As a practicum, students will
reanalyze data sets using the above methods.
Course Activities: Class discussion, homework, practicum and final
examination.
Course Note: EPI204d and BIO210cd, or BIO233cd, or signature of
instructor required; familiarity with logistic regression and survival
analysis is expected; lab time will be announced at first meeting.
EPI 208st. Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology
Dr. D. Singer, Dr. E. F. Cook
5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is an introductory-level course and covers the principles and methods used in traditional and clinical epidemiologic research through a series of lectures, exercises, seminars, workshops and presentations. This course is targeted at individuals planning to conduct clinical research.
Course Activities: Written assignments, computer exercises, seminar discussion; each student is required to develop a study design that addresses a specific clinical problem and to present this proposal to the class. Seminars are held during scheduled class time.
Course Note: For participants in the Summer Program in Clinical Effectiveness only; no auditors; signature of instructor required.
EPI 212a. Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases
Dr. E. Rimm, Guest Lecturers
1.25 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
Reviews the epidemiology of the chronic cardiovascular diseases.
Demographic distribution and time trends of these diseases are presented,
and known risk factors are discussed. The course is open to all students.
Course Activities: Grades are based on short papers or student
presentations.
EPI 213c. Epidemiology of Cancer
Dr. S. Hankinson, Dr. E. Giovannucci
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Reviews basic concepts and issues central to cancer epidemiology. Considers the descriptive epidemiology of cancer and discusses the implications of the biology of cancer for identification of risk factors. Examines the role of smoking, radiation, nutrition, and other exposures. Selected malignancies are discussed.
Course Activities: Each student prepares a review of the epidemiology of a specific cancer site.
Course Note: EPI 250b or signature of instructor required.
EPI 214d. Epidemiologic Analysis of Outbreaks and Infectious Diseases
Dr. R. Platt
2.5 credits
Seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour session each week.
Discusses the use of epidemiologic methods in analyzing outbreaks and
investigating infectious diseases. Different types of problems and
various methods of analysis are illustrated. Stresses literature review
and practical methodology.
Course Activities: Weekly written homework problems.
EPI 216d. Epidemiology in Public Health Practice
Dr. R. Dicker
2.5 credits
Case studies. One 3-hour session each week.
The course uses case studies to teach the principles and practice of
field epidemiology, ranging from surveillance to descriptive epidemiology
to outbreak investigation to analytic methods to Epi Info software. The
course focuses on the use of sound epidemiologic judgment, particularly
when epidemiologic theory and practical considerations conflict.
Following this course, the student will be familiar with the principles
of epidemiology relevant to public health professionals, and should be
able to apply those principles to address public health problems in the
community.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a, or EPI 208st required; minimum
enrollment of 10 students required; enrollment limited to 20 students.
EPI 217a. The Epidemiology of Adult Psychiatric Disorders
Dr. P. Wang, Dr. M. Tsuang
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 3-hour session each week.
Covers a range of studies from early classics to recent work on the
occurrence and distribution of psychiatric illness. Describes the
application of basic epidemiologic research designs to the study of
psychiatric conditions. Clinical aspects of psychopathology will also be
introduced. The course is an introductory course in the psychiatric
epidemiology track. It is intended for master's degree and doctoral
students interested in mental health research and those who desire a
general introduction to the field of psychiatric epidemiology.
Course Activities: Class discussion, final examination, homework
assignment.
Course Note: Background in introductory statistics and understanding of
basic epidemiologic research methods recommended; EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI
201a or EPI 208st and BIO 200ab, BIO 201ab or BIO 200s and BIO 200t
recommended (concurrent enrollment permitted) or permission of
instructor.
EPI 219b. Assessment Concepts and Methods in Psychiatric Epidemiology
Dr. D. Blacker
2.5 credits
Lectures, laboratory/practice sessions. One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour laboratory/practice session each week.
Presents the application of basic epidemiologic and psychometric concepts and methods in psychiatric research. Topics include: measurement theory, reliability, validity, screening, and diagnostic classification procedures, as they specifically relate to psychiatric research. The course is in the psychiatric epidemiology track and is intended primarily for students interested in conducting mental health research.
Course Activities: Class discussion, brief homeworks, class project with oral presentation and final paper.
Course Note: Students should be familiar with the major forms of psychopathology, basic epidemiologic research methods, and introductory statistics; EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st and BIO 200ab or BIO 201ab or BIO 200s and BIO 200t required or consent of instructor; lab or section time to be announced at first meeting.
EPI 221b. Pharmacoepidemiology
Dr. A. Walker
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Within the framework of formal epidemiologic analysis, this course covers inference about the effects of pharmaceuticals from case reports, case series, vital statistics and other registration schemes, cohort studies, and case-control studies. Decision-making with inadequate data is examined from the perspectives of manufacturers and of regulators. Students are graded on the basis of group projects. This course is intended primarily for students wishing to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry or in national regulatory bodies, but may have more general interest as an applied mid-level course with a heavy methodological emphasis.
Course Activities: Written and oral group projects, individual class presentations, class discussion.
Course Note: Knowledge of epidemiology at the level of EPI 202b (which may be taken concurrently) and a basic understanding of drug use and nomenclature are assumed; enrollment limited to 25 students; signature of instructor required.
EPI 222d. Genetic Epidemiology of Diabetes and its Complications
Dr. A. Krolewski, Dr. J. Warram
2.5 credits
To be given 2000-2001; offered alternate years.
Seminar, case studies, laboratories. One 2-hour session and one 2-hour
laboratory session each week.
The genetics of diabetes and its complications, together with the
descriptive epidemiology of these conditions, will be used to illustrate
the process of generating etiologic hypotheses that can be studied by the
methods of genetic epidemiology. Techniques of molecular genetics
relevant to epidemiologic studies will be reviewed and demonstrated. Data
sets that include genotype information will be analyzed with an emphasis
placed on the examination of various gene/environment interaction.
Course Note: EPI 202b required; lab or section time to be announced at
first meeting.
EPI 224a. Cancer Prevention
Dr. G. Colditz
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies, laboratories. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Approaches to cancer prevention will be reviewed with the principal
emphasis on primary prevention. After a brief discussion of issues in the
application of screening and the contribution that screening for each
cancer, one by one, can make through early diagnosis, we will focus on
the social and behavioral changes that can achieve the same or greater
reduction in cancer incidences. This course will review models for
prevention, and emphasize the timing of prevention in the context of the
natural history of disease etiology (examples discussed in detail will
include breast and colon cancer). The importance of population-wide
strategies rather than high risk approaches will be emphasized. Levels of
intervention from action by health care providers (e.g., counseling and
screening), regulatory policy, social structural changes to individual
behavior changes will be emphasized. Key components necessary for
prevention policy include an adequate knowledge base, social strategies,
and political will. These must be in balance. Students will review and
contrast breast and colon cancer with regard to the balance of these
three major components of prevention policy.
Course Note: Requirement for students in the Cancer Education Program.
EPI 225c. Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
Dr. M. Lipsitch
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Covers basic concepts and issues central to the epidemiology of
infectious diseases and disease transmission. Introductory topics will
include epidemiologic properties of infectious agents and the nature of
host defenses; the dynamics of occurrence of communicable diseases, their
reservoirs; and the interactions of human behavior and the actions of
governments and international agencies. Direct and indirect transmission
of infectious agents in various settings, and the implication for
successful intervention and control will be summarized. Genetic,
behavioral, ecological, technical and political origins of what are
termed emerging infections will be considered. The dynamics of host
parasite interactions are illustrated with mathematical models, although
only a little algebra is used in the course.
Course Activities: Weekly written homework problems.
Course Note: A prior course in basic microbiology helpful, but not
required.
EPI 228ab. Oral Epidemiology
Dr. C. Douglass, Dr. K. Joshipura
2.5 credits
To be given 2000-2001; offered alternate years.
Lectures, seminars, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
This course will first discuss the principal measures and methods of epidemiology as they apply to oral conditions; then the distribution, etiology and risk factors for dental caries, periodontal diseases, cleft lip and palate, oral cancer, soft tissue lesions and malocclusions will be studied. The third part of the course links oral epidemiology data to health policy issues in other areas: community preventive dentistry programs, national health care policy, e.g., infection control, and health services research.
Course Activities: Class discussion, reading homework, written assignments, midterm and final examinations.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st required (concurrent enrollment permitted).
EPI 235d. Health Services Epidemiology
Dr. A. Chan, Dr. S. Schneeweiss, Dr. M. Maclure and guest lecturers
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 1.5 hour lectures each week.
This course is designed to introduce Epidemiology students to the
application of standard epidemiologic methods to Health Services
Research. The course helps students to recognize the principles of
Epidemiology in Health Services Research, and understand the terminology
and methods specific to the field. Threats to validity including
selection bias, confounding, information bias, and methods for their
control will be discussed in a variety of settings emphasizing practical
considerations. Lectures include recent or ongoing case studies and
examples from the literature. Topics include strategic planning, quality
management, risk-adjustment, benchmarking, outcomes and effectiveness
research, and program evaluation.
Course Note: EPI202 and BIO 200 or BIO201 required or signature of
instructor.
EPI 236s. Analytical Aspects of Clinical Epidemiology
Dr. E. F. Cook
5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Ten 2-hour sessions each week.
This course examines some features of study design, but is primarily focused on analytic issues encountered in clinical research. These include techniques for stratified analysis, regression modeling, matching and recursive partitioning. Emphasis is placed on the use of these techniques for the control of confounding and the development of clinical rules. The focus of this course is on applications and interpretations of results with limited introduction to theory that underlies these techniques.
Course Activities: Seminars are scheduled during regular class time. Students must develop a written summary of the analysis of a clinical data set based on the results of daily computer exercises.
Course Note: EPI 208st and BIO 206s (or similar courses) required; signature of instructor required.
EPI 241ab. Design Issues Involved in Measuring Health Status
Dr. E. F. Cook
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
Examines methodologic issues related to measures of health status
encountered in clinical research. Topics to be covered include
instrument development; scaling; assessment of reliability, validity and
responsiveness to change; principal component analysis and factor
analysis.
Course Activities: Working in groups students must design an instrument
to measure a construct of choice, distribute that instrument to a
population, analyze the performance of the instrument from that data and
present their results in class.
Course Note: Minimum enrollment of 10 students required; enrollment
limited to 50 students; signature of instructor required.
EPI 242ab,cd. Seminar on Applied Research into Clinical Effectiveness
Dr. D. Singer, Dr. E. F. Cook, Dr. E. J. Orav
1.25 credits for "ab" semester; 1.25 credits for "cd" semester
Seminars. One 1.5-hour session each week.
This seminar serves as a forum for students' clinical epidemiologic
research. In the process, students are exposed to a variety of research
designs, analytic strategies, and content areas There is active class
discussion. Faculty emphasize methodologic issues pertinent to that
presentation.
Course Activities: Student presentation or written assignment.
Course Note: Must register in each appropriate semester; separate grade
given at the end of each semester; signature of instructor required.
EPI 242ab,cd. Seminar on Applied Research into Clinical Effectiveness
Dr. D. Singer, Dr. E. F. Cook, Dr. E. J. Orav
1.25 credits for "ab" semester; 1.25 credits for "cd" semester
Seminars. One 1.5-hour session each week.
This seminar serves as a forum for students' clinical epidemiologic
research. In the process, students are exposed to a variety of
research designs, analytic strategies, and content areas There is
active class discussion. Faculty emphasize methodologic issues
pertinent to that presentation.
Course Activities: Student presentation or written assignment.
Course Note: Must register in each appropriate semester; separate
grade given at the end of each semester; signature of instructor
required.
[EPI 244c.] Genetic Epidemiologic Methods for Psychiatric and other
Complex Disorders
Dr. S.L. Santangelo, Dr. P. Van Eerdewegh, Dr. M. Tsuang
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures, Labs. One 3-hour session and one lab.
Designed to introduce students to classical and current research
methodology for genetic epidemiologic studies of complex (non-Mendelian)
disorders using examples drawn from the psychiatric genetics literature.
Topics include issues in phenotype definition, design and analysis of
family, twin, and adoption studies, segregation analysis, linkage
analysis methods, and association studies. Students will gain direct
experience in carrying out linkage analyses using different approaches
and analytic packages. Laboratory sessions will be devoted to discussion
of the technical details of executing the relevant computer programs and
interpretation of results. This is one of the courses on the psychiatric
epidemiology track, but it may also be of interest to students wanting to
learn methods for studying any disorders with complex genetic
inheritance.
Course Activities: Lectures, class discussion, homework assignments, labs
devoted to computer analyses of data, interpretation, oral or written
presentation of results of data analyses; enrollment limited to 25
students, instructor's signature required.
Course Note: Students should have an understanding of basic epidemiologic
research methods, introductory biostatistics and probability; EHB 281a
and/or signature of instructor required.
EPI 247b. Epidemiologic Methods Development - Past and Present
Dr. M. Mittleman
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course aims to provide students with a strong foundation in
understanding the theoretical basis of currently used epidemiologic
methods and also to help students acquire an understanding of the process
of developing new approaches. The course will review the theoretical
basis of modern epidemiology by reviewing landmark papers in the
development of epidemiologic methods. Students will review classic papers
that introduced important theoretical and methodological advances in the
field. The course will begin with older papers, and trace the evolution
of epidemiologic ideas, culminating in important recent areas of methods
development.
Course Note: EPI 204d or signature of instructor required.
EPI 249a. Molecular Biology for Epidemiologists
Dr. I. DeVivo
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course offers an overview of molecular biology and presents
molecular biological concepted and techniques commonly used in the
laboratory and in epidemiological research. Topics include the structure
of DNA and genes, DNA replication, transcription and RNA translation.
Course notes: Enrollment limited to 30 students; signature of instructor
required; no auditors.
EPI 250b. Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer
Dr. F. Li
1.25 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
This course is an introductory overview of the molecular genetics and epidemiology of cancer, with emphasis on use of new laboratory techniques in epidemiologic studies. Also discussed will be the application of epidemiologic methods to the generation of new etiologic hypotheses.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st or signature of instructor required.
EPI 251c. Studies in Molecular Epidemiology
Dr. D. Hunter
1.25 credits
Seminars, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
The aim of this course is to acquaint students with recent developments in molecular epidemiology, including molecular markers of environmental exposures, applications to risk assessment, and genetic markers of susceptibility. Students will present key papers in the literature for discussion. Applications will cover cancer, cardiovascular disease, and infectious diseases.
Course Activities: Student presentations and written evaluations of key papers.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 16 students; signature of instructor required.
EPI 252d. Infections and Cancer
Dr. N. Mueller, Dr. S. Stuver
2.50 credits
To be given 2000-2001; offered alternate years.
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour session each week.
This course reviews the epidemiology and public health impact of viral
and other infectious agents associated with malignancy. The role of host
response and the use of serology and viral probes as risk markers are
discussed. A related disease or unknown agent is discussed as a case
study.
Course Note: EPI 213c required.
EPI 254d. The Epidemiology of Aging
Dr. F. Grodstein
1.25 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
This course will cover epidemiologic concepts and methods related to
diseases of aging as well as general health issues in the elderly.
Topics will include the epidemiology of Alzheimer's Disease;
pharmacoepidemiology in the elderly; quality of life in aging
populations; methodologic dilemmas in such research; as well as others
EPI 255a. The Epidemiology of HIV Infection, Part I: Etiology, Natural History and Transmission
Dr. G. Seage
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 3-hour session each week.
This course is designed to introduce students to the epidemiology of HIV infection. It is designed for those students with a keen interest in both HIV/AIDS and epidemiologic methods. This course will survey state-of-the-art knowledge of the epidemiology of HIV infection and will emphasize epidemiologic principles and methods; including studies of the etiology of AIDS, estimation of the incidence and prevalence of HIV and AIDS, natural history and survival. The use of appropriate study designs and potential sources of bias will be discussed, with a focus on observational designs. This course will provide the student with experience in the critical review of epidemiologic studies in this area.
Course Activities: Homework assignments will consist of study questions or study critiques. These assignments constitute 100% of the grade and are due on the day of the discussions.
Course Note: EPI200a, EPI200s, EPI201a, or EPI208st required, concurrent enrollment permitted. Ordinal grading only.
EPI 256b. The Epidemiology of HIV Infection, Part II: Design and Conduct of Therapeutic and Prevention Interventions
Dr. G. Seage
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 3-hour session each week.
This course is designed to introduce students to the design and conduct of HIV therapeutic and prevention interventions. It is designed for those students with a keen interest in both HIV/AIDS and epidemiologic methods. This course will survey state-of-the-art knowledge of the epidemiology of HIV infection and will emphasize epidemiologic principles and methods including the design and conduct of ethical HIV intervention trials. The us of appropriate study designs and potential sources of bias will be discussed. This course will provide the student with experience in the development of a research proposal.
Course Activities: Grades will be based on a research proposal describing a therapeutic or prevention trial.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI200s, EPI201a, EPI208st or signature of instructor required. Enrollment in EPI255a strongly recommended. Ordinal grading option only.
EPI 260d. Mathematical Modeling of Infectious Diseases
Dr. M. Lipsitch
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week.
This course will cover selected topics and techniques in the use of
dynamical models to study the transmission dynamics of infectious
diseases. Class sessions will include critical student presentations of
important papers, presentation (lecture and demonstration) of modeling
techniques and their application, and guest presentations by researchers
in the field. Techniques will include design and construction of
appropriate differential equation models, methods of equilibrium and
stability analysis, parameter estimation from epidemiological data,
techniques for sensitivity analysis, and critique of model assumptions.
Specific topics will include the use of age-seroprevalence data, the
effects of population heterogeneity on transmission, and the use of
models for pathogens with multiple strains. This course is designed for
students with a basic understanding of mathematical modeling concepts who
want to develop models for their own work.
Course Note: EPI225c or permission of instructor required.
EPI 269cd. Epidemiologic Research in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. B. Harlow, Dr. D. Cramer, Dr. K. Michels
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
This course will provide an overview of the methods and results from
epidemiological research in the areas of contraception, infertility,
pregnancy, menopause, and both benign and malignant gynecological
conditions. Several lectures will feature an Ob/Gyn specialist who
provides an overview of the clinical and physiological underpinnings of a
particular topical area. These unique lectures compliment the discussion
of pertinent epidemiological methods and topical literature.
Course Note: EPI 200a, EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st or signature of
instructor required.
EPI 284c. Epidemiology of Neurologic Diseases
Dr. A. Hofman, Dr. A. Ascherio,
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is designed to introduce students to the epidemiology of
major neurologic diseases. The emphasis will be both on research methods
and on substantive issues. The course is meant for those with research
interests in neurologic diseases and in epidemiological and clinical
aspects of aging. The course will stress etiologic and prognostic
research from an epidemiologic and clinical viewpoint. The following
topics and diseases will be addressed: the epidemiologic approach to
clinical neurology; public health implications of neurologic diseases;
aging and neurologic diseases; co-morbidity and neurologic diseases;
genetic epidemiologic approaches to neurologic diseases. Neurological
diseases that will be discussed include stroke, cerebrovascular diseases,
Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, cancers of the
nervous system and epilepsy. Course Note: EPI200a, EPI201a, or EPI208st
required; and BIO200ab, BIO201ab, or BIO200s and BIO200t required.
EPI 300a,b,c,d,e,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and
qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made
with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty
time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go
beyond the content of the regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
EPI301 a,b,c,d,s Tutorial
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Course Note: Completed tutorial contract is required at the time of
registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic; pass/fail
only; signature of instructor required.
EPI 310a,b,c,d,e,f. Research in Clinical Epidemiology
Dr. E.F. Cook
Time and credit to be arranged.
All students working in the Concentration of Clinical Epidemiology, who
intend to complete the requirements for a Master of Science in
Epidemiology based on only a summer schedule, are required to undertake
and complete a clinical research project at their institution. Ten
tutorial credits will be granted for this research. Each student is
required to submit a written paper summarizing his or her research
project. The exact content of this research project is determined by the
faculty member assigned as principal advisor to the student. An
appropriate content for this project might include the development of a
research proposal to address a clinical question of interest, the
implementation of this proposal with the collection of patient data, the
analysis of these data, and the creation of a publishable manuscript
(with detailed appendices) to describe the results of the analysis.
Alternatively, part of this project might pertain to the creation of a
full-fledged RO1 study protocol in the National Institutes of Health
format, a publishable paper based on the analysis of existing data, a
decision analysis, or a cost-effectiveness analysis.
Course Activities: Supervised research. Written progress reports must be
submitted each semester.
Course Note: Acceptance into the Program in Clinical Effectiveness and
completion is required; pass/fail grading option only.
EPI 311a,b,c,d,s. Teaching Assistant
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
EPI 350a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
EPI355d. Advanced Seminar in Breast Cancer Epidemiology
Dr. G. Colditz, Dr. S. Hankinson, Dr. B. Rockhill
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
This course is an advanced seminar in current breast cancer research. It
is intended for graduate students who have passed their doctoral
qualifying exam and who have a research focus in, or a strong interest
in, cancer epidemiology and cancer prevention. Topics to be covered
include mathematical models of breast carcinogenesis, associations
between endogenous and exogenous hormones and breast cancer,
histopathology of benign and malignant breast conditions, estrogen
receptivity of tumors, breast morphology (mammographic density),
mechanisms of chemoprevention and public health implications of such a
strategy, lifestyle factors (diet and physical activity) and breast
cancer, mammographic screening and risk communication. Meetings will be
led by expert scientists in the research area, but the meetings are
expected to be participatory discussions about future directions for
research in the particular area.
Course Note: Enrollment limited; lab or section time to be announced at
first meeting; pass/fail only.
EPI 400a,b,c,d,s. Non-Resident Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
HCM 701. Organizational Behavior
Dr. D. Javitch (P), Dr. N. Kane (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. 13 face-to-face sessions, field project.Summer 1
and Academic Year 1.
This course focuses on the challenges of managing complex health care
systems. We will explore the leadership and motivational skills relevant
to performing as an effective manager, and discuss the different roles
associated with managing the individual, the unit, the organization, and
the larger system.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Ordinal grading option only.
HCM 702. Marketing
Ms. D. Soodalter-Toman (P), Dr. N. Kane (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Weekend sessions. Academic Year 1.
Marketing Plans are born from an organization's mission and are integral
to the development and implementation of a successful strategic plan.
Most organizations require both an internal marketing plan (for staff and
board - "stakeholders"), and an external marketing plan (for customers).
This course will focus on the components of internal and external
marketing, with particular attention to the marketing of different health
care organizations and services. Participants will develop a marketing
plan from conception through an analysis of return of investment (ROI).
Several marketing techniques will be covered, including marketing to
multicultural populations and women.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Ordinal grading option only.
HCM 703. Perspectives in Public Health
Dr. M. Roberts
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Eight 2-hour monthly sessions. Academic Year 1.
This partiallyteleconference-based course will use case studies focusing
on important health care issues - such as workplace injuries,
environmentally induced asthma, and indoor air pollution - to provide
students with a perspective on the environmental, social, and behavioral
complexities affecting the health of populations. Students will present
solutions to cases and modify them as they take on a variety of public
health perspectives. In addition, students will complete a field project
or research paper on a public health issue.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Ordinal grading option only.
HCM 704. Managing Information in Health Care
Dr. D. Bialek
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week. Summer 2.
This course will expose students to the concepts and knowledge involved
in making strategic use of information technology (IT) in health care
organizations. It will clarify how to establish IT linkages to business,
planning, and governance. In addition it will introduce students to
technology management through the analysis of the lifecycle of IT, IT
architecture, systems integration, and standards. The course focuses on
key health care implications and the impact of IT upon quality, cost, and
operations.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Ordinal grading option only.
HCM 705. The Statistical & Epidemiological Basis for Managing Health Care
Quality
Dr. M. Pagano
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Weekend sessions. Academic year 2.
This course covers the fundamentals of biostatistics and epidemiology and
addresses their application to the management of health care quality.
The first part of the course reviews basic biostatistical and
epidemiological concepts, using IT-assisted learning techniques. The
second part of the course is even more interactive discussion requiring
student participation, especially drawing on their experiences to
incorporate biostatistics and epidemiology to more effectively manage the
processes and outcomes of health delivery from the standpoint of quality.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Ordinal grading option only.
HCM 706. Health Care Management Practicum
Mr. J. Oxendine (P), Dr. N. Kane (S)
5 credits
Lectures, case studies.
This course focuses on further development of the clinical leadership
and managerial skills that are most practical and relevant to current
challenges facing health care organizations. Particular emphasis will be
on planning, decision making, and management of major strategic and
organizational change initiatives. Cases, discussion and guest speakers
will provide participants with greater insights into the roles,
challenges and success requirements of executives and clinical leaders
in critical initiatives such as mergers, consolidations, restructuring,
medical group management, utilization appropriateness, technology
deployment and e-commerce strategy. Participants will also be required
to undertake a field practicum to apply their knowledge and skills to
addressing an important current managerial challenge facing a healthcare
organization.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Ordinal grading option only.
HCM 719. Financial Transactions and Analysis
Mr. H. Rivenson
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Weekend sessions. Academic Year 1.
This intensive course introduces concepts of financial accounting to the
non-accountant user of financial information. Basic accounting
transactions, statement preparation and concepts of accrual versus cash
accounting are presented in the first half of the course. The remainder
of the course focuses on financial analysis of a variety of health care
organizations.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Similar to HPM 219a - adapted
for the non-residential program. Ordinal grading option only.
HCM 720. Cost Accounting and Control Systems
Mr. R. Siegrist
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Weekend sessions. Academic Year 1.
This course is designed to introduce students to cost accounting and
management control concepts and uses for health service organizations.
The first part of the course develops a basic knowledge of cost
accounting, including full and differential costing techniques. The
remainder of the course focuses on management control structure and
process and addresses topics such as responsibility accounting,
budgeting, reporting and variance analysis.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Similar to HPM 220 - adapted
for the non-residential program. Ordinal grading option only.
HCM 731. Competitive Strategy Determination
Dr. N. Kane
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Weekend sessions. Academic Year 2.
This course focuses on the conceptual framework needed to plan for the
long-term viability of health care organizations. Using selected
readings and case studies of both health care and non-health care
organizations, students will learn to appreciate the concepts of
competitive strategy and competitive advantage primarily through practice
in analysis. The objective is to provide students with the conceptual
tools and the practical skills to enable them to formulate and evaluate
organizational strategy.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Ordinal grading option only.
HCM 732s. Operations Management in Service Delivery Organizations
Dr. J. Pliskin
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week. Summer 1.
Operations management is concerned with evaluating the performance of
operating units, understanding why they perform as they do, designing new
or improved operating procedures and systems for competitive advantage,
making short-run and long-run decisions that affect operations, and
managing the work force. To understand the role of operations in any
organization, a manager must understand process analysis, capacity
analysis, types of processes, productivity analysis, development and use
of quality standards, and the role of operating strategy in corporate
strategy.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Similar to HPM 232 - adapted for
the non-residential program. Ordinal grading option only.
HCM 755. Payment Systems and Financial Management of Health Care
Organizations
Ms. N. Turnbull, Ms. D. Puhy.
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Weekend sessions. Academic Year 2.
This course begins with an overview of payment systems, including payment
of private sector (managed care) and public sector insurers. Payment
incentives for cost containment and quality improvement will be explored,
as well as the implications of payment systems for organizational
strategy. The remainder of this course covers
introductory/intermediate-level financial management of working capital
and investments decision models, long-term capital structure, and
valuation of health care organizations. Materials will primarily involve
cases about a range of health care organizations (hospitals,
insurers/managed care plans, neighborhood health centers, physician
groups, home health agencies), supplemented by background readings.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Ordinal grading option only.
HCM 778. Health Care Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Dr. L. Marcus, Dr. B. Dorn
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. 10 face-to-face sessions, field project.Summer 1
and Academic Year 1.
This course will offer students the skills and knowledge of negotiation,
multi-dimensional problem solving, facilitation, conflict analysis,
intervention and resolution. Through our review of the literature,
in-class simulation exercises and lecture discussion, we will examine the
field and explore its application to complex, multi-professional health
care settings and issues.
Course Note: Enrollment in the part-time, non-residential Masters in
Health Care Management program required. Similar to HPM 278d - but more
extensive than traditional course. Ordinal grading option only.
HMP 200c. Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Public Health (Department
of Health and Social Behavior, Department of Maternal and Child Health,
Department of Population and International Health)
Dr. L. Kubzansky, Dr. S. Buka
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 1-hour sessions and one 2-hour lab each week.
Introduces methodology to explore fundamental social and behavioral
science concepts and theories useful in understanding social influences
on health status. The course emphasizes quantitative and qualitative
research methods in social sciences applied to observational and
intervention-oriented studies. Major attention is given to the
theoretical and conceptual frameworks from sociology and psychology in
their application to public health problems.
Course Activities: One synthesis paper (5-8 pages); discussions; one
exam.
Course Note: Departmental requirement for the Department of Health and
Social Behavior; specifically geared to HSB students in the MPH and other
professional master's degree programs.
HPB 280b. Decision Analysis for Health and Medical Practices (Department of Health Policy and Management and the Department of Biostatistics)
Dr. S. Goldie
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is designed to introduce the student to the methods and growing range of applications of decision analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and benefit-cost analysis in health care technology assessment, medical decision making, and health resource allocation. The objectives of the course are: (1) to provide a technical understanding of the methods used, (2) to give the student an appreciation of the practical problems in applying these methods to the evaluation of medical procedures and public health policies, and (3) to give the student an appreciation of the uses and limitations of these methods in decision making at the levels of national policy, health care organizations including hospitals and health maintenance organizations, and individual patient care.
Course Note: Introductory course in probability and statistics required; BIO 200ab, BIO 201ab, or BIH 203b may be taken concurrently; introductory economics is recommended but not required.
HPB 281c. Methods for Decision Analysis in Public Health and Medicine (Department of Health Policy and Management and the Department of Biostatistics)
Dr. K. Kuntz, Dr. M. Weinstein
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
An intermediate-level course on methods and health applications of decision analysis and other modeling techniques. Topics include Markov models, life expectancy modeling, deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, simulation models, ROC analysis and diagnostic technology assessment, quality of life valuation, multi-attribute utility, and behavioral decision theory.
Course Note: HPB 280b, HPM 286s, or equivalent introductory course on decision analysis required; signature of instructor required; familiarity with matrix algebra and elementary calculus may be helpful but not required.
HPB 282d. Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Benefit Analysis in Public Health
and Medicine (Department of Health Policy and Management and the
Department of Biostatistics)
Dr. J. Hammitt
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Topics include: methods and applications of cost-effectiveness and
cost-benefit analysis for health program evaluation, medical technology
assessment, and environmental risk analysis; theoretical foundations;
"shadow" pricing; economic valuation of life saving; choice of discount
rates; cost accounting applied to economic evaluation in institutional
settings; methods for assessing costs of environmental controls; economic
evaluation of biomedical research; health status indices; ethical issues;
and modern critiques.
Course Note: HPB 280b, HPM 286s, HPM 205ab and HPM 206ab, or signature of
instructor required.
HPC 226e. Urban Violence in America (Department of Health Policy and
Management and the Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. D. Prothrow-Stith, Dr. H. Spivak, and Dr. A. Browne
1.25 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 3-hour sessions.
This course will take an interdisciplinary approach to the causes and
possible remedies for the epidemic of violence in the US. There is a
specific emphasis on the public health approach to violence prevention.
Course Activities: Seminar discussions with course professors and invited
violence prevention practitioners.
Course Note: Interest in injury prevention and public policy recommended;
enrollment limited to 30 students from the School of Public Health.
Pass/Fail only.
HPC 242c. Politics and Strategies for Change in Health Policy (Department
of Health Policy and Management and the Department of Maternal and Child
Health)
Dr. R. Blendon
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This is a course for public health professionals who want their work to
have a real impact on health policy decision-making. You will learn how
to develop political strategies for influencing health care policy, and
how political analysis can improve health policy research and its
implementation at the national, state and local levels. Topics include
political strategy; lobbying and special interest groups; the media and
public opinion; campaigns, elections, and health policy; building
coalitions; and grass roots advocacy.
HPC 506a. The Practice of Public Health in the United States (Department of Health Policy and Management and the Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. D. Prothrow-Stith, Dr. I. Aitken, Ms. J. Kurland, Dr. L. Marcus
1.25 credits
Lectures, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
This course will introduce students to the legal, political, and structural systems established for the delivery of public health in the United States. Students will be introduced to how responsibility for public health, and the core functions of assessment, assurance, and policy development, are divided among the three branches of government and the private sector. The role of medicine, community and civic associations, and academia in supporting the core functions of public health will also be reviewed. The course will provide students with the capacity to understand the full range of professional and academic endeavors contributing to the public health infrastructure of the United States.
Course note: This course is a prerequisite for ID 264cd: Practice of Family and Community Health.
HPE 284ab. Decision Theory (Department of Health Policy and Management
and the Department of Environmental Health)(Cross-listed at KSG as
API-311)
Dr. J. Hammitt
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Introduces the standard model of decision-making under uncertainty, its
conceptual foundations, challenges, alternatives, and methodological
issues arising from the application of these techniques to health issues.
Topics include von Neumann-Morgenstern and multi-attribute utility
theory, Bayesian statistical decision theory, stochastic dominance, the
value of information, judgment under uncertainty and alternative models
of probability (Dempster-Shafer theory, generalized probability), and
decision making (regret theory, prospect theory, generalized expected
utility). Applications are to preferences for health and aggregation of
preferences over time and across individuals.
Course Note: Prior course work in decision analysis required.
HPE 285d. Environmental Health Risk: Concept and Cases (Department of
Health Policy and Management and the Department of Environmental Health)
Dr. K. Thompson
2.5 credits
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Challenges students to evaluate the risk analysis framework as an
approach to managing environmental health and safety, and other hazards.
Addresses contemporary issues in risk assessment, evaluation, management,
and communications using a case-method approach.
HPM 201b. Pharmacoeconomics
Dr. P. Neumann
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Examines key issues in the use of economic information in the evaluation
of pharmaceuticals (and other medical technologies). Emphasizes
applications of analytic techniques in a variety of disease areas, and
includes discussions of the FDA's role, and the use of pharmacoeconomic
information in coverage and reimbursement decisions by managed care
plans.
Course Note: HPM280b and HPM282d required or with instructor's signature
HPM 205ab. Economic Analysis for Public Health
Dr. M. Roberts
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Provides an introduction to the basic principles of economics and economic analysis, particularly as they apply in the public health field. A systematic introduction to microeconomic theory including the determinants of supply and demand, the theory of markets, and the concept of economic efficiency. Specific topics in health care economics include the demand for health care, insurance, and the market for physician services.
Course Note: May not be taken for credit by students who previously have taken HPM 206ab.
HPM 206ab. Economic Analysis
Dr. D. Hemenway
5 credits
Lectures. Three 2-hour sessions each week.
Designed to bring students to an intermediate-level understanding of microeconomic theory. Emphasizes the uses and limitations of the economic approach, with applications to health and medical care.
Course Note: Students who have taken HPM 205ab must obtain the signature of instructor.
HPM 209t. The Economics of Health Policy
Dr. Y. Liu
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
Students will learn how to analyze important health policy issues through
the application of basic economic principles. No previous economics
training is required; concepts will be learned as they are needed to
understand the policy analyses. Among the topics we will discuss are
health insurance; the role of taxation and regulation in promoting public
health; hospital mergers; an overview of cost-effectiveness analysis;
implications of the growth in for-profit health care providers; and
health care reform.
HPM 210d. Medical Malpractice and Risk Management
Dr. B. Moulton
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Focuses upon the development, implementation, and evaluation of risk
management programs and legislative reforms in patient compensation
plans. Attention is given to medical and hospital malpractice experience,
key legal decisions in the area, and legislative reform movements setting
up arbitration, screening panels, tort-law changes, no-fault mechanisms,
etc. Emphasizes the interrelationship of quality of care standards and
quality assurance to malpractice vulnerability and risk management
programs.
HPM 211abcd. New Developments in Health Law
Dr. T. Brennan, Ms. M. Chirba-Martin, Ms. A. Noble
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 1.5-hour session each month.
The course will track recent developments in health law and legal issues
pertaining to public health. Discussion will focus on topical decisions,
bills being debated in Congress, newly enacted statutes, issues related
to medical ethics, and developments in corporate and antitrust law.
Course Activities: Students select and submit items for discussion, which
may be drawn from sources such as the BNA's Health Law Reporter, Lexis
HOTTOPICS, and current affairs generally. Students are required to submit
at least one new development summary of 1 to 2 pages for each session and
present it to the seminar. Students will be expected to expand upon one
of their contributions in an 8-10 page final paper
Course Note: Enrollment is limited to students in the Law and Public
Health concentration of the MPH Program; signature of instructor
required; cannot be taken for ordinal credit.
HPM 212ab. Program Evaluation in Health Policy
Dr. J. Needleman
5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Examines issues in the design and conduct of evaluations of health
programs, with attention to the problems of assuring the accuracy,
relevance and credibility of findings. Topics include establishing the
scope for an evaluation, evaluation design, data and measurement issues,
issues in inference (appropriate controls, statistical power, changing
program design and unique local circumstances), and presenting and
applying findings. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are
discussed.
Course Note: No formal prerequisites. Familiarity with statistical
inference and regression is needed for some topics addressed by the
course.
HPM 213b. Introduction to Law and Public Health
Ms. A. Noble, Ms. M. Chirba-Martin, Dr. T. Brennan (S)
2.5 credits
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week
Designed for both non-lawyers and lawyers, this course examines how law
can both promote and impede the public health. The interplay of law,
public health policy, and the rights of the individual will be discussed.
Classes cover a variety of topics, such as patient confidentiality,
discrimination, informed consent, medical malpractice, and place them
within the context of such public health problems as the HIV and
tuberculosis epidemics, tobacco regulation, maternal and child health
issues, and end of life decisions. An overview of international law is
presented, and legal regimes in some developing countries will be
contrasted with that of the United States. The viability of a "right to
health" in the U.S. and internationally will also be addressed.
Course Note: The issues and concepts covered in this course are
complemented by those covered in HPM 214cd, but HPM 213b is not a
prerequisite for enrollment in HPM 214cd.
HPM 217cd. Advanced Topics in Health Law and Policy (Cross-listed at HLS
as Lecture: Health Care Institution)
Dr. T. Brennan
2.5 credits
Lecture. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week.
Thise course introduces the law of health care institutions, including
hospitals, insurers, government buyers, and health maintenance
organizations. We will review new payment methods and insurance forms,
antitrust litigation, challenges to not-for-profit status, the influence
of ERISA on medical care, rationing mechanisms, and the role of
integrated delivery systems in the future of medical care. The course
emphasizes the structural aspects of medical care, drawing upon diverse
materials from health economics and policy literature, as well as case
law and commentary. In-class examination. No paper option.
HPM 219a. Financial Transactions and Analysis
Dr. N. Kane
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Three 2-hour sessions each week.
This intensive course introduces concepts of financial accounting for the
non-accountant user of financial information. Basic accounting
transactions, statement preparation, concepts of accrual vs. cash
accounting, and nonprofit healthcare accounting are presented in the
first half of the course. The second half focuses on statement analysis
in a variety of health care organizations.
Course Note: Completion of Anthony's Essentials of Accounting before
class begins required. Working ability with spreadsheets is also
required; no auditors.
HPM 220b. Financial Management and Control
Mr. R. Siegrist
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Three 2-hour sessions each week.
The course is designed to introduce students to cost accounting and management control concepts and uses for health service organizations. The first part of the course develops a basic knowledge of cost accounting, including full and differential costing techniques. The remainder of the course focuses on management control structure and process and addresses topics such as responsibility accounting, budgeting, reporting and variance analysis.
Course Note: HPM 219a is recommended but not required.
HPM 221ab. Management in Public Health in Industrialized Countries
Dr. M. Roberts, Dr. C. Koeck
5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Introduces the management of health delivery organizations in industrialized countries. Topics include: organizational issues, financial management, cost accounting, management control systems, and institutional strategy. Combines cases, lectures, and speaker presentations, supplemented by topical readings, as a vehicle for analyzing management problems and evaluating alternative solutions. Introduces relevant managerial concepts and theories.
HPM 222d. Financial Management of Health Care Organizations
Ms. D. Puhy, Ms. A. Harbaugh
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Topics include financial management of working capital and investment
decision models, long term capital structure and mergers and acquisitions
of health care organizations. Materials will primarily involve cases
about a range of health care organizations (hospitals, insurers/managed
care plans, neighborhood health centers, physician groups, home health
agencies, etc.).
Course Note: This course will be taught at an
introductory/intermediate-level and is designed to be complementary to
HPM 219a and HPM 220b. HPM 219a and HPM 220b required.
HPM 223b. Public Speaking for Managers
Dr. M. Campbell (P), Dr. N. Kane (S)
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
This course gives the student the opportunity to develop skills in oral
communication. Emphasis is placed on the techniques most useful to
managers. Students will give and critique their own presentations in a
supportive classroom environment.
Course Note: Pass/Fail option only; enrollment limited to 20 students;
instructor's signature required.
HPM 225d. Legal and Ethical Issues in the AIDS Epidemic
Ms. Z. Lazzarini
1.25 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
This course will consider some of the legal and ethical issues raised by
the HIV/AIDS epidemic; how social issues, such as discrimination, have
influenced the epidemic; the relative roles of voluntarism and coercion
in public health strategies; the shift in epidemiology as HIV/AIDS
affects increasing numbers of women, children and minorities; the design
of prevention programs in a imperfect world; and questions of autonomy,
beneficence and justice in ongoing research for effective treatments and
vaccines. The course primarily concerns United States' policies, but
international policies and issues will be covered in some sections,
including those on discrimination and international research.
Course Note: This course will complement the health law materials and
discussions in HPM 213b and scientific information in IMI 222d, but these
courses are not prerequisites for enrollment.
HPM 227cd. The Economics of Health Policy (Cross-listed at KSG as
HCP-272)
Dr. J. Newhouse
5 credits
Seminars. Two 1.5 hour sessions each week.
Policy issues related to the following topics are considered in the
course: demand for medical care services, especially as a function of
insurance; demand for insurance and issues of selection; reimbursement
policies of Medicare toward both hospitals and physicians; effects of
health maintenance organizations and their reimbursement by Medicare;
quality of care and malpractice. The perspective will generally be that
of federal policy, although state and local perspectives will receive
some attention.
HPM 228cd. Introduction to the New American Health Care System: Law, Policy and Management
Mr. G. Moseley
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
The course examines the new organizations, structures, and relationships that are developing as the U.S. health care system reforms itself. We look in detail at the alphabet soup of delivery entities (HMOs, PPOs, MSOs, IPAs, PHOs, IDSs, MCOs, and the very-popular GPWWs) and their purposes, advantages, and disadvantages. These are placed in the context of evolutionary strategies which are being followed by key health care players - doctors, hospitals, insurers, employers, and MCOs themselves. We will explore the personal interests that motivate those players. The influence of federal and state government agencies on the new delivery and financing system will be a topic of study. There is a strong emphasis on the legal issues confronting health care executives (antitrust, fraud and abuse, and taxation) presented in a way accessible to non-lawyers. We will learn about the market, fiscal, and public policy forces that are pushing the system to develop in various ways. And we will study the opportunities and challenges facing the managers of the emerging health care organizations in this country.
HPM 230cd. Managing People in Health Care Organizations
Mr. G. Moseley
5 credits
Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
Explains the basic systems and strategies for managing human resources in health care delivery organizations. Studies the basic principles of recruiting ancillary and professional staff (particularly nurses and physicians), managing and supervising their job performance, correcting the problems they present (absenteeism, substance abuse), and when necessary, firing them. Stresses the role of labor unions in hospital operations, the management of medical staff relations, and the downsizing of hospital work forces.
HPM 231c. Competitive Strategy Determination
Mr. D. Moriarty
2.5 credits
Case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Focuses on the conceptual framework needed to plan for the long-term viability of health care (and other) organizations. Using selected readings and case studies of both health care and non-health care organizations, students will learn to appreciate the concepts of competitive strategy and competitive advantage primarily through practice in analysis. The objective is to provide students with the conceptual tools and the practical skills to enable them to formulate and evaluate organizational strategy.
HPM 232c. Operations Management in Service Delivery Organizations and
Strategies for Managing Variable Patient Demand in Health Care Settings
Dr. E. Litvak (S), Dr. M. C. Long (P)
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Operations management is concerned with evaluating the performance of
operating units, understanding why they perform as they do, designing new
or improved operating procedures and systems for competitive advantage,
making short-run and long-run decisions that affect operations, and
managing the work force. To understand the role of operations in any
organization, a manager must understand: process analysis, capacity
analysis, types of processes, productivity analysis, and the role of
operating strategy in corporate strategy. Case studies will be used to
introduce students to a wide range of practical operational issues in
healthcare delivery. Students will also be introduced to a new
variability based methodology and to the quantitative techniques to
reduce cost while maintaining or even improving quality of care. Problem
oriented software will be used for some of these scenarios
HPM 233d. Strategic Marketing Management in Health Systems
Mr. G. Wasek
2.5 credits
Seminars, case studies, lectures. One 3-hour session each week.
Examines marketing within a strategic framework across the public and private sectors, domestic and international health systems, and social marketing contexts. Marketing management, research, and strategy techniques are discussed and applied to program design, business planning, and implementation issues. Course emphasizes analytic skills development in marketing.
HPM 235b. Managed Care Policy Issues
Ms. N. Turnbull
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Managed care programs have grown rapidly in the past decade in the United
States and have become the major type of health coverage for most insured
people. Managed care techniques are also being incorporated in the
health care systems of many other countries. This course will review the
fundamentals of managed care, with an emphasis on the major public health
policy issues that have arisen with the growth of managed care. Students
will be encouraged to develop their own critical assessment of the
performance of managed care and of the prospects of using managed care to
control national health spending and to improve access and quality of
care.
HPM 238c. Strategic Use of Information Systems in Health Care Delivery
Dr. J. Nobel
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will explore information systems from the perspectives of
providers, payers, and consumers within the health care environment.
Leading edge technology, systems theory, health care software
applications and health care strategic planning will be described and
placed in context by guest discussants. Topics include computerized
patient records, repository databases, clinical decision support systems,
and interactive multimedia communications.
HPM 239b. Applied Financial Analysis of Health Care Organizations I
Dr. N. Kane
1.25 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
In this applied skill-building course, students are assigned a set of
current healthcare organization financial statements to analyze as a
group; then break into smaller groups to pursue student - defined
financial research questions. Research questions vary in response to
outside agencies' requests, major public health issues, or special
interests of students. Course provides the opportunity to apply skills
introduced in HPM 219a and to participate in a group research project.
Course Note: HPM 219a required; enrollment limited to 15 students;
signature of instructor required; pass/fail only.
HPM 239b,cd. Applied Financial Analysis of Health Care Organizations
Dr. Kane
1.25 credits for "b" period; 2.5 credits for "cd" period
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
In this applied skill-building course, students are assigned a set of
current healthcare organization financial statements to analyze as a
group; then break into smaller groups to pursue student - defined
financial research questions. Research questions vary in response to
outside agencies' requests, major public health issues, or special
interests of students. Course provides the opportunity to apply skills
introduced in HPM 219a and to participate in a group research project.
Course Note: HPM 219a required; HPM 239b is a prerequisite for HPM 239cd;
student must register in appropriate semester for each course; grade will
be given at the end of "b" period and at the end of "cd" period;
enrollment limited to 15 students; signature of instructor required;
pass/fail only.
HPM 241ab. Health Care in the U.S.: System, Policy, and Comparative
Perspectives (Cross-listed at KSG as HCP-100)
Dr. S. Burke, Dr. J. Akula
5 credits
Lectures. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week.
An introduction to (1) how the health care system in the U.S. is
organized, including the major private-sector and public-sector
institutions involved in the delivery, management, regulation and
financing of care; (2) the current policy debate about federal, state,
and private reforms aimed at controlling costs, expanding access, and
protecting quality; and (3) the ways in which the health care systems of
other nations in the industrialized world provide insights into the U.S.
experience.
Course Activities: The instructor will provide an overview. Guest
lecturers from different disciplines, including medicine, economics,
public health, and the social sciences, will introduce a variety of
analytic approaches. Sheila Burke, previously an instructor in this
course, will be a frequent gues lecturer on the politics of health care
and public sector programs.
HPM 243c. Health Economics: Economic Analysis of the Health Care System
Dr. W. Hsiao
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Introduces health economics, using economic analysis to examine major health care financing and delivery issues, and the development of policies and programs designed to address them. Topics include: health care financing, health care access and utilization, control of cost inflation, market structure, competition, and national health plans.
Course Note: HPM 205ab or HPM 206ab or signature of instructor required.
HPM 244d. Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries: Public Policy and Regulatory Issues
Mr. J. Norris
1.25 credits
Seminars, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
This course analyzes public policy and legal issues in the important health care industries of pharmaceutical and biotechnology in the U.S. and worldwide. Research and development of new biomedical products is stressed. Regulatory programs for new product development, the ethics of clinical investigation, and the ethics of conflict of interest are also examined.
HPM 245f. Public Health Leadership Skills
Dr. D. Prothrow-Stith, Dr. L. Marcus
2.5 credits
Lectures, laboratories. Five 7-hour sessions.
This course responds to recent criticism by the Institute of Medicine that public health schools are failing to train professionals to work in health agencies. It provides students with concrete skills needed to fill leadership positions in health. Topics include: public speaking, articulation of goals, negotiation, budget justification, and constituency building.
Course Note: Recommended to follow ID 250a and HPM 242c; students should demonstrate an interest in careers in public leadership.
HPM 246abcd. Seminar in Health Policy (Cross-listed at KSG as HCP-597ab
and HCP-598cd and at FAS as HP-2000)
Dr. J. Newhouse, Dr. R. Frank
10 credits, given at end of last semester
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is restricted to doctoral students. Topics covered will
include the financing and organization of health care, medical manpower,
medical malpractice, technology assessment, prevention, mental health,
long-term care, and quality of care.
Course Note: Requirement for doctoral students in the HPM department;
signature of instructor required for those who are not doctoral
candidates in the HPM department; the course meets at the John F. Kennedy
School of Government
HPM 247cd. Political Analysis and Strategy for U.S. Health Policy
(Cross-listed at KSG as HCP-175)
Dr. R. Blendon
5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week.
This course offers political and analytical insights into understanding
U.S. health policymaking and into developing strategies that influence
health policy outcomes. The course provides both the theoretical basis
and strategic skills for influencing the health policy process within
U.S. political institutions. In addition, this course addresses the
politics of agenda-setting and health care; the press, politics, and
health policy; pollsters and political institutions; White House
politics; health politics and the states; and health politics abroad.
HPM 253t. Quality Improvement in Health Care
Dr. M. Bisognano, Dr. D. Berwick
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Sixteen 1.75-hour sessions.
This course is designed for practicing physicians and those with an interest in health care management. It will explore both the theory and practical methods being employed to make improvement in health systems. Clinical cases, organizational lessons and interactive learning modules will guide the learners to an understanding of the necessary elements for improvement and how to identify and eliminate barriers to change. Local site visits to health care settings will be scheduled to demonstrate important lessons.
HPM 255d. Payment Systems in Healthcare
Dr. N. Turnbull
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars and case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course examines issues related to third-party payment of health care
institutions and individual providers. The major objectives of the
course are to provide students with an understanding about the different
methods used to pay different types of providers; an understanding of the
impact of payment methods on the behavior of providers, payers,
purchasers, and patients; the ability to identify the basic features of a
capitation payment system and understand the associated business and
ethical opportunities and risks; and the ability to assess and assign
risk and accountability in payment arrangements between health plans and
provider organizations. Extensive use will be made of case studies from a
range of different health care organizations.
HPM 271e. Overview of Intimate Partner Violence
Dr. D. Prothrow-Stith, Dr. A. Browne
1.25 credits
Lectures, Seminars. Five 3.5-hour sessions.
This course is intended as an introduction to the topic of domestic
violence for students interested in doing an independent study or
practica later in the academic year. Lectures and seminars will cover the
epidemiology of domestic violence; dynamics of abusive relationships;
responses of the criminal justice and health care sectors; the role of
the shelter and advocacy communities; relationships between domestic
violence and other forms of violence; and strategies for primary
prevention. Guest lecturers from prevention and intervention programs
will provide personal insights and will describe potential practica at
their agencies.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 20 students; pass/fail only.
HPM 274abcd. Oral Health Policy Research Seminar (Cross-listed at HDS as
OHPE-222)
Dr. Douglass
5 credits, given at end of last semester
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
The fall term concentrates on the research methods of current national
studies of the need, supply, demand, and cost of dental care. Policy
research documents of the ADA, IOM, FDA, CDC, New England Research
Institute, RAND Corp., and the NCHS are studied. Research designs and
data collection methods are reviewed. The spring term emphasizes the
research work of faculty and students on relevant dental care policy
subjects. Grade is based upon participation and the defense of a current
health policy protocol .
Course Note: Upon completion of HPM 274ab, 0 credits and grade of "SIP"
(Still in Progress) will be assigned; upon successful completion of both
HPM 274ab AND HPM 274cd, students will receive 5 credits and a final
grade.
HPM 275a. Health Policy Issues: Access to Dental Services
Dr. C. Douglass
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course uses examples and issues in dentistry and dental public
health as a strategy for understanding health policy and public health
program development and management at the local, state, and national
levels. The objectives are: to understand the process of health policy
development; to apply the health policy process and community health
program planning methods to dental services program development; and to
identify possible linkages between the public health system and the
(dental) health services delivery system.
HPM 276t. A Survey of Methods and Applications In Health Services
Research
Dr. A. Epstein
2.5 credits
Not offered summer 2000.
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Five 1.75-hour sessions each week.
This course introduces students to health services research. The course
includes sessions on both methodologic techniques and applications.
Individual sessions will be devoted to research design, analyses of large
databases, cost effectiveness analyses, survey methodology, assessment of
health status, assessment of quality, measurement of access to care, risk
adjustment, and statistical techniques pertinent to health services
research. There will also be sessions reviewing managerial applications
such as case management, use of hospital information systems, and
targeting for high risk patients.
Course Activities: Students will be asked to critically review several
papers during some of the sessions. In the final part of the course,
students will work in small groups to critique a "grant proposal:
designed to study an important problem in health services or health
policy research.
HPM 277s. Current Issues in Health Policy
Dr. Epstein, Dr. Komaroff
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Five 1.75-hour sessions each week.
This course introduces students to the major health policy issues facing
the United States today. The course focuses on the roles of hospitals,
doctors, private and government insurance, and different systems for
organizing and financing care (such as tra ditional fee-for-service,
HMOs, and other forms of Òmanaged careÓ). Individual sessions in the
course will be devoted to topics such as medical malpractice, policy
issues related to pharmacological therapy, physician payment, academic
health centers, work force, physician profiling, managed care, Medicare,
Medicaid, AIDS health policy and ethical issues.
Course Note: Taken with HPM 276s, the course sessions are designed to
provide both a general background of the health care system and knowledge
of many of the cutting-edge issues that are on the forefront of the
nationÕs health policy agenda.
HPM 278d. Skills and Methods of Health Care Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Dr. L. Marcus
1.25 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of negotiation and conflict resolution. Particular emphasis is placed on integrating analytic skills, negotiation techniques and conflict resolution methods into the practice of public health. Much of the class is devoted to simulation exercise in which general concepts and methods are demonstrated and practiced. These exercises model disputes typical of health care settings and public health problems. The debriefing which follows each exercise offers individual feedback, as well as the opportunity to examine applied issues of organizational communication, system design, and conflict. By the end of the course, students will have knowledge of the overt and covert causes of conflict, concepts for analyzing disputes and a variety of methods useful for preventing, resolving and when necessary, initiating a conflict.
Course Note: Minimum enrollment of 12 students required.
HPM 278e. Skills and Methods of Health Care Negotiation and Conflict
Resolution
Dr. L. Marcus
1.25 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two eight-hour session and one 2-hour exam.
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of
negotiation and conflict resolution. Particular emphasis is placed on
integrating analytic skills, negotiation techniques and conflict
resolution methods into the practice of public health. Much of the
class is devoted to simulation exercise in which general concepts and
methods are demonstrated and practiced. These exercises model disputes
typical of health care settings and public health problems. The
debriefing which follows each exercise offers individual feedback, as
well as the opportunity to examine applied issues of organizational
communication, system design, and conflict. By the end of the course,
students will have knowledge of the overt and covert causes of
conflict, concepts for analyzing disputes and a variety of methods
useful for preventing, resolving and when necessary, initiating a
conflict.
Course Note: Minimum enrollment of 12 students required.
HPM 286s. Decision Analysis in Clinical Research
Dr. M. Weinstein
2.5 credits
Lectures. Five 1.75-hour sessions each week for 3.5 weeks.
Introduces the following topics: decision analysis methods relevant to clinical decision making and clinical research; the use of probability to express uncertainty; Bayes theorem and evaluation of diagnostic test strategies; sensitivity analysis; utility theory and its use to express patient preferences for health outcomes; cost-effectiveness analysis in clinical research and health policy; and uses and limits of decisions analysis and cost-effectiveness in clinical decision making and research design.
Course Note: Limited enrollment; priority will be given to participants in the Summer Program in Clinical Effectiveness.
HPM 287abcd. Research Seminar on Risk and Decision Analysis
Dr. J. Hammitt
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 1.5-hour session every two weeks.
This doctoral level seminar introduces students to state-of-the-art
scholarship in risk analysis and decision theory. Biweekly guest speakers
from within and outside the university will present their current
research projects. The seminar will aim for balance between theoretical
and applied projects. While specific topics will change from year to
year, relevant fields will include: theory and techniques of risk
analysis; choice under uncertainty; health policy models;
cost-effectiveness analysis; statistical decision theory; subjective
probability and utility assessment.
Course Note: For doctoral candidates or for advanced master's degree
students; signature of instructor required.
HPM 288c. Management Science
Dr. E. Litvak
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Management science (frequently referred to as Operations Research) will introduce the students to various quantitative tools and methods useful in optimizing the use and allocation of scarce resources. Topics include: linear programming, transportation, assignment, network flows, dynamic programming, queuing and simulation.
HPM 290ab. Applied Research and Practice in Health Policy and Management
Ms. N. Turnbull
5 credits, given at end of each semester.
Field work and one 2-hour session each month. Fieldwork takes place for
8-10 hours each week.
Allows students to apply analytic and management methods to concrete
problems. Students carry out a research project, perform a policy
analysis or conduct a management study on behalf of an individual or
institutional sponsor. Students work with sponsors to develop individual
projects. Students meet monthly to discuss progress and hear guest
speakers from a range of health care organizations. At the
conclusion of the course, students prepare oral and written reports
summarizing their project results.
Course Note: Open only to students in the second year of the two-year
Master of Science in Health Policy and Management.
HPM 290cd. Applied Research and Practice in Health Policy and Management
Ms. N. Turnbull
5 credits, given at end of each semester.
Field work and one 2-hour session each month. Fieldwork takes place for
8-10 hours each week.
Allows student to apply analytic and management skills to concrete
problems. Students carry out a research project, perform a policy
analysis, or conduct a management study on behalf of an individual or
institutional sponsor. Students work with sponsors to develop individual
projects. Students meet monthly to discuss progress and hear guest
speakers from a range of health care organizations. At the conclusion of
the course, students prepare oral and written reports summarizing their
project results.
Course Note: Open only to students in the second year of the two-year
Master of Science Program in Health Policy and Management.
HPM 291cd. Applied Research in the Law of Health Policy and Management
Dr. T. Brennan
5 credits
Field studies.
Allows students in the Law and Public Health Concentration of the MPH
degree program to apply analytic skills to a practical problem. Students
carry out a research project, perform a policy analysis or conduct a
managerial study on behalf of an individual or institutional sponsor.
Course Note: Signature of instructor required.
HPM 292d. Research Ethics
Dr. T. Brennan
1.25 credits
Lectures. One 1-hour session each week.
This course is required for all students engaged in studies supported by
the National Institutes of Health, and is open to everyone. The course
reviews a series of ethical issues that arise in the conduct of research.
Topics will include informed consent, disclosure of conflicts of
interest, multiple authorship issues, issues in mentoring, including
gender and race-based discrimination, and the federal oversight process.
Course Activities: Multiple lecturers will conduct interactive sessions.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only.
HPM 296cd. Doctoral Seminar in Health Economics (Cross-listed at KSG as
HCP-581 and at FAS as EC 2460)
Dr. J. Newhouse, Dr. D. Cutler, Dr. R. Ellis
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
Explores frontier work in the field of health economics. Focuses on
learning advanced theories and economic models useful for policy
analysis, and on helping students develop dissertation and/or research
topics. Students enrolled for credit are expected to present original
research at the end of the semester.
Course Note: For doctoral candidates or very advanced master's degree
students; a graduate-level microeconomics course is required; signature
of instructor required indicating suitable background. Course meets for
4 weeks at Boston University, five weeks at HSPH, and 4 weeks at the
Kennedy School of Government.
HPM 297cd. Public Opinion, Polling, and Public Policy (Cross-listed at
KSG as API-214)
Dr. R. Blendon
5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Public opinion polling has become an essential tool in public policy
decision making and media reporting. This course focuses on helping
students interested in these areas learn the basic skills required to
design, use, and critically interpret surveys measuring public opinion.
The lectures in this course will be given by Harvard faculty and guest
speakers who are involved currently in national polling activities. Guest
speakers will include experts in newspaper and television polling,
political campaign strategy, and election exit polling. In addition,
class participants will get "hands on experience" analyzing and
critically evaluating existing opinion surveys, designing polling
questions and interpreting results.
HPM 300a,b,c,d,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and
qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made
with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty
time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go
beyond the content of the regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
HPM 301a,b,c,d,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Course Note: Completed tutorial contract is required at the time of
registration; maximum of 5 credits per topic; pass/fail only; signature
of instructor required.
HPM 350a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
HPM 400 a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
HPM 507a. Mental Health, Policy and Economics in the United States
Dr. M. Rosenthal
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Mental health policy has gained visibility on the public agenda in the
U.S. over the past several years, culminating with this year's release of
the first ever Surgeon General's report on mental health. This course
introduces students to the U.S. system of financing and delivering mental
health services and covers a range of policy issues related to mental
illness. After a brief overview of the epidemiology of mental illness
and the U.S. public and private mental health care system, the majority
of the course will be devoted to discussion and anaylsis of the major
issues and initiatives in mental health policy of the past several
decades including the current debate over parity legislation. Though not
to the exclusion of other viewpoints, the course will emphasize economic
principles in framing issues and evaluating possible solutions
HPM 508c. Legal and Regulatory Issues in Managed Care
Dr. A. Noble, Dr. M. Chirba-Martin, Dr. T. Brennan (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course explores how law affects health care delivery and finance with a primary focus on managed care. The latter half of this decade has seen a dramatic increase in the regulation of managed care, particularly in the US. Meanwhile the federal government, particularly through the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act (ERISA), exerts its regulatory influence, and is now considering a number of bills that could expand the federal presence in this area. This course will examine these recent developments in the regulation of managed care. Issues of federalism and state police power will be explored, with emphasis on the ERISA. Managed care organization and/or provider liability in tort, anti-trust, fraud and abuse, as well as avoiding liability will be studied. The course will also look at how regulations affect the relationships among key stakeholders: the health plan, the provider and the patient. Provider contracting, gag clauses, consumer rights, incentive structures, etc. will be included. Other issues include the implications of tax status, and nonprofit conversions; the sometimes competing ethical and legal obligations of provider and organization to the patient. By the end of the course, students will be challenged to make predictions concerning the future of US health care delivery and regulation, given their exposure to these issues.
HPM 510s. Introduction to Management of Health Care Organizations
Dr. M. Roberts
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
This course provides an introduction to two of the major tasks confronting managers of health care organizations. Building on an introduction to organizational theory, the course focuses on the main problems of organizational strategy and the management of human resources. This course makes extensive use of case based classroom discussions, as well as selected conceptual readings.
HPM 512t. Medical Informatics
Dr. D. Bates, Dr. G. Kuperman
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
Medical informatics will address using data from clinical information
systems in performing clinical effectiveness research, including the
strengths and limitations of these data. Major topics will include an
overview of medical informatics; discussion of the nature of
computer-based data including medical vocabularies and obtaining
information from clinical systems; and clinical systems with a focus on
clinical decision support and how to evaluate their impact. Special
topics will also be covered including large databases, the Web,
confidentiality-related issues, information retrieval, and patient
computing.
Course Activities: Students will have to write a paper about a proposed
analysis using data from a clinical information system.
Course Notes: Ordinal grading only.
HPM 514s. Developing Questionnaires to Measure the Outcomes of Health
Care
Dr. T. Lieu, Dr. E. Cook, Dr. M. Connelly, Dr. L. Nekhlyudov
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 1.75-hour sessions each week.
This course emphasizes concepts, methods, and practical procedures for
developing questionnaires for assessing patients' health status and the
outcomes of care. The course reviews qualitative and quantitative
approaches to developing measures. Statistical methods needed to
construct and use scales and indices successfully are also presented and
discussed. On the basis of their experience in this course, students will
be able to locate available research-quality instruments for measuring
health care outcomes, make intelligent choices among existing
instruments, interpret the results of questionnaire-based data from their
own and others’ research, and participate in the development of original
outcomes measurement tools.
Course Activities: A group project is required in which students
collaborate to construct an instrument, conduct a pilot test, administer
a final form to colleagues, and analyze and present data on instrument
performance.
Course Note: Introductory courses in epidemiology and biostatistics
required; enrollment limited; signature of instructor required.
HPM 515c. Quality Measurement in Health Care
Dr. R. Palmer, Dr. S. Greenfield, Dr. S. Kaplan
2.5 credits
Lectures, workshop. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
The course provides a strong grounding in methods and strategies for
quality measurement for use in quality improvement and accountability
programs. Topics covered include measurements of clinical
quality using process or outcome data, including the impact of severity
of illness on outcome. Several sessions also cover measurement of
patient experience/ satisfaction using patient survey data. Through
lectures, classroom exercises and homework, students learn the
terminology, concepts and strategies for quality measurement.
Course Note: Experience with some aspect of delivery of personal health
services is desirable, as well as an understanding of basic principles of
biostatistics and epidemiology.
HPM 516d. Quality Improvement in Health Care
Dr. L. Leape, Dr. E. Schneider
2.5 credits
Seminar. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course examines the nature and causes of variations in the quality
of health care and asks what can be done about them. It explores the
theories and methods of quality improvements with a focus on strategies
for changing the practices of physicians and organizations. Topics
include geographic and other variations in overuse, underuse and misuse
of health care services, traditional quality improvement techniques such
as regulation, credentialing, education, and new techniques including
continuous quality improvement, organizational learning, systems design,
managed care, practice guidelines, information systems, performance
reports, and mediation.
Course Note: The instructors will emphasize and expect active
participation in class discussions.
HPM517d. Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: International
Perspectives on Strategies for Change
K. Leiter (P), D. Prothrow-Stith (S)
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week
The topic of this seminar is violence against women and girls; our
primary focus will be relationship violence. Our perspective will be an
interdisciplinary one, drawing on the interrelated discourses of public
health practice, social justice and popular/ grassroots movements. It
will also be an international one, incorporating programmatic experiences
and women's and men's voices from around the world. We will consider the
evolution and current status of knowledge, public policy and activism.
This course is intended to develop students' analytical and critical
skills, and to serve as a forum for your ideas and proposals for
practical strategies of investigating and delegitimizing gender-based
violence.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 8 students. Students are expected to
have an introductory knowledge of the dynamics, cause and consequences of
family violence.
HPM 520b. Organizing Consumer and Community Interests in the Health
System
S. Sherry, Dr. B. Gibbs, Dr. D. Prothrow-Stith
2.5 credits
Seminar. One 4-hour session each week
This course focuses on organizing consumer and community interests in the
health system with particular emphasis on effective interventions by and
for the traditionally disenfranchised. Using the framework of community
organizing, the course examines the elements of building and sustaining
constituency involvement in health care. Analysis of health policy and
politics is used to identify strategic opportunities and challenges for
consumer intervention. The course emphasizes the practical applications
of organizing and policy analysis to influence health policy particularly
at the institutional, local and state levels. Extensive use of recent
case examples ground the class in the current issues faced by community
groups and other health interests in a rapidly changing health system.
Course note: Enrollment limited to 20 students.
HPM521t. Information Systems in Healthcare
Dr. D. Bialek
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will expose students to the concepts and knowledge involved
in making strategic use of information and information technology in
healthcare organizations. Particular emphasis will be placed on the
provider perspective and the use of information in decision-making. The
majority of the course focuses on the management aspects of IT in
healthcare, though some time will be spent examining certain technical
aspects such relational databases and the internet. This course combines
cases, lectures, and speaker presentations.
HPP 207ab. Econometrics for Health Policy (Department of Health Policy
and Management and the Department of Population and International Health)
Dr. C. Yip
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course provides students with an understanding of basic econometric
concepts and methods commonly used in health policy research. Special
attention is given to modeling and model specification issues. Articles
from the health policy literature and computer data exercises provide a
context for discussion of the methods. Prepares students for a fuller
understanding of the material covered in HPM 208cd.
Course Note: Some prior course work in statistics necessary; signature of
instructor required indicating suitable background.
HPP 268c. Financing Health Care in Developing Countries (Departments of Health Policy and Management and Population and International Health)
Dr. W. Hsiao, Dr. P. Berman
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course provides students with a wide-ranging introduction to public and private financing of health care in developing countries. Financing methods covered include community financing, social insurance, user's fees, privatization, and efficiency improvement. Analyzes economic considerations in alternative approaches to financing, including equity, efficiency, and stability. Reviews formal perspective of economic theory. Assesses link between stages of national development and health care financing.
Course Note: HPM 205ab or HPM 206ab required; signature of instructor required.
HSB 201a. Society and Health
Dr. I. Kawachi
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions and one 1.5-hour lab each week.
Analyzes major social variables that affect population health: poverty, social class, gender, race, family, community, work, behavioral risks, and coping resources. Examines health consequences of social and economic policies, and the potential role of specific social interventions. Reviews empirical and theoretical literature on mechanisms and processes that mediate between social factors and their health effects, and discusses alternative models for advancing public health.
Course Activities: Short written assignments, class discussion, final term paper, final examination.
Course Note: Departmental requirement for the Department of Health and Social Behavior.
HSB201s. Society and Health
Dr. L. Berkman
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
Analyzes major social variables that affect population health: poverty,
social class, gender, race, family, community, work, behavioral risks,
and coping resources. Examines health consequences of social and economic
policies, and the potential role of specific social interventions.
Reviews empirical and theoretical literature on mechanisms and processes
that mediate between social factors and their health effects, and
discusses alternative models for advancing public health.
Course Activities: Short written assignments, class discussion, final
term paper, final examination.
Course Note: Departmental requirement for the Department of Health and
Social Behavior.
HSB 204b. Communication in Health Care Settings
Dr. L. Daltroy
2.5 credits
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will focus on theory and practice of health communication in
the clinical encounter: doctor-patient communication, patient education,
adherence to medical regimen, cognition and behavioral skills in chronic
disease co-management, informed consent, and psychoeducational
preparation for surgery.
Course Activities: Brief papers on readings, class discussions, role
play, one presentation, one optional paper for extra credit.
Course Note: Clinician or social sciences background recommended;
enrollment limited to 18 students; signature of instructor required.
HSB 212cd. Developing Radio Communications
Dr. B. Austin (P), Dr. L. Berkman (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
Covers the development and use of radio communications in public health.
Participants create an original, broadcast quality radio commercial,
moving from background research to scripting and final production.
Course Activities: One trip to a Boston recording studio; one trip to a
Boston radio station. One-hour individual session at the recording studio
with a professional announcer to produce the radio commercial.
Course Note: Preference given to students in the Department of Health and
Social Behavior; enrollment limited to 15 students; signature of
instructor required.
HSB 214c. Health Literacy (Cross-listed at GSE)
Dr. R. Rudd
2.5 credits
To be given 2000-2001; offered alternate years.
Seminar, practicum. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Focuses on the linkages between health and literacy and between health
and adult education theory and methods. Participants hone skills
assessing literacy demands in health communications. Structured
fieldwork includes observation studies, interviews, small projects.
Course Note: Instructor's signature required; no auditors; ordinal
grading option only.
HSB 215ab. History, Politics, and Public Health: Theories of Disease
Distribution Across Time and Culture
Dr. N. Krieger
5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
This course will focus on social and scientific contexts, content, and
implications of diverse theories of disease causation, both past and
present. Theories covered range from ancient Greek, Chinese, Indian,
African, Latin American and American Indian theories to miasma,
contagion, germ theory, biomedical model, lifestyle, social production of
disease, and ecosocial theory. The course will consider how these
theories shape questions people ask about -- and explanations and
interventions they offer for--patterns of health, disease, and well being
in their societies. The goal is for students to develop a historical and
critical perspective concerning current theories of disease causation,
and to incorporate this perspective into their public health research and
projects.
Course Activities: Brief reaction papers on reading each week, class
participation, one group project (textbook survey), one final paper.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students, with preference given to
doctoral students in HSB; signature of instructor required.
HSB 221cd. Psychosocial Theories of Health and Health Behavior
Dr. K. Emmons, Dr. L. Daltroy
5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
This is a doctoral-level course, designed to provide students with a
conceptual grounding in theoretical approaches to health and health
behavior. This course emphasizes the use of psycho-social theories in
health-related research and includes an examination of Health Beliefs
Model, Theory of Reasoned Action, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social
Learning Theory, the Transtheoretical Model, Prospect Theory/risk
communication, control theory, social support, and social networks.
Heuristic models designed to integrate these theoretical perspectives
will be addressed.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, class participation, two papers,
weekly concept papers, small individual presentations.
Course Note: HSB 201a required; enrollment is primarily for doctoral
students and is limited to 15 students in total; master's students need
instructors' permission; signature of instructor required
HSB 225d. Health and Social Policy in the Workplace
Dr. J. Heymann
2.5 credits
Seminars. Two 1.5-hour sessions each week.
The course explores how health and social policies mediate whether work
has a positive or negative effect on the health and welfare of
individuals, families, and communities. Topic areas covered will include,
among others: work by those with chronic health conditions, injuries, or
diseases, work by those with learning or developmental disabilities,
work-family policies, welfare to work polices, safe workplace policies,
and health interventions at workplaces. Stages from policy development to
the politics of implementation will be discussed.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students
HSB229e. The Future of Health Communication: New Media and Emerging
Technologies
Mr. B. Glassman, Dr. K. Emmons
1.25 credits
Five 3 « sessions for one week.
Every day an average of five new Internet-connected devices are
announced; more and more of them are wireless. Where will the
high-quality health knowledge come from? How will we meet the health
information needs of people with Web-connected car radios and cell-phones
with browsers, while keeping in touch with people who must walk a mile
for a pay phone? How can we predict and even shape the evolution of the
technologies we will use to reach those at risk? How can we hold
anyone's attention in a world of individually tailored, high-speed
virtual reality? What will the health information consumers of 2010
require of us?
This class will pose and address these questions, in the context of key
public health problems. Participants will learn to detect and understand
the earliest signals from the creators of new technologies, to forge
partnerships with technology innovators, to develop, package and store
information in ways that will make it optimally accessible by many kinds
of devices, and to design and build their own innovative delivery systems
where necessary
Course Activities: Class participation, leading an in-class discussion.
Course Note: Minimum enrollment of 5 students required.
HSB 231c. Community Intervention Research Methods
Dr. G. Sorensen, Dr. J. Allen
2.5 credits
Lectures. Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
This course is designed to provide students skills in intervention
research design and methodology. The course will review phases of
research for community studies; applying theoretical models to
intervention and evaluation design; linking study design to intervention
planning; community linkages to intervention research planning and
implementation; community-originated research and participatory research
methods; qualitative/formative research; evaluation design issues for
intervention research; measurement of outcomes. Students will also
develop skills in critiquing community intervention studies.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, class participation, term paper.
Course Note: Graduate course in program design or program planning
required (e.g. HSB227cd, HSB202a, or MCM215cd); enrollment limited to 20
students; signature of instructor required.
HSB 233ab. HSB Department Proseminar
Dr. R. Rudd, Dr. B. Kennedy
2.5 credits
Seminar. One 2- hour session each week for the ab period.
The course focuses on the research and projects of the facult in HSB.
Readings and presentations offer an overview of assumptions, theories,
and methods. Presentations will focus on case examples of programs
designed to address health and social behavioral issues. Student groups
will be responsible for structuring discussion for a particular session
and all participants will submit reflection papers.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, participation in class discussion,
reading portfolio, report.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to HSB students, signature of instructor
required, ordinal grading option only.
HSB 235c. Social Epidemiology
Dr. L. Berkman
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
The course will focus on understanding the social determinants of health.
Readings and discussion center on understanding the theories, measurement
and empirical evidence related to specific social conditions and
experiences such as socioeconomic position, discrimination, social
networks and support, work conditions, ecological level neighborhood and
community social conditions, and social and economic policies.
Biological and psychological mechanisms by which social conditions
influence health will be discussed. The course builds on a basic
understanding of society and health and of epidemiology. Students will
be required to present in class and evaluate methods and measures.
Course Activities: Assigned readings; class presentations and
discussions; term paper.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 20 students; HSB 201a, EPI200a (or
EPI201a), EPI202b and HSB215ab required.
HSB 240ab. Social and Behavioral Research Methods, Part I
Dr. S. Gortmaker
5 credits
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Provides a broad overview of social and behavioral research methodology, including experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental research design, measurement, sampling, data collection, and testing causal theories. By case studies, methodological readings, discussion, written assignments, and data analytic homework students learn to conduct social and behavioral research and more applied program evaluations. Homework includes analytic work with observational and experimental studies and development of new measures.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, class participation, homework, reflections, two papers.
Course Note: BIO 210cd, BIO 211cd or BIO 213ab or equivalent required; enrollment limited to 20; a multivariate statistics course strongly recommended; course primarily for doctoral students.
HSB 241cd. Social and Behavioral Research Methods, Part II
Dr. S. Cole (P), Dr. L. Berkman (S)
5 credits
Seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is divided into two sections. The "c" period is designed to
integrate methods training by providing students an opportunity to manage
and analyze data in the “real world.” Using data drawn from several
sources, students will employ basic data management strategies and
multivariate analytic techniques used commonly in research. Topics
covered include data management and preparation, scale construction,
working with complex sampling designs, and multivariate modeling using
both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. This course will be a
seminar and will emphasize hands-on participation, and group problem
solving. During the "d" period students will develop a research protocol
following an NIH format. Major attention is given to developing research
hypotheses, proposing precise methods including describing the sample,
measures, study design, and analytic techniques. Field methods, budgets
and budget justifications will be written. Each proposal will then be
reviewed by a group of expert faculty following the format of an NIH site
visit.
Course Activities: Data management and analysis projects, research
protocol preparation and class participation including presentations.
Course Note: HSB 240ab required; previously offered HSB 230cd fulfills
prerequisite; minimum enrollment of 5 students required; course primarily
for doctoral students
HSB 250c. Inequality and Health
Dr. I. Kawachi, Dr. B. Kennedy
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour session each week.
Socioeconomic inequalities in health are large, widespread and
persistent. The aims of this course are: to review the major theories of
social stratification - from economic, political, and sociologic
perspectives; to examine the epidemiologic evidence on social class,
gender, and racial disparities in health and illness; and to develop an
inter-disciplinary approach to analyze the problem of inequality.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; signature of instructor
required; preference given to doctoral students.
HSB 269ab. Doctoral Seminar on Health and Social Behavior
Dr. S. Gortmaker
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 1-hour session each week.
Overview of the major research questions pursued by doctoral students in health and social behavior. Requirement for all 1st year HSB doctoral students.
Course Activities: Doctoral student participants lead seminars, discussing their research ideas and plans, including their theoretical perspective.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; signature of instructor required indicating suitable background if student is not a doctoral student in the Department of Health and Social Behavior.
HSB 270cd. Doctoral Seminar on Health and Social Behavior
Dr. S. Gortmaker
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 1-hour session each week.
Overview of the major questions pursued by doctoral students in health and social behavior. Requirement for all 1st year HSB doctoral students.
Course Activities: Doctoral student participants lead seminars, discussing their research ideas and plans, including their theoretical perspective.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; signature of instructor required indicating suitable background if student is not a doctoral student in the Department of Health and Social Behavior.
HSB 292c. Policy Analysis Methods for Public Health
Dr. D. Acevedo-Garcia
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is targeted towards students who plan to work in policy roles upon graduation. The goal of the course is to build the skills necessary to critically interpret the results and recommendations of health research that examine policy questions or have policy implications. The course will focus on providing an introduction to the following policy analysis methods: decision analysis, economic analysis (e.g. cost-benefit), application of statistical approaches (e.g. regression analysis) to policy questions, and application of qualitative approaches (e.g. case studies) to policy questions. The course will also offer a brief introduction to policy advocacy methods. Assignments will include critical reviews of the methods and policy recommendations of various research papers and policy reports with a focus on identifying methodological problems and unsound policy recommendations. Examples will be drawn from research on the health effects of social policies (e.g. housing) and public health policies (e.g. tobacco control, alcohol use regulations).
Course Activities: Assigned reading, class participation.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 30 students; signature of instructor required.
HSB293d. Place, Migration and Health
Dr. D. Acevedo-Garcia
2.5 credits
Lecture, seminars. Two 2-hour session each week.
This course will examine the health effects of US policies that influence
where people live (e.g. housing, and residential desegregation policies),
and how they move from one place to another (e.g. transportation,
immigration and immigrant policies). The course will cover both the
substantive aspects of the relevant policies and the empirical evidence
on the health effects of those policies.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, class participation, two short
papers.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; signature of instructor
required.
HSB 295d. Health and Social Policy Doctoral Seminar
Dr. J. Heymann
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
For social research to more positively affect people's lives, researchers
need to better understand how research gets translated into action. The
goal of this course is to help doctoral students wrestle with how the
design and implementation of their own research influences its utility.
This seminar will examine successes and failures in the translation of
research to programs and policy and apply these lessons to students' own
research.
Students will be assigned readings on the translation of research into
policies and programs. Each student will work on their own research
projects, which they will present to the class.
Course Activities: Assigned readings, individual research project
presentations, class participation, paper.
Course note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; Instructor's signature
required; course best taken after doctoral exams.
HSB 300a,b,c,d,e,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and
qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made
with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty
time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go
beyond the content of the regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
HSB 301a,b,c,d,e,s. Tutorial
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
Course Note: Completed study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
HSB 350a,b,c,d,e,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
HSB 400 a,b,c,d,e,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
ID 201cd. Biology, Epidemiology, Economics, and Policy (BEEP): Malaria
(Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases)
Dr. A. Spielman
5.0 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 3.5-hour session each week.
This course is designed to bring a multidisciplinary approach to a major
public health problem in international health. Within the context of the
biology and epidemiology of malaria, students are introduced to
strategies for vector control, diagnosis, chemotherapy, and vaccines from
the point of view of social, political, and economic policy. Impacts of
programs are evaluated from an international and local perspective, using
techniques from both the social and biomedical sciences.
Course Note: Signature of instructor required.
ID 240c. Principles of Injury Control (Department of Health Policy and
Management)
Dr. D. Hemenway
2.5 credits
Seminar. One 3-hour sessions each week.
This course provides an introduction to a serious public health problem -
intentional and unintentional injury - and provides a framework for
examining control options. Specific categories of injuries, such as
motor vehicle crashes and violence, and specific risk factors for serious
injury such as alcohol and firearms, are examined in detail.
ID 250a. Ethical Basis of the Practice of Public Health (Department of
Health Policy and Management)
Dr. M. Roberts
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Provides students with a broad overview of some of the main philosophical
and moral ideas that are used as a basis for resolving debates of public
health policy. Helps students develop their own capacities to analyze,
criticize, evaluate, and construct policy-oriented arguments.
Course Note: Acceptance into the MPH Program or the Department of Health
Policy and Management; students must register for appropriate section.
ID 250b. Ethical Basis of the Practice of Public Health (Department of
Health Policy and Management and the Department of Population and
International Health)
Dr. M. Reich
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Provides students with a broad overview of some of the main philosophical
and moral ideas that are used as a basis for resolving debates of public
health policy. Helps students develop their own capacities to analyze,
criticize, evaluate, and construct policy-oriented arguments.
Course Note: Acceptance into the MPH Program or the Department of Health
Policy and Management; students must register for appropriate section.
ID 251s. Ethical Basis of the Practice of Public Health: Health Care
Delivery(Department of Health Policy and Management)
Dr. T. Brennan
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
This course emphasizes American health care policy and modern medical
ethics in its exploration of the political theory of medical care and is
intended to provide physicians and public health professionals with an
understanding of the manner in which political economy and ethics
interact in health care policy decisions.
ID 251t. Ethical Basis of the Practice of Public Health: Health Care Delivery (Department of Health Policy and Management)
Dr. T. Brennan
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Five 2-hour sessions each week.
This course emphasizes American health care policy and modern medical ethics in its exploration of the political theory of medical care. It is intended to provide physicians and public health professionals with an understanding of the manner in which political economy and ethics interact in health care policy decisions.
ID 261cd. Practice of Health Care Management (Department of Health Policy and Management)
Section 01- Dr. J. Kasten
Section 02- Dr. J. McDonough
5 credits
Seminars, field studies. One 2-hour session each week and four hours of field work each week.
One section explores the managerial skills required of public health professionals in any setting - leadership negotiations, interdisciplinary teams, and communication. The alternative section focuses on the policy process from a political perspective, identifying key shareholders, political processes, government structure, and the role of conflict resolution in the formation of health policy. Fieldwork provides practical experience in health care management or health policy development.
Course Note: Acceptance into the MPH concentration in Health Care Management or signature of instructor required.
ID 262a. Introduction to the Practice of International Health (Department
of Population and International Health)
Dr. R. Cash
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
How is international health defined? What are its historical roots and
modern manifestations? Which are the major contemporary issues and
debates on policies and practices? These questions are addressed in this
introductory course that defines the scope of the field, highlights
contemporary issues, and reviews selective case studies of international
health policies and practices. The course begins with an examination of
world health and development and the rapid health transitions taking
place around the world. Key contemporary issues are critically examined -
disease control, primary health care, child survival, essential drugs,
health policy, and the evolving roles of international and
non-governmental organizations. Interspersed throughout are several case
studies of challenges facing the modern practice of international health.
Course Note: This introductory course complements PIH 200a and prepares
the student for other international health offerings, including PIH 244b
and PIH 251d.
ID 263cd. Practice of Occupational Health (Department of Environmental
Health)
Dr. T. Smith, Dr. R. Herrick
5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Focuses on the assessment of workplace hazards, the physiology and
biomechanical aspects of work, and a practical problem-solving approach
to health problems in various work settings. Emphasizes the relationship
between working conditions and health, with special reference to the
recognition, measurement, and control of occupational hazards.
Course Activities: Oral and written projects, class discussions,
walk-through field trips to local industries (field trips may take up to
four hours).
Course Note: EH 262ab recommended; signature of instructor required; no
auditors.
ID 264bcd. Practice of Family and Community Health (Department of
Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. I. Aitken, Ms. J. Kurland
3.75 credits issued at end of "d" period.
Seminars, field studies. Weekly seminars in "b" period. Eight hours
field study each week in the "cd" period.
Addresses the professional training needs of MPH students who plan to
pursue leadership positions in the public sector or in community health.
Students, in small groups, undertake fieldwork in public or community
health agencies. They apply managerial and analytic techniques developed
in the concentration to the solution of problems confronting these
agencies. Student groups meet with advisers from HSPH and their host
agency throughout the field placement. Seminars explore the practice of
public and community health through case studies and readings.
Course Activities: Field work, written and oral project report.
Course Note: Acceptance into the MPH concentration in Family and
Community Health or signature of instructor required. HPC506a also
required.
ID 265c. Practice of Quantitative Methods (MPH Program)
Dr. M. Testa, Dr. R. Monson
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Explores practical and conceptual issues in the design, conduct, analysis
and evaluation of human studies through the discussion of current
research and methodologies. Students design studies to address important
health problems. Class discussion and group projects are emphasized.
Course Note: Acceptance into the MPH concentration in Quantitative
Methods or signature of instructor required.
ID 267ab. Infectious Disease Epidemiology (Department of Epidemiology)
Dr. J. Maguire, M. Lipsitch, G. Seage
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour seminar each week.
Seminars consist of presentations of student and faculty research in
progress and discussion of recent publications in the field of infectious
disease epidemiology. The emphasis is on conceptual issues related to the
epidemiology of infectious diseases.
Course Activities: Individual student papers and presentations, student
and faculty critiques.
Course Note: Must be taken for credit by students in the Program on the
Epidemiology of Infectious Disease. Signature of instructor required.
This course in intended for doctoral students currently involved in
thesis work and for others with active research projects.
ID 268cd. Infectious Disease Epidemiology II (Departments of
Epidemiology and Immunology and Infectious Disease)
Dr. J. Maguire, M. Lipsitch, G. Seage
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour seminar each week.
Seminars consist of presentations of epidemiologic aspects of work in
progress on infectious disease research by guest speakers and students,
with discussion by students and faculty. Preparatory work for
presentations by students is done under tutorial arrangements with
members of the faculty. The emphasis is on conceptual issues related to
the epidemiology of infectious diseases.
Course Activities: Individual student papers and presentations, student
and faculty critiques.
Course Note: Must be taken for credit by students in the Program on the
Epidemiology of Infectious Disease. Signature of instructor required.
This course in intended for doctoral students currently involved in
thesis work and for others with active research projects.
ID 270t. Summer MPH Practicum and Culminating Experience- Summer Only
Dr. E. Cook, Dr. M. Testa
5 credits
Seminars. Five 1- to 2-hour sessions each week.
Summer-Only Master of Public Health Program students develop an off-site
practicum at their home institution under the supervision of a local
mentor and a member of the faculty at HSPH. This practicum may include
aspects of epidemiology, biostatistics, decision sciences, or other
quantitative aspects of public health. Students should apply the
competencies learned in core courses to an actual investigation.
Following the first summer course work, students must submit a written
proposal for the practicum along with a letter of support from an
investigator from the student's home site, indicating an agreement to act
as the local mentor for the project. This proposal is reviewed and an
HSPH faculty supervisor is identified. Students ordinarily would write a
paper suitable for publication, a grant proposal or a technical report.
This exercise will culminate with a presentation in the final summer of
the student's program.
Course Note: Students must attend the sessions of this course during the
second and third summer and they are encouraged to attend their first
summer. Regular contact between students and mentors and among students
is expected via e-mail during the year to seek advice, provide activity
updates and to discuss approaches to the solution of methodological
issues.
ID 332f. Field Study: Public Health in Cuba
Dr. I. Aitken
1.25 credits
The focus of this course is a field visit to Cuba. In Cuba, we expect to
visit institutions such as the Ministry of Public Health, the schools of
medicine and public health, health research institutes, and AIDS
sanatorium, and community health clinics. In depth discussions with
individuals who set and implement health policy, infectious disease
researchers, community doctors, and local community health workers are a
significant part of this trip.
Course Activities: In order to prepare for the trip, students will attend
seminars and review selected readings. Students will be expected to
choose an area of focus and to write a paper to be presented in the post
trip seminar.
Course Note: Enrollment limited. Signature of instructor required.
IMI 201a. Ecology, Epidemiology, and Control of Important Parasitic
Diseases of Developing Areas
Dr. J. Maguire, Department Members, Guest Lecturers
3 credits
Lectures, seminars. Three 2-hour sessions each week.
Provides an introduction to ecological and epidemiological concepts basic
to the control of infectious agents. Considers important parasitic
diseases of particular significance in the developing areas of the world.
Epidemiological principles of vector-associated diseases are elucidated
through study of entities such as malaria and schistosomiasis.
Course Note: Background in biology required; knowledge of pathogenesis of
infectious diseases desirable; signature of instructor required.
IMI 202c. Tuberculosis Areas
Dr. E. Nardell, Dr. E. Rubin
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2 -hour sessions each week.
This course provides an introduction to the immunobiology, aerobiology
and molecular aspects of tuberculosis that underlie diagnostic and
control strategies. It deals with innate and acquired resistance to
infection with mycobacteria, the pathogenesis of tuberculous disease, and
the impact of HIV/AIDS and drug resistance on tuberculosis control and
prevention. Discusses control strategies based on BCG vaccination,
chemoprophylaxis, chemotherapy and environmental modification.
Course Note: The course is intended for students interested in any aspect
of the basic biology of tuberculosis. Some knowledge of immunology and
molecular biology is desirable but not required; minimum enrollment of 6
students required; enrollment is limited to 20 students; signature of
instructor required.
IMI 204c. Survey of Immunobiology
Dr. M. Grusby
1.25 credits
Lectures. One 1.5-hour session each week and one 1-hour DMS Weekly
Immunology Seminar Series.
Examines the anatomy and physiology of the immune system, fate of
antigen, cell trafficking, cellular interactions, and regulation of the
immune response, and B and T cell recognition mechanisms. Principles of
immunoregulation are discussed in the context of current literature.
Course Activities: Class participation, paper.
Course Note: Introductory course aimed toward students who do not have a
background in the biological sciences.
IMI 206d. Principles of Public Health Entomology
Dr. A. Spielman
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, field trips, laboratories. One 3-hour session each week.
The manner in which arthropods transmit disease and the principles of vector control are discussed from ecological, physiological, and genetic points of view. Class and laboratory sessions introduce concepts and techniques currently employed against vector-borne disease. Weekend field trips provide an opportunity for students to apply skills acquired in the classroom.
Course Note: IMI 201a (formerly TPH 201a) or signature of instructor required.
IMI 208cd. Immunology of Infectious Diseases (Cross-listed at FAS as
BPH-216 and at HMS as BPH-724.0)
Dr. D. Harn, Department Members, Guest Lecturers
5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures, discussions. One 3-hour session each week.
Covers in detail the interactions of pathogens with the host immune
system, from pathogen invasion to pathogenesis. Lecture topics include:
the role of secretory immune system; innate immunity mediated through the
“collectins”; how pathogens regulate the host immune response; pathogen
evasion of immune effector mechanisms; polarization of CD4+ T helper cell
subsets and relationship to disease outcome; co-infection with HIV and
other pathogens; mechanisms of immunopathogenesis; and development of
vaccines. Viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens are covered in the
course.
Course Activities: Each lecture requires reading several relevant papers
and completion of a problem set.
Course Note: Course in immunology required; enrollment limited to 35
students; signature of instructor required.
[IMI 211d.] Microbiology of Public Health
Dr. P. Kanki, Dr. J. Sankale, Dr. M. Essex,
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures, case studies. Two 3-hour sessions each week.
This section covers basic principles of virus-host interactions at a
population level. Selected viral pathogens are studied that exemplify the
complexities of virus infection, host response, viral transmission and
disease. Emphasis is placed on the public health perspective in
approaching various aspects of viral infections. The laboratory component
introduces techniques for surveillance and diagnosis of viral infections
for epidemiological studies.
Course Note: Introductory biology course or equivalent required; minimum
enrollment of 12 students required; enrollment limited to 18 students;
ordinal grading option only.
IMI 300a,b,c,d. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and
qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made
with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty
time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go
beyond the content of the regular courses.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
IMI 301 a,b,c,d Tutorial
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged
Course Note: Completed tutorial contract required at time of
registration.
IMI 350a,b,c,d,s,t. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department. Inquiries about
specific research opportunities should be addressed to the chair of the
department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
IMI 400 a,b,c,d,s,t. Non-Resident Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department. Inquiries about
specific research opportunities should be addressed to the chair of the
department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
MCE 223c. Child and Adolescent Mental Disorders: Public Health
Perspectives (Department of Maternal and Child Health and the Department
of Epidemiology)
Dr. S. Buka, Dr. D. Kindlon
1.25 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
Examines the occurrence and known risk factors of selected mental
disorders of childhood and adolescence, including drug abuse, depression,
conduct disorder, and suicide. Emphasizes the methodological issues of
case definition, disorder classification, current diagnostic and
screening instruments, and the advantages/disadvantages of available data
sources. Readings include studies selected to illustrate methodological
options and usefulness for public health research.
MCH 201abcd. Public Health Practice in Maternal and Child Health
Dr. I. Aitken
5 credits
Field studies, seminars.
The purpose of this course is to provide students the opportunity to
apply research skills in a field situation; to gain knowledge and
experience in conducting needs assessments, presenting data for policy
decisions, evaluating programs; and, to gain experience in the
organization and management of public health programs.
Course Note: No auditors; HSPH degree candidates only. Pass/Fail Only.
MCH 203c. Analysis of Secondary Data
Dr. M. Ganz
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course introduces students to methods of access to and analysis of
the data sets that are relevant to and commonly used by MCH researchers.
Students will learn about the problems associated with using secondary
data and with the analytic methods needed to correctly test hypotheses
with these data. The focus is on preparing students to perform and
critique secondary data analyses. Students will complete short written
and computer-based assignments and will complete a short term paper.
Course Note: A brief interview with Dr. Ganz and signature of instructor
is required prior to first class. Class enrollment limited to maximum of
10 students.
MCH 204ab. Maternal and Child Health Issues, Programs and Policies
Dr. M. McCormick, Dr. M.J. Brown
5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Components of health care programs for mothers and children are discussed
in the context of growth and maturational processes, historical and
legislative background, and social, mental health, and educational
policies. Health programs appropriate to prenatal, early and late
childhood, adolescence, and youth are presented in terms of the
multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary action required to improve the
health status of populations. Includes discussion of factors that shape
current and future maternal and child health policies. Topics include
infant mortality and low birthweight, maternal health and mortality,
services for children with special health care needs, school health,
child abuse, intentional and unintentional injury, and AIDS.
Course Activities: Group class presentations, cases and class discussion,
written reports.
MCH 206a. Maternal and Child Health in Developing Countries
Dr. M. Farrell
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course focuses on selected methods and skills essential to assess,
plan, design, implement, and evaluate proposals, projects and programs
for women and children in developing countries. The course follows the
actual processes international teams use to maximize the contribution of
team members, interact with country counterparts, and ensure programming
for this vulnerable population. Videos, in-country interviews and
transcripts and other visual and auditory media are used to familiarize
the student with the population under study.
Course Activities: Lectures, team work, use of country specific
audio-visual materials, interaction with international experts,
preparation of case presentation.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15 students; no auditors.
MCH 208b. Adolescent Health (Cross-listed at HSE as H-325)
Dr. J. Kulig, Dr. B. Kennedy
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Adolescent health, risk behaviors, prevention and intervention programs
will be examined in relation to adolescent physical, psychosocial, and
cognitive development. Topics will include theories of behavioral change,
access to health care, guidelines for preventive services, outcomes
research, health policy, and alternative sites for care. Risk behaviors,
including injury, violence, suicide, substance use and sexuality will be
explored. Focus will be domestic, with examples of federal, state, and
community-based adolescent health initiatives.
Course Activities: Case discussions, classroom role playing, writing
memoranda.
MCH 209c. Services for Children with Disabilities
Dr. A. Crocker, Dr. D. Helm
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Looks at how service programs in the disability field are put together,
supported, and evaluated. Uses outside guests from community programs for
many sessions.
Course Activities: Each student visits an active program site and reports
on management issues.
Course Note: An interest in children with special needs is expected:
enrollment limited to 20 students; signature of instructor required.
MCH 211cd. Women, Health, and Development
Ms. N. Swenson
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
Activist focus promotes advocacy skills through written and oral
testimony, surveying selected women and health issues globally. Includes
gender analysis, human rights perspectives, and women's relationship to
family, community, and societal health.
Course Activities: Discussion, guest lecturers, testimonies.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15 students; signature of instructor
required.
MCH 212ab. Developmental Disabilities, Part I: Evaluation, Assessment,
Families & Systems
Dr. D. Helm, Dr. A. Crocker
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
The course focuses on issues facing professionals who work with people
with developmental disabilities, their families, and the system whereby
services are offered. Materials are organized with a developmental format
in mind. Emphasis for first half of semester will be on understanding the
professionals' role in diagnosing, evaluating, and assessing children who
have developmental disabilities or who are at high risk of acquiring
them. Specific discussions of families and services will highlight the
second half of the semester.
MCH 213d. Childbirth: Health Policy and Epidemiology
Dr. B. Sachs, Dr. D. K. Richardson, Dr. E. Lieberman
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
Explores issues affecting childbirth services, including prenatal care,
maternal health, pregnancy complications, obstetric technologies,
personnel, access, financing and neonatal care. The course uses
epidemiologic data to address perinatal health policy.
Course Note: Medical or nursing training, PIM 233b, or permission of the
instructor required.
MCH 214cd. Developmental Disabilities, Part II: Values, Policy and Change
Dr. D. Helm, Dr. A. Crocker
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
The course focuses on the community, system and leadership components of
developmental disabilities and focuses on the value placed on and
enhancing the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. It draws
from, but is independent of MCH 212ab. Course materials are presented by
leading experts in the field who will provide the content for each
session. Issues of systems change and policy implications are stressed
while understanding disabilities from the person's and families'
perspective is maintained.
MCH 220b. Society and its Effect on Child Health
Dr. J. Palfrey, Dr. R. Samuels
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 4-hour session each week.
This course is intended to provide an in-depth study of some of the ways
society effects children's health in the United States. Issues covered
include: the effects of poverty on health and public policy impact on
chronic illness. Other areas covered will be determined by the students
from the broad areas of ethnicity, violence, families, HIV and drug
abuse. Students will narrow the focus of the broad topic to an area they
are interested in presenting to the class.
Course Note: The course is intended for students of a broad range of
disciplines interested in child health issues, who have not necessarily
had extensive training in maternal and child health. Students should also
be interested in learning about curriculum development and improving
their ability to teach in small groups. Minimum enrollment of 8, maximum
enrollment of 18, instructors signature required. No auditors.
MCH 222d. Social Services for Children, Adolescents and Families
Ms. L. Tieszen (P), Dr. E. Newberger, Dr. L. McCloskey (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour session each week.
Presents the crucial role of social services in maintaining and promoting
the health of children and their families. Beginning with a historical
overview of social services in the U.S., the course examines current
political trends that structure the content and delivery of social
services. The social and psychological determinants of the need for
social services focus on events of public health relevance, including
terminal illness in childhood, adoption/foster care, family violence, day
care, and services for children with HIV infection.
Course Activities: Seminar discussion based on current policy, case
discussions.
MCH 225a. Gender-based Violence: Origins and Remedies
Dr. L. McCloskey
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
This course will center on the cultural origins of gender-based violence
and the public health implications and remedies. Topics will include
relationship violence and state-supported policies of violence against
women and gays. Cross-cultural work will figure prominently in the
course readings.
Course Note: Enrollment is limited to 25 students. This course is open
to graduate students only from departments and schools throughout the
university.
MCH 232a. Physical Growth and Development, Part III - Advanced Seminar.
Dr. I. Valadian
2.5 credits
Seminars, lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course carries at more depth the stages of physical growth and development introduced in MCN 200b. Expands on maturation, its components, their assessment and underlying neurological, biological, and chemical changes. Discusses how the sequential unfolding of maturation promotes changes in health and nutrition services for individuals and populations of children.
Course Note: Prerequisite MCN 200b or equivalent knowledge.
MCH 233d. Public Health Genetics: Contemporary Issues and Challenges
Ms. R. Blatt
1.25 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
The commercialization of molecular genetic research raises numerous
scientific, ethical, legal and social issues for which public health
specialists must be prepared. This course will utilize case studies to
focus on developments in molecular biology and genetic medicine and to
explore their impact on biomedical research, health care delivery, and
public health policy and regulation.
Course Activities: Students are expected to do all required readings and
complete one class project.
Course Note: Enrollment is open to all HSPH students. No prior knowledge
of genetics or molecular biology is required.
MCH290abcd. MCH Doctoral Seminar
Dr. E. Lieberman
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 1-hour session each week.
Weekly seminar on research topics in Maternal and Child Health. Required
course for MCH doctoral degree students.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only
MCH 297ab. Leadership in Minority Health Policy
Dr. J. Reede, Dr. R. King
1.25 credits
Seminar. One 2-hour session every other week.
Students will engage with faculty members at Harvard as well as key
minority health policy leaders from both the public and private sectors
to develop leadership skills required for effective performance in the
areas of public health practice and public policy. A major focus will be
strategies for career development in the area of minority health policy.
Course Activities: Students will be required to submit papers describing
how they would apply the learning from the seminar to enhance their own
leadership abilities and career development.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15 students; enrollment requires
interview with the assistant to Dr. Reede (164 Longwood Avenue);
signature of instructor required.
MCH 298cd. Issues in Minority Health Policy
Dr. J. Reede, Dr. R. King
2.5 credits
Seminar. One 2-hour session each week.
This course explores public policy issues impacting the health status of
minority and disadvantaged populations, with special emphasis on problem
identification, policy analysis, and program planning. Participants will
engage with faculty members at Harvard as well as key minority health
policy leaders from both the public and private sectors to explore
current and future policy affecting minority and disadvantaged
populations.
Course Activities: Students will be required to submit papers, describing
in what way they would apply the learning from the seminar to enhance
their own leadership abilities and career development, and a final paper
discussing a health policy issue or a topic impacting minority
populations.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15 students; enrollment requires
interview with the assistant to Dr. Reede (164 Longwood Avenue);
signature of instructor required.
MCH 300a,b,c,d,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
MCH301 a,b,c,d, Tutorial
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
MCH 306abcd. Clinical Effectiveness Seminar
Dr. D. Goldmann, Dr. J. Perrin, Dr. J. Finkelstein, Dr. S. Muret-
Wagstaff, Dr. T. Lieu
1.25 credits
Seminar. One 1.5-hour session each week.
This series of weekly seminars covers a broad spectrum of topics with
content or methodologic relevance to research in child health services.
The seminar series is coordinated by the Clinical Effectiveness Program
at Children's Hospital together with The Division of General Pediatrics
at Massachusetts General Hospital and The Department of Ambulatory Care
and Prevention, Harvard Medical School. Speakers include faculty in and
around the Harvard Medical Area as well as visiting speakers.
Course Note: Pass/Fail option only; signature of instructor required.
MCH 308d. Infant Assessment in the Context of Prenatal Exposures
Dr. E. Tronick
1.25 credits
Tutorial.
This tutorial focuses on observations of infant neurobehavioral
assessment and several other assessments of older infants and children
(e.g., attachment, mastery motivation, Bayley examination) in the
laboratory. The student will observe Research Assistants carrying out
these procedures, do reading on their own, and set aside time to discuss
the observations. Times are flexible. Newborn observations occur almost
every day at the Brigham and Women's and the other procedures occur many
days of the week at our labs at 1295 Boylston. The student is
responsible for arranging the observation times with Research Assistants.
Course Note: Pass/fail only; instructor's signature required.
MCH 350a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
[MCM 215cd]. Methods of Planning and Evaluating Public Health Programs
(Department of Maternal and Child Health and the Department of Health
Policy and Management)
Dr. S. Buka, Dr. M. McCormick
2.5 credits
Not to be given 2001-2002; offered alternate years.
Lectures, seminars, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
Presents concepts and methods for developing and evaluating programs and
services for health and human service programs in developing or
industrialized countries. Focuses on the development of knowledge and
skills in needs assessment, program development, implementation and
evaluation of public health programs.
Course Activities: Class discussion, development of a complete written
program proposal, oral presentation of proposal for critical review.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 30 students; signature of instructor
required.
MCN 200c. Physical Growth and Development, Part I (Department of Maternal
and Child Health and the Department of Nutrition)
Dr. K. Peterson
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Provides an introduction to the principles and assessment of physical
growth, development and maturation that are the basis for monitoring the
health of populations of children from conception through adolescence.
Selection, measurement, and interpretation of anthropometric indicators
of growth are discussed in detail. Public health implications of the
study of growth and development are also considered, including reference
growth curves, secular trends in obesity, maturation, and stature; and
strategies for individual and population-based growth monitoring in the
U.S. and in international settings.
Course Activities: Seminar participation.
Course Note: Knowledge of basic biology recommended.
[MCN 207ab.] Nutrition in Child Growth and Development (Department of
Maternal and Child Health and the Department of Nutrition)
Dr. Dwyer
Not to be given 2001-2002
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. One 2-hour session each week.
Examines principles and practical problems encountered in developing
policies and programs involving nutritional issues, growth and
development. Lectures on general principles or elements of nutrition
provide background setting for policy and are designed to help students
base their judgments on scientific evidence. Discussions involve case
studies of recent relevant policy issues in industrialized and developing
countries. Student papers, presentations and discussions focus on either
policy or scientific issues of importance.
Course Activities: Lectures, video presentations, case studies, and
discussion, student presentations.
MCS 210ab. Personality and Cognitive Development: Application to Public
Health (Department of Maternal and Child Health and the Department of
Health and Social Behavior)
Dr. D. Kindlon
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
Basic principles of child development are examined within a public health
frame of reference. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of the
theories of Bronfenbrenner, Skinner, Erickson and others, especially as
they relate to understanding interventions for public health problems,
including behavior problems and non-organic mental retardation.
Course Activities: Class discussion, class presentation, term paper.
NUE 207cd. Scientific Writing in Nutrition and Epidemiology
Dr. M. Stampfer
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
This course is designed to improve writing skills for nutrition/epidemiology researchers. The course will cover such areas as organization of scientific papers, presentation of data in graphical and tabular forms, and style. The course is designed for advanced students who are beginning to work on a paper for publication.
Course Activities: After two initial meetings in the "c" period to discuss principles of scientific writing, show specific examples, and suggest readings, students will work on their papers independently, under the overall supervision of their own faculty advisors. In the "d" period, class sessions will be scheduled weekly. Each student will be assigned one primary and one secondary reviewer who will critique the paper in detail and lead the class discussion of the individual student's paper. The instructor will guide the discussion and use the paper to make additional points of constructive criticism, which will serve to illustrate the principles enunciated at the beginning of the class.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 8 students; signature of instructor required.
NUE 216cd. Nutritional Epidemiology (Department of Nutrition and the
Department of Epidemiology)
Dr. W. Willett, Dr. F. Hu
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
Reviews methods for assessing the dietary intake of populations and
individuals. Students gain experience in the actual collection, analysis
and interpretation of dietary intake. The course also reviews several
specific diet/disease relationships, integrating information from
international studies, secular trends, clinical trials, analytical
epidemiology, and animal experiments.
Course Note: BIO 200ab, BIO 201ab or BIO 200s and BIO 200t, and EPI 200a,
EPI 200s, EPI 201a or EPI 208st required; familiarity with
regression/ANOVA recommended; signature of instructor required for
students who have not taken a course in nutrition.
NUT 201b. Principles of Nutrition
Dr. C. Lo, Department Members
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Overview of nutrition from epidemiologic, clinical, metabolic, and
international perspectives, including nutritional assessment,
malnutrition, obesity, eating disorders, relationships between nutrition
and cancer and heart disease, and special topics of interest to students.
No previous scientific background is required.
NUT 202cd. The Science of Human Nutrition (Cross-listed at FAS as BPH-222
and at HMS as BPH-733.0)
Dr. F. Sacks, Dr. Lo, Department Members
5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course reviews the biochemistry of carbohydrates, fats, proteins,
vitamins, and minerals in the context of human disease. Particular
emphasis is given to current knowledge of the mechanisms that may explain
the role of diet in the causation and/or prevention of ischemic heart
disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and cancer. Recommended dietary
intakes of selected nutrients will be discussed in order to understand
their limitations.
Course Note: NUT 201b is strongly recommended; prior familiarity with
nutrition and the health sciences expected, as well as a basic knowledge
of biochemistry and human physiology.
NUT 203ab. Nutrition Seminars, Part I
Dr. W. Willett, Department Members
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 1-hour session each week.
There are two components to this course: a) Human Nutrition Seminars
which are held on the second Monday of each month and focus in applied
areas of Nutrition; and b) Nutritional Epidemiology which are held in
conjunction with the Epidemiology Department. They consist of
work-in-progress presentations or presentations by invited speakers. The
general focus is on the development of methods and the analysis and
interpretation of nutritional epidemiologic data. Generally taken by
first year students. Attendance will be taken.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; HSPH degree candidates only.
NUT 204cd. Advanced Topics in Nutrition: Part I
Dr. Hotamisligil, Department Members
2.5 credits
Seminars. Two 1-hour sessions each week.
Students have an opportunity to review and analyze key papers that
provide physiological and molecular evidence that bears on a topic of
current interest in human nutrition and related disorders. Additionally,
students learn skills necessary for critical thinking, and oral and
written presentations.
Course Note: HSPH degree candidates only; signature of instructor
required.
NUT 205ab. Advanced Topics in Nutrition: Part II
Dr. Campos
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two-1 hour sessions each week.
Students participate in and present seminars reviewing current research and publications related to nutrition in addition to attending advanced seminars presented by faculty and guest speakers. This course is an extension of NUT 204cd and intends to provide practical training in the communication skills for oral presentations. Students will be involved in seminar presentations of topics including both basic research and applied areas of human nutrition.
Course Note: NUT 204cd and signature of instructor required.
NUT 206cd. Nutrition Seminars, Part II
Dr. W. Willett , Department Members
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 1-hour session each week
Seminar series on current topics in nutrition, usually taken by second
year doctoral students.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; HSPH degree candidates only.
NUT 210cd. Nutritional Problems of Less-Developed Countries
Dr. W. Fawzi
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
Discusses the nutrition problems of less-developed countries. Reviews
the epidemiological, biological and behavioral consequences of
malnutrition. Emphasizes infectious disease and perinatal outcomes
including issues relevant to the formulation of nutrition policy and
programs.
Course Note: No auditors.
NUT 214ab,cd. Research Techniques in Nutritional Biochemistry
Dr. Wessling-Resnick, Members of the Program in Nutritional Biochemistry
5 credits for the "ab" semester; 5 credits for the "cd" semester
Laboratories. Fifteen hours minimum each week.
Students rotate through the laboratories (one each period) of faculty
members in the Nutritional Biochemistry Program in order to learn current
techniques applied to nutritional, cellular, and biochemical research.
Students present oral and written reports on the research they have
completed to the Nutrition faculty one rotation per quarter.
Course Note: Generally limited to Nutritional Biochemistry students in
the Department of Nutrition; must register for course in each appropriate
semester; signature of instructor required. Ordinal grading option only.
NUT 214ab,cd. Research Techniques in Nutritional Biochemistry
Dr. Wessling-Resnick, Members of the Program in Nutritional Biochemistry
5 credits for the "ab" semester; 5 credits for the "cd" semester
Laboratories. Fifteen hours minimum each week.
Students rotate through the laboratories (one each period) of faculty
members in the Nutritional Biochemistry Program in order to learn current
techniques applied to nutritional, cellular, and biochemical research.
Students present oral and written reports on the research they have
completed to the Nutrition faculty one rotation per quarter.
Course Note: Generally limited to Nutritional Biochemistry students in
the Department of Nutrition; must register for course in each appropriate
semester; signature of instructor required. Ordinal grading option only.
NUT 220d. Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques
Dr. M. Wessling-Resnick
2.5 credits
Case studies. One-two 4-6-hour sessions each week.
Laboratory course designed to provide hands-on training in modern
molecular research (PCR, RFLP analysis, DNA sequencing, interpretation of
results). Fundamentals of laboratory procedures will be emphasized with
technical background provided by short lectures preceding lab exercises.
Course Note: EPI 250c required; enrollment limited to 5 students; ordinal
grading option only; no auditors; lab or section will be announced at
first meeting; HSPH degree candidates only; permission of instructor
required.
NUT 300a,b,c,d,e. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and
qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made
with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty
time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go
beyond the content of the regular courses. Independent study work can
include laboratory studies, projects in applied nutrition, library
research, or the following special topic listed under NUT 301.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
NUT 301ab, cd. Nutrition/Health Promotion in the Mass Media
Dr. L. Cheung (P), Dr. W. Willett (S)
2.5 credits
The role of the mass media and social marketing in the promotion and
adoption of healthy eating practices; extent and quality of coverage in
various mass media outlets; creating messages for mass media use;
effectiveness of existing mass communication campaigns in nutrition.
Course Note: NUT 201b or equivalent required; background in behavioral
sciences or education recommend; completed independent study contract
required at time of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent
study topic; pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
NUT302 a,b,c,d Tutorial
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
NUT 350a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department. Research topics that
may be taken under the direction of the faculty are listed below.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
NUT 400a,b,c,d,s. Non-Resident Research
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department. Research topics that
may be taken under the direction of the faculty are listed below.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
PIH 200a. Population and Health
Dr. D. Bloom
2.5 credits
Lectures, discussion. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course shows how the population-based approach provides new insights
into international public health issues, covers the health and mortality
transitions in developed and developing countries, reviews the links
between fertility, mortality and reproductive health, and provides a
basic introduction to fertility and family planning programs.
Course Note: Departmental requirement.
PIH 203bc. Computer Methods for Demography and International Health
Mr. S. Atwood, Dr. U. Larsen
2.5 credits
Lectures, practicals and sessions in the Instructional Computing
Facility.
This course will provide an introduction to a range of computer
techniques for the design, collection, management and analysis of the
kinds of data commonly encountered in population and health surveys in
developing countries. Topics covered include advanced use of
spreadsheets, unpacking DHS and similar files, joining and matching files
of different lengths, review of EPI-INFO for questionnaire construction
and data entry, reading data into SAS, data checking and manipulation,
and the use of standard procedures. The sessions will provide students
with the computer skills needed to complete the homework required for
courses such as PIH 221c and PIH 222d (Analysis of Fertility and
Mortality).
Course Activities: All sessions will involve individual practice with
computer programs available in the Instructional Computing Facility.
Students must complete the weekly assignments and a final exam.
Course Note: The course assumes prior familiarity with basic computer
methods such as word processing and use of spreadsheets for calculation
and drawing graphs; BIO 113b is strongly recommended; enrollment limited
to 20 students; pass/fail option only. The course is a prerequisite for
PIH 220b.
PIH 206 d. Complex Humanitarian Emergencies Research Seminar
Dr. J. Leaning
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
The course addresses critical aspects of complex humanitarian
emergencies, which are assessed as acute threats to large populations
trapped in war, civil conflict, and underlying poverty and deprivation.
These crises are characterized by targeted attacks on civilians, mass
population dislocations, widespread human rights abuses, and a high level
of insecurity for responders. Topic areas, including assessment of root
causes and precipitants, intervention experience, public health and
medical operations, role of media and NGOs, human rights and humanitarian
law issues, and psychosocial aspects, are covered through case study and
review of the literature. Emphasis is placed on preparing public health
practitioners and policy makers to participate in humanitarian prevention
and response.
Course Activities: Requirements include readings from syllabus and short
list of required texts as well as a final paper.
PIH 211b. Management Control in Health Organizations
Dr. M. Mitchell (P),
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is designed for students interested in learning about finance
and management of health care in low and middled income countries. The
focus will be on the development of knowledge and skills that are needed
by managers of health care organizations in a variety of settings. It
will cover a broad range of topics including cost analysis, budgeting and
control, financial analysis, revenue generation, and performance
monitoring. While some theory will be presented, this course will
emphasize practical applications of the techniques discussed through the
use of the case study method. Although no prior education in financial
or managerial accounting is required to take this course, students
without any prior training will be expected to do extra work to learn the
basics of financial accounting.
Course Note: Students who have or are taking HPM219a or HPM220b may not
take this course for credit.
PIH214d. Health, Human Rights and the International System
Dr. S. Marks
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
This course is designed to provide an overview of the nature and role of
international norms, processes and institutions with respect to health
and human rights issues. Focus will be on the responses of the
international political and legal order to some of the pressing issues of
health and human rights. Focus will be on the principal
multilateral agencies and programs. Among the specific issues to be
examined are: trade; intellectual property and drug pricing in Africa;
refugee status of girls threatened with FGC (female genital cutting);
forced sterilization and human rights procedures in Latin America; use of
nuclear weapons before the World Court; health of child workers under the
European Social Charter. We will use simulations of actual cases. The
ultimate aim of the course is to prepare students to understand and
interact with the international system to advance the health and human
rights objectives, whether through governmental, intergovernmental or
nongovernmental processes.
Course Note: Students considering taking this course are strongly
encouraged, but not required, to first take PIH 218a "Health and Human
Rights".
Course Note: Students considering taking this course are strongly
encouraged, but not required, to first take PIH 218b "Health and Human
Rights".
PIH 218a. Health and Human Rights: Concepts and Methods for Public Health
Dr. S. Gruskin
2.5 credits
Lecture, case study. One 3-hour session each week.
The course identifies and discusses the complex interactions between
health and human rights, with particular emphasis on the implications of
human rights for public health thinking and practice. The course provides
the basis for literacy about modern human rights, including core
principles, key documents, institutions and practices. Then, a framework
for analysis of health/human rights interactions is developed and
applied, including: effect of health policies and programs on human
rights; health consequences of human rights violations; and the
inextricable linkage between promoting and protecting health and
promoting and protecting human rights. A variety of topics including
reproductive health and HIV/AIDS are used to illustrate and explore
practical applications of human rights in public health.
PIH 219b. Development and Human Rights (Cross-listed at KSG as PED-141M)
Dr. S. Marks
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars.
This course considers the impact of economic development on health and
human rights, and the problems achieving human rights in developing
societies. We will examine broad-ranging political-economic and social
issues that bear on the local application of internationally recognized
human rights. We will begin with an exploration of the underlying
concepts and strategies of both economic development and human rights,
after which we will consider international economic relations (trade,
investment, technical assistance) as they affect health and human rights.
We will explore the social, economic, cultural, legal and political
processes by which development and human rights are affected in various
societies. Topics to be covered include the human right to development,
conditionality of foreign aid, corruption, housing, gender issues, and
ethnic conflict.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 40 students.
PIH 220b. Introduction to Demographic Methods
Dr. U. Larsen
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Presents the main demographic approaches to the study of population
structure and dynamics, including data sources, age and sex composition,
growth, fertility, nuptiality, mortality, and population forecasts and
projections.
Course Note: PIH 203bc or equivalent required, concurrent enrollment
permitted.
[PIH 221c.] Fertility Analysis
Dr. U. Larsen
2.5 credits
Not offered 2001-2002.
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
The course is an intermediate level class on the analysis of fertility
and its proximate determinants. The students are introduced to the
different data sources useful for estimating and interpreting levels and
differentials of fertility. A number of the most used techniques in
fertility analyses are presented. The emphasis is on understanding the
underlying assumptions, applying the techniques and interpreting the
results. Research design issues and frameworks for studying levels and
variations in fertility are discussed, and specific empirical analyses
are reviewed. This course is designed to be taken concurrently with PIH
203c.
Course Activities: Practical training will be given through homework
exercises and a final take home exam.
PIH 222d. Mortality and Health Status in Developing Countries
Dr. A. Hill
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This intermediate level course introduces students to the problems of
measuring the health status of populations with particular attention to
devveloping countries. It provides a theoretical introduction to the
problem of developing population-based measures that include both the
effects of premature mortality as well as the effects of morbidity and
disability. A section of the course is devoted to capturing the main
dimensions of mortality levels and patterns for adults and children in
countries without full vital registration. The new WHO life tables are
contrasted with other mortality measures. The value of verbal autopsies
for cause of death ascertainment is discussed. The remainder of the
course deals with the problem of assessing the burden of disease
attributable to illness and disability. A variety of approaches are
presented including the DALE measures and quality-adjusted life years
measures such as the DALY. This course provides the theoretical and
practical skills for the student to understand the steps needed to
undertake a national burden of disease study.
Course Activities: Students are required to undertake a series of short
practical exercises that require use of spreadsheets and specialized
programs provided in the computer laboratory. The final product is a
complete analysis of one or more data sets for a selected country.
Course Activities: The principal products anticipated from this course
are the completion of 6 short practical exercises and an oral and written
presentation summarizing the materials and methods available for a
national burden of disease study. Students may work in teams to produce
this final report which will be presented and discussed by the class at
the end of the course. There will be a separate session each week with
the TA at a convenient time to help with technical and other matters.
PIH 241c. Health Planning in Developing Countries: Cost-Effective
Analysis and Priority Setting Techniques
Dr. J. Sevilla, Dr. A. Mahal
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Through the use of lectures and problem sets, students will learn the
applied skills needed for the economic evaluation of health projects,
interventions and programs. Emphasis will be placed on cost-effectiveness
and its use in sectoral resource allocation decisions including ethical
underpinnings.
Course Activities: Students will gain experience using spreadsheets for
calculations of costs and benefits.
Course Note: Some knowledge of economics or quantitative skills
recommended.
PIH 244b. Health Sector Reform: A Worldwide Perspective
Dr. P. Berman
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course surveys the impact of the global movement to reform national
health care systems on the lower and middle income countries. It
introduces a framework for analyzing health care systems and designing
strategies for system reform, including political dimensions, with
specific references to developing countries. It then examines some of
the major elements of reform strategies as they are being applied in
these countries, including goal-setting, financing, benefits packages,
the organization of health care and the role of the private health
sector, governmental reform, regulation, and change in consumer behavior.
Studies and case material from many different countries are used.
PIH 245ab. Population and Development Policies: A World of Contention (Cross-listed at KSG as PED-360)
Dr. G. Zeidenstein
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 2-hour session each week.
This seminar-course covers the development and implementation of population policies within the broader context of international development activities. It focuses on several broad sub-topics: the UN trail; theories and evidence; ethical considerations; environment; security; gender and sexuality; reproductive health and family planning programs; the shifting USA positions; resources; implementation; looking ahead.
Course Activities: Guest speakers will include practitioners, policymakers and researchers from the field. Students will be expected to master weekly reading materials, participate in class discussions, make a class presentation of work in progress, and submit a term paper on a topic agreed upon with the instructor. This seminar-course does not include quantitative applications.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 15 students, with preference given to students from SPH and KSG. Admission will be based on written statements of purpose (no longer than two double-spaced pages) submitted to the instructor at the first session. Signature of instructor required.
PIH 253b. Human Ecology
Dr. R. Levins
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Provides a broad overview of the human ecosystem as it emerges out of, but as different from, pre-human ecology. Topics are selected from biosphere processes, population interaction, agricultural systems, adaptation evolution and ecology of disease, ecological politics, and evolution. Also considers the role of knowledge and conscious planning as an aspect of human ecology and examines the approaches toward the solution of ecological problems.
Course Note: Basic knowledge of biology required.
PIH 257d. New and Resurgent Disease
Dr. R. Levins, Dr. T. Awerbuch and Guest Lecturers
1.25 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
The course will cover new and resurgent disease as a general problem of evolutionary ecology and social change. Topics may include environmental change and disease; population change (demographic and migration); organismic changes; vulnerability of individuals and populations; vectors, reservoirs and hosts; eco-social models; research and public health strategies.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only.
[PIH 258b.] The Frontiers of Knowledge in HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and
Research
Dr. S. Kapiga
2.5 credits
Not offered 2001-2002.
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the
current state of knowledge and future directions in HIV/AIDS
epidemiology, prevention, care and research. It will comprise separate
lectures on scientific, technical, programmatic and policy aspects of the
global response to HIV/AIDS. It will provide an analytical framework
which, drawing from accumulated knowledge and experience, will help
understand the manifestations and deep roots of the pandemic, illuminate
currently pressing issues and suggest avenues for an improved response to
HIV/AIDS. Instructors and guest lecturers include public health
specialists, clinicians and researchers, social and behavioral scientists
from Harvard University, other academic centers and HIV/AIDS programs.
PIH 261cd. Mathematical Models in Biology and Public Health
Dr. T. Awerbuch (P), Dr. R. Levins (S)
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
This course examines mathematical models as a basis for analyzing
biological and social phenomena relevant to public health. Applied topics
include: spread and maintenance of infectious diseases such as AIDS, lyme
disease and malaria; diffusion bioassays for determining toxicity and
mutagenicity of drugs; screening for breast cancer; blood screening,
enzyme kinetics; demographic modeling and population structures.
Methodological topics include differential equations, probability, Leslie
matrices, fitting models to data and computer simulation.
PIH 263e. Grant Writing for Funding of Research and Health Care Projects
Dr. K. Dumbaugh
1 credit
Lectures, seminars. Five 3-hour sessions for one week.
The objective of the course is to provide participants with: 1) the
opportunity to prepare a fundable grant proposal for submission to a
funding agency upon completion of the course; 2) a framework which
enables participants to write realistic and fundable proposals for basic
or applied research, or for projects which deliver services or care; and
3) the most relevant sources of information about organizations which
fund such work.
Course Note: Enrollment is limited to 20 students; no auditors permitted;
a mandatory organizational meeting will be held in early December;
signature of instructor required.
PIH 265d. Ethical Issues in International Health
Dr. R. Cash
2.5 credits
Seminar. One 3-hour session each week.
This course is designed to expose students to the key ethical issues that
may be encountered in the course of conducting international health
research. Using case presentations and discussion-based class sessions,
students will have the opportunity to begin developing their own tools
for dealing with these important issues in an applied context.
PIH 267c. HIV/AIDS in Developing Countries: Epidemiology and National Responses
Dr. S. Kapiga
2.5 credits
Lectures, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course is designed to provide a broad description of the distinct features of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in developing countries, and the evolution of national responses against HIV/AIDS in selected countries. The course will focus on sub-Saharan Africa, although relevant examples from other developing countries will be addressed during the presentations and discussions. At the beginning of the course, an overview of the status of the HIV/AIDS epidemic will be presented and followed by a discussion of the methods used to derive regional HIV/AIDS estimates. Later, factors contributing to the expansion of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa will be examined, and strategies that could be used to reduce further spread of the epidemic will be discussed. Subsequent sessions will focus on the evolution of national responses against HIV/AIDS epidemic in selected countries. In each country, the main features of the national HIV/AIDS control program will be described, and the key strategies adopted in reducing further spread of the HIV epidemic will be presented and discussed.
Course Activities: Case studies from selected countries where HIV/AIDS interventions have worked will be presented and discussed to assess the possibility of replicating programs from countries where HIV/AIDS interventions have been successful. A combination of formal lectures, case studies and student presentations will be used.
PIH 299cd. Master's Thesis
Department Members
5 credits
Student must produce a written thesis in accordance with the thesis
guidelines developed by the department.
PIH 300a,b,c,d,s. Independent Study
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
An opportunity for independent study is offered for interested and
qualified students or small groups of students. Arrangements must be made
with individual faculty members and are limited by the amount of faculty
time available. These programs are open to all students who wish to go
beyond the content of the regular courses. The program provides an
opportunity to consider the design of studies, programs, or analysis of
data.
Course Note: Completed independent study contract is required at the time
of registration; maximum of 5 credits per independent study topic;
pass/fail only; signature of instructor required.
PIH301 a,b,c,d Tutorial
Department Members
Time and credit to be arranged.
PIH321d War and Public Health
Dr. R. Cash
Offered 2001 only
1.25 credits
Seminars. One 2.5 hour session each week.
The War and Public Health seminar will examine the impact that war and
other kinds of large scale conflicts have on the health of populations
who find themselves caught in the war zone. Guest lecturers from within
and outside the Harvard community will meet with students on Thursday
evenings to discuss various aspects of war and how it affects vulnerable
populations. Subjects to be discussed include the Laws of War, the
epidemiology of war, the effect of embargoes and sanctions, refugee
populations, psychological complications of such conflicts, mines, the
unique effect of war on women and children, the economics of war, setting
up medical treatment facilities in war zones, and other pertinent topics.
Course Note: Pass/fail grading option only.
PIH324d. Geographical Information Systems and Helath Planning in
Developing Countries
Dr. D. Hozumi (P), Dr. M. Reich (S)
1.25 credits
Seminar. One 2-hour session each week.
With recent progress in computer technology and Geographical Information
Systems (GIS), the use of geographical information in public health
research in developing countries became more accessible. The course will
provide an introduction to GIS and its applications to health planning in
developing countries. Topics covered include fundamentals of GIS,
construction of GIS database, Internet resources of geographical data,
use of GIS software, and examples from actual applications of GIS in
health research in developing countries. The course will invite guest
lecturers who have been using GIS in health research; topic currently
proposed include analysis of DHS data with GIS, health service location
planning, and GIS and Epidemiology of non-infectious diseases/ vector
borne diseases. Practical sessions will provide step-by-step instructions
on use of GIS applications and individual practices. The course will
mainly use ArcView version 3.2 but other applications will also be
included. Most of geographical data for the sessions will be drawn from
a Malawi Health Study project.
Course Activities: Students must complete weekly assignments and one
group presentation. Research funds can be made available for
successfully completed students to conduct a summer research.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 12 students. The course assumes prior
familiarity with basic computer skills such as word processing and use of
spreadsheets but does not require knowledge of GIS or geography. Please
send your indication of interest to Dairiku@msn.com.
PIH 350-356a,b,c,d,s. Research
Department Members, Members of the Center of Population and Development
Studies
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
PIH 353a,b,c,d,s. Population Ethics
Dr. A. Dyck
PIH 355b. Approaches to Complexity Emphasizing Qualitative Mathematics
Applied to Public Health and Ecological Systems.
Dr. R. Levins
The main objective is to develop an intuitive grasp of the dynamics of
complex systems.
PIH 356a,b,c,d,s. Biostatistics for International Health
Dr. G. Wyshak
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
PIH 400 a,b,c,d,s. Non-Resident Research
Department Members, Members of the Center of Population and Development
Studies
Time and credit to be arranged.
For doctoral candidates who have passed their school-wide Oral Qualifying
Examination and who are undertaking advanced work along the lines of
fundamental or applied research in the department.
Course Note: Pass/Fail only; maximum of 20 credits; signature of
instructor required.
PII 250b. Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases of Public Health Importance in Developing Countries (Department of Population and International Health and the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases)
Dr. R. Cash
3.0 credits
Lectures, case studies. Three 2-hour sessions each week.
This course thoroughly reviews the epidemiology of infectious diseases of public health importance in developing countries. Emphasizes epidemiologic patterns of bacterial and viral diseases as they relate to different geographic and socioeconomic environments. Stresses methods of disease surveillance, especially with regard to prevention and control.
Course Activities: Case studies are extensively used with student teams proposing solutions to the problems.
Course Note: Ordinal grading option only.
PIM 233b. Biological and Clinical Foundations of Reproductive Health (Department of Population and International Health and Department of Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. I. Aitken
2.5 credits
Lectures. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course provides an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction, and covers the essential clinical features of common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and reproductive tract infections. It also includes discussion of the modes of action of the different types of contraceptives and clinical procedures for abortion. The course is designed to prepare students with no clinical background for subsequent course work in reproductive health and is a prerequisite for PIM 234d and PIM 238c.
PIM 238c. Family Planning and Sexually Transmitted Infections in
Developing Countries (Department of Population and International Health
and Maternal and Child Health)
Dr. Aitken, Dr. Kapiga.
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, and case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
This course will examine the biological, epidemiological, social and
organizational bases of programs for family planning and the control of
sexually transmitted infections. It will consider the scope for and the
implications of integration of these programs as mandated by the Cairo
Programme of Action. It will also explore the effects and implications
of different aspects of health sector reform on policy-making and program
management.
Course Note: PIM 233b or equivalent background in reproductive physiology
and clinical sciences or signature of instructor required.
PIP 240d. Political Economy of International Health Policy (Department of
Population and International Health and the Department of Health Policy
and Management)
Dr. M. Reich
2.5 credits
Lectures, seminars, case studies. Two 2-hour sessions each week.
Examines issues of health and development in the context of international
politics and economics. Explores how relations between developed and
developing countries affect the formulation and implementation of health
policy and the impact of development policy on health. Students are
introduced to two contrasting perspectives on health and development:
modernization theory and dependency theory, with attention to the roles
of states, markets, non-governmental organizations and international
institutions.
Course Activities: Case studies are used to illustrate constraints and
opportunities for influencing health and development policies.
PSB 205c.Diaster Management (formerly HSB 217cd)
Dr. J. Leaning
2.5 credits
Lectures. One 2-hour session each week.
Designed for physicians or public health officers who may be charged with
responsibility for on-the-scene, immediate acute intervention during
disasters. The focus will be on decision-making under stress, examining
U.S. and international case studies within the theoretical framework of
disaster planning, response, and assessment.
Course Activities: Requirements include readings from syllabus and short
list of required tests as well as a final paper.
WGH 200c. Women, Gender and Health (Departments of Health and Social
Behavior, Population and International Health, Maternal and Child Health
and Epidemiology)
Dr. N. Krieger, Dr. S. Gruskin
2.5 credits
Seminars. One 3-hour session each week.
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 asked and
explanations and interventions offered 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 pertaining to breast cancer, smoking, cumulative trauma
disorders of hands and wrists, HIV/AIDS, violence, access to health
services, sexual health, reproductive health, and population policy. In
all these 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.
Course Note: Enrollment limited to 25 students; signature of instructor
required; no auditors.
Last modified:·03/30/2001 14:57:43
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