Course Descriptions

Biostatistics
Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences
Epidemiology & Disease Control
Health Promotion & Behavioral Science
Management, Policy, & Community Health
Global Health Concentration

Biostatistics

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PH 1610 Introduction to Biostatistics
Credits: 4

This course is designed for students with little previous coursework in mathematics or statistics. Topics include data description, elements of probability, distribution of random variables, applications of the binomial and normal distributions, estimation and confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, contingency tables, regression, and analysis of variance. Additional topics include research ethics, study design, introduction to statistical computing and data management, distribution free statistical methods, and life tables.

This is a designated core course.

This is a designated core course for non-majors.

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PH 1615 Applied Linear Regression
Credits: 2

This course is intended primarily for students in disciplines other than Biostatistics. It is an introduction to linear regression, and in particular, multiple regression as a means of adjusting for covariates. Topics include verbal, algebraic, and graphical interpretation of models fitted to data; explained variance; testing hypotheses about individual variables and groups of variables; confounding, mediation, and moderation in regression models; evaluation of models including regression diagnostics; and procedures for variable selection. The course will include use of computer software. Analysis of data with public health relevance will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: PH 1610

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PH 1616 Applied Logistic Regression
Credits: 2

This course is intended primarily for students in disciplines other than Biostatistics. It is an introduction to logistic regression, and in particular, multiple logistic regression as a means of adjusting for covariates. Topics include similarities and differences between linear and logistic regression; verbal, algebraic, and graphical interpretation of models fitted to data, including connections with the odds ratio; testing hypotheses about individual variables and groups of variables; confounding, mediation, and moderation; procedures for variable selection; and procedures for evaluating and revising models. The course will include use of computer software. Analysis of data with public health relevance will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: PH 1610

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PH 1620 Introduction to Public Health Research Computing
Credits: 4

This course introduces the use of computers in public health research. Emphasis will be on concepts of research data processing. Topics include microcomputers, operating systems, file management, data entry, and the use of statistical packages for data analysis.

Prerequisites: PH 1610 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1725 Intermediate Biostatistical Methods I
Credits: 4

This course is designed for students whose future work will require extensive data analysis in research problems of public health and the biological sciences. Topics include measurement problems, descriptive statistics, graphics, sampling distributions, hypotheses testing, comparison of samples, non-parametric methods, and applications. Basic design issues are discussed as are ethical considerations in design and analysis. Computer applications are included. Illustrations and applications are selected from research studies. PH 1725 and PH 1726 is required for majors in the Division of Biostatistics and the Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control and highly recommended for majors in the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. Students majoring in the Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences or the Division of Management, Policy and Community Health may take PH 1610 or the PH 1725/1726 sequence. For non-majors, PH 1725 and PH 1726 must be taken in a sequence; one course alone does not satisfy the core requirement.

Prerequisites: A course in calculus or consent of instructor.

This is a designated core course.

This is a designated core course for majors.

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PH 1726 Intermediate Biostatistical Methods II
Credits: 4

This course is a continuation of PH 1725. Topics include single and multiple regression, correlation theory, one and two way classifications for attributes and measurements, analysis of discrete data, and introduction to factorial experiments. Computer applications are included. Illustrations and applications are selected from research studies. PH 1725 and PH 1726 is required for majors in the Division of Biostatistics and the Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control and highly recommended for majors in the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. Students majoring in the Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences or the Division of Management, Policy and Community Health may take PH 1610 or the PH 1725/1726 sequence. For non-majors, PH 1725 and PH 1726 must be taken in a sequence; one course alone does not satisfy the core requirement.

Prerequisites: PH 1725 or consent of instructor.

This is a designated core course.

This is a designated core course for majors.

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PH 1727 Statistical Programming I
Credits: 4

This course will introduce the student to statistical computing. No previous computing experience is necessary. Topics covered will include hardware devices, data storage media, and language types. Data entry, forms design, and data coding will be introduced. Computerspecific job control language will be covered to familiarize the student with operating systems. FORTRAN will be used to demonstrate the concepts of data types, file organization, file structure, record format, sequential programming logic, and mass storage input/output. FORTRAN statement types will be used to demonstrate data‐type specification, assignment, input/output, branching, iteration, and subprograms.

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of college algebra or consent of instructor.

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PH 1728 Statistical Programming II
Credits: 4

This course is a continuation of PH 1727. Topics include issues in data collections, processing, analysis, and reporting for various types of studies. Students will be introduced to methods of communicating or interacting with computer software packages, including text query commands, procedure calls, and menu‐directed interfaces. A FORTRAN software package will be developed in class to implement simple statistical methods. The techniques used by the package will be compared with techniques used by other statistical software. Typical statistical procedures to be covered include topics such as t‐tests, contingency tables and chi‐square tests, and multiple regression and contrast tests.

Prerequisites: PH 1727 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1730 Statistical Methods in Epidemiological Research
Credits: 4

This course introduces the statistical methods used in epidemiological investigations. Topics include the identification of sources of bias, incidence and prevalence rates, measures of association in contingency tables, retrospective and prospective study designs, confidence intervals for the odds ratio, combining sets of data using the Mantel-Haenszel Test, techniques for combining evidence from 2x2 contingency tables, matched control studies, standardized rates, life tables, Cox regression, and logistic regression.

Prerequisites: PH 1610 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1745 Sampling Techniques
Credits: 3

This course introduces the principles and current practices of survey sampling with health-related applications. Topics include basic concepts and practical issues in statistical sampling, design and analysis for common sample designs, including simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, systematic sampling, cluster sampling, and multistage sampling, and analytic issues concerning the use of complex survey data, such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Prerequisites: PH 1726 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1750 Survey Design and Analysis
Credits: 3

This course is a seminar, so the success of the class depends strongly on student participation, and the schedule is flexible. The first half of the course will be devoted to questionnaire design and sampling methods, while the second half will be devoted to the analysis of data from the NHIS and the BRFSS.

Prerequisites: PH 1725 and PH 1726 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1820 Applied Statistical Analysis I
Credits: 4

This course in methods of data analysis is intended for graduate students in biostatistics, and M.S. or Ph.D. students in other disciplines. The course emphasizes the design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of research investigations. Topics include two-sample inference using t-distributions, robustness and resistance, alternatives to the t-test based analyses, comparisons among several samples, linear combinations and multiple comparisons, simple and multiple linear regression methods, regression diagnostics, variable selection, and related methods. The course requires intensive computer analyses of case studies emphasizing graphics and the proper use and interpretation of statistical software packages using Stata as a model statistical software package.

Prerequisites: PH 1726 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1821 Applied Statistical Analysis II
Credits: 4

This course is a continuation of PH 1820. Topics include the analysis of variance for two-way classifications, factorial arrangements and blocking designs, analysis of repeated measures and other multivariate responses, exploratory tools for summarizing multivariate responses, logistic methods for binary response variables and binomial counts, and log-linear regression for Poisson counts, As in PH 1820, emphasis is placed on case studies, graphics, and proper use and interpretation of statistical software packages using Stata as a model statistical software package.

Prerequisites: PH 1820 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1830 Logistic Regression
Credits: 4

This course presents the theory and applications of logistic regression. Topics include the logistic regression model, sampling methods, model building strategies, assessing model fit, conditional logistic regression for matched analyses, polychotomous logistic regression, and Poisson regression.

Prerequisites: PH 1726 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1831 Survival Analysis
Credits: 4

This course presents the theory and applications of survival analysis. Topics include censoring, parametric and nonparametric models, hypothesis testing, proportional hazards model with fixed and time-varying covariates, model building strategies, and assessing model fit.

Prerequisites: PH 1830 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1835 Statistical Methodology in Clinical Trials
Credits: 4

This course covers the use of current statistical methodology in the design, execution, and analysis of clinical trials. Some of the topics include basic study design, randomization, sample size issues, data analysis issues, and interim monitoring. The course is intended primarily for M.S. and Ph.D. biostatistics students and doctoral students minoring in biostatistics.

Prerequisites: PH 1726 and calculus or the consent of instructor.

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PH 1855 Distribution-Free Methods
Credits: 3

This course introduces the theory and applications of distribution-free (non-parametric) statistical methods. Topics include properties of distribution functions, K-S tests, runs tests, rank sum tests, non-parametric analysis of variance, rank correlation, contingency table analysis, and distribution-free confidence intervals.

Prerequisites: PH 1726 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1910 Theory of Biostatistics I
Credits: 4

Topics include probability theory, distributions of discrete and continuous random variables, mathematical expectation, moments and moment generating functions, distribution of transformed variables, limiting distributions, and estimation. Theoretical results are applied to selected research problems in public health and the biomedical sciences. This course is designed primarily for students specializing in biostatistics.

Prerequisites: Working knowledge of differential and integral calculus.

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PH 1911 Theory of Biostatistics II
Credits: 4

This course is a continuation of PH 1910. Topics include statistical hypothesis tests, LR tests, Bayes tests, noncentral distribution and power, selected non-parametric tests, sufficiency, completeness, exponential family, and the multivariate normal distribution. Theoretical results are applied to research problems in public health and biomedical sciences.

Prerequisites: PH 1910 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1915 Linear Models I
Credits: 3

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of linear statistical models for students with preparation in statistical theory and methods. Using matrix algebra, distributions of quadratic forms are presented and used to develop the general linear model for multi-factor data. Topics include estimation and hypothesis testing in the full rank model, estimability and statistical inference in the less than full rank model. Theory and computation are emphasized. This course is intended primarily for students specializing in biostatistics.

Prerequisites: PH 1911 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1916 Generalized Linear Models
Credits: 3

This course will cover the theory of generalized linear models. This includes estimation and inference of linear regression, logistic and poisson regression, as well as models for polytomous data. The topics will also include methods for handling overdispersion and diagnostics for generalized linear models. The focus will be on the theory, but applied examples will also be presented.

Prerequisites: PH 1911, knowledge of linear models and computational skills.

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PH 1918 Statistical Methods in Correlated Outcome Data
Credits: 4

This course presents extensions of general and generalized linear models to correlated outcome data. Such models arise from hierarchical designs, such as longitudinal studies or sample surveys. Major topics include: mixed linear models for continuous, binomial, and count data; maximum likelihood estimation; generalized estimating equations; REML, EM algorithm; current general and specialized software applicable to these methods; and readings from current statistical literature. This course is intended for students with a background in linear models.

Prerequisites: PH 1916 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1920 Categorical Data Analysis
Credits: 3

This course covers approaches of maximum likelihood, weighted least squares and generalized estimating equations applied to the analysis of contingency tables and other categorical outcomes. It emphasizes the formulation of hypotheses and hypothesis testing through generalized linear models. Special topics include the analysis of matched case-control studies, repeated measurements, and clustered categorical data. Computer programs from SAS are used in the analysis of the data.

Prerequisites: PH 1911 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1950 Stochastic Processes in Biostatistics I
Credits: 3

This course covers the application of stochastic processes to problems in the biological and health sciences. Topics include discrete-time Markov chains, discrete-time branching processes, random walks, estimation of parameters in discrete-time Markov chains with complete or partially observed data, test of the Markov property and test of stationarity, time-reversible Markov chains, basic theory of Markov chains, Monte Carlo methods and its applications, and Poisson processes. Recent developments in related areas and their applications will be explored. Basic statistical theory, especially the estimation methods and EM algorithm, will be reviewed.

Prerequisites: PH 1911 and a thorough knowledge of calculus.

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PH 1951 Stochastic Processes in Biostatistics II
Credits: 3

This course is a continuation of PH 1950. Differential equations and partial differential equations will be briefly reviewed. The main course contents cover several models of continuous-time Markov processes that include the Poisson process, the Yule process, the birth-and-death process, the epidemic process, the queueing process, the illness-death process, and other stochastic models in public health. Statistical inference for some of these models will also be explored. The appropriate data using these models will be analyzed. Applications of counting processes and the concept of Martingale theory to other statistical methods including survival analysis will be introduced. Brownian motion will be briefly discussed.

Prerequisites: PH 1950 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1960 Time Series Analysis
Credits: 3

The uses, descriptions, and analyses of time series models are covered. Methods are developed for fitting models to time series data, and using the fitted models for forecasting future values of the series, as well as for adjusting concomitant variables to control future values of the series. The course also covers spectral and cross spectral methods for analyzing time series data, and sampling distributions of model parameters and of future forecasts. Univariate models are generalized to the case where more than one observation is taken at each time period.

Prerequisites: A course in theoretical statistics or consent of instructor.

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PH 1970 Multivariate Analysis I
Credits: 4

This course is an introduction to the theory and applications of multivariate analysis emphasizing geometric development and interpretation. Topics include perpendicular projections, generalized matrix inverses, the spectral theorem, multivariate densities, moments and characteristic functions, principal components, and the multinormal distribution with associated derived distributions.

Prerequisites: PH 1910 and PH 1911 or equivalent courses in mathematical statistics.

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PH 1971 Multivariate Analysis II
Credits: 4

This course is a continuation of PH 1970. Topics include the Wishart distribution, Jacobians and content, and hypotheses tests on mean vectors and dispersion matrices. Additional topics include the multivariate general linear model, principal components, factor analysis, clustering techniques, discrimination and classification, asymptotic estimation and distribution theory. Applications are selected from public health and the biomedical sciences.

Prerequisites: PH 1970 or consent of instructor.

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PH 1980 Introduction to Genomics and Bioinformatics
Credits: 2

This course introduces basic concepts, statistical methods and computational algorithms and tools for the creation and maintenance of databases of biological information, DNA sequence analysis, modeling of evolution, genetic studies of complex diseases including linkage analysis, linkage disequilibrium and association studies, gene expression data analysis, and identification of biological networks. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts behind Bioinformatics and Computational Biology tools. Hands‐on sessions will familiarize students with the details and use of the most commonly used online tools and resources.

Prerequisites: Calculus, statistics, and consent of instructor.

Cross‐listed with UTHSC‐H GSBS GS110032.

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PH 1982 Evolution of DNA and Protein Sequences
Credits: 3

This course will provide basic principles for understanding factors that govern the evolution of DNA and protein sequences. Students will be provided with the opportunity to learn about the formation and evolution of multigene families and other evolutionary phenomena. They will also be introduced to statistical methods and computer programs for analyzing DNA and protein sequence data. There will be computer demonstrations of some topics. The application of these principles and methods to genome‐wide epidemiology will be discussed.

Prerequisites: Calculus, statistics, and consent of instructor.

Cross‐listed with UTHSC‐H GSBS GS110103

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PH 1984 Population Genetics
Credits: 3

This course will discuss the principles of population genetics and statistical methods for analyzing genetic samples of individuals from one or more populations. Students will learn classical theory of population genetics and a modern approach known as coalescent theory, the cornerstone for analyzing DNA sequence samples from populations.

Prerequisites: Genetics, statistics, and consent of instructor

Cross‐listed with UTHSC‐H GSBS GS110042.

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PH 1986 Statistical Genetics
Credits: 3

This course is designed as an introduction to statistical genetics/computational biology, and serves as the entry point to several courses in this area. It reviews the key statistical concepts and methods relevant to statistical genetics, discusses various topics that have significant statistical component in genetics, particularly in population and quantitative genetics. Topics include estimation of gene frequencies, segregation analysis, test of genetic linkage, genetics of quantitative characters, inheritance of complex characters, forensic science and paternity testing, phylogeny and data mining.

Prerequisites: Calculus, statistics, and consent of instructor.

Cross‐listed with UTHSC‐H GSBS GS110072

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PH 1988 Biostatistics Seminar
Credits: 1

The seminar in biostatistics will consist of presentations from guest speakers as well as some students that are working on doctoral dissertation research. It will provide an overview of various topics of current importance in the field of biostatistics and public health with emphasis on the mathematical and statistical tools needed to address these issues.

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PH 1998 Special Topics in Biostatistics
Credits: 1-4

Selected topics provide intensive coverage of biometric theory and applications. Topics vary from semester to semester. Previous topics have included: Advanced Statistical Theory Applied Multivariate Analysis Applied Survival Analysis Bayesian Data Analysis Current Topics Seminar Computational Systems Biology Demographic Analysis for Small Areas Demography and Public Health Design of Experiments Data Mining in Genetic Epidemiology Intermediate SAS Introduction to SAS Data Management Introduction to Spatial Statistics Operations Research: A Decision Making Process Monte Carlo Approach in Statistics and Genetics Statistical Applications in Public Health Research Statistical Computing Statistical Methods for Handling Missing Data

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PH 1999 Individual Study in Biostatistics
Credits: 1-9

A plan of study is determined for each participating student and supervised by a member of the Biostatistics faculty. In general, courses of individual study are not recommended unless a student has completed the appropriate introductory courses in biostatistics or presents evidence of experience in the field of biostatistics. May be repeated for credit.

Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences

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PH 2100 Foundations of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
Credits: 4

This one-semester offering covers basic concepts in the field as groundwork on which the remainder of the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (EOHS) curriculum is built. Together with PH 2130 Recognition of EOHS Hazards, PH 2175 Principles of Toxicology and PH 3725 Health & Safety Program Management, PH 2100 Foundations of EOHS comprises the common ‘Core of Four’ courses required of all MPH majors in the EOHS division. Completion of PH 2100 alone does not meet the MPH core course requirement in environmental health. In addition, doctoral students minoring in EOHS will typically complete this course, together with PH 2130 Recognition of EOHS Hazards, in partial fulfillment of their coursework requirements.

Prerequisites: Must be a master’s student majoring in the EOHS Division, or a doctoral student from another division with a minor in EOHS; or equivalent undergraduate preparation as that of an EOHS major. Exceptions with approval from instructor.

This is a designated core course.

This is a designated core course for M.P.H. students majoring in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.

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PH 2110 Overview of Environmental Health
Credits: 3

This course is a survey of the major areas of environmental health and provides students with an understanding of hazards in the environment, the effects of environmental contaminants on health, and various approaches to address major environmental health problems. Areas of emphasis are population dynamics, global environmental health problems, toxicology, food, air and water quality, occupational health, radiation, noise, and solid and hazardous waste.

This is a designated core course.

This is a designated core course for M.P.H. students not majoring in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.

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PH 2120 Man's Impact on the Environment
Credits: 3

The major course goals of this online course are to develop a general awareness of how the man-made and natural ecosystem interact to affect health and the quality of life, review relevant principles from the natural sciences, and discuss issues influencing the solutions to environmental health problems. This will be accomplished through lectures, videos, class discussions, group activities, written assignments, and examinations.

This is a designated core course.

This is a designated core course for M.P.H. students not majoring in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.

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PH 2125 Medical Geographic Information Systems
Credits: 3

Looking at data geographically and in time is vital to framing valid research hypotheses, as well as managing activities and resources. PH 2125 covers techniques of spatial and temporal analyses and teaches the newest Geographic Information System (GIS) software and methods. This knowledge and these skills are important to students in ours as well as other divisions across the school. We offer formal lectures in Medical Geography, as well as computer laboratory exercises in GIS and time series methods. Student projects are an important part of the course.

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PH 2130 Recognition of Environmental and Occupational Hazards
Credits: 2

Industrial and community sources of major chemical hazards are overviewed. Principal toxicological effects of and diseases affected by these chemicals are presented. Their occurrence as ambient air, water, soil and indoor and workplace pollutants is described. Transport to other environmental media, and environmental and biological fate are discussed for some key pollutants.

Prerequisites: (or, concurrently): PH 2100, 2110, 2115, or 2120

This is a designated core course.

This is a designated core course for M.P.H. students majoring in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.

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PH 2131 Environmental Risk Assessment
Credits: 2

Basic concepts of Environmental Health and previous work in hazards recognition, toxicology (hazard assessment), exposure assessment and biostatistics are utilized as building blocks in risk analysis associated with chemical and biological hazards. This is a problem-oriented course which relies upon examples and homework problems involving environmental data. Problems are meant to be solved using computer techniques. Computer software programs will be utilized, including @Risk Monte Carlo simulations software.

Prerequisites: (or, concurrently): PH 2100 or PH 2110; PH 1610 or PH 1725/26; and, PH 2610 or consent of instructor

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PH 2150 Air Environment
Credits: 3

This course provides an overview of air pollution, including sources, influencing factors, effects, regulations, surveillance methods, control techniques and standards, and the criteria upon which they are based. Both outdoor ambient air and (non-occupational) indoor air quality will be considered. Special emphasis will be placed on human health effects and the determinants of human exposure.

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PH 2155 Environmental Sampling and Analysis
Credits: 4

This course covers the theoretical bases and practical applications of sampling techniques and analytical methods used in the quantitative determination of chemical air contaminants, ionizing radiation, and noise in the workplace and community environments. Emphasis will be on spectroscopic, chromatographic, and other modern instrumental methods. Laboratory exercises will be included.

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PH 2165 Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis
Credits: 3

This basic course in genetic toxicology includes current research involving environmental mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. Topics include: short-term test systems (DNA damage in vitro, bacterial, and cellular mutagenesis), metabolic activation/deactivation of genotoxins, chromosomal damage, epidemiological and public health aspects of cancer, biomarkers and occupational exposure to genotoxins, and effects of genotoxins on reproduction.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

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PH 2170 Methods for Exposure Assessment
Credits: 4

This course examines qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate exposures to occupational and environmental contaminants. Particular emphasis focuses on statistical techniques for describing sources of variability and identifying important determinants of exposure. This course also explores implications of variability on the design of sampling strategies, the evaluation of compliance with exposure limits, the assessment of exposure-response relations, and the classification of populations in epidemiologic studies. Students apply models presented formally in class to occupational and environmental exposure data sets.

Prerequisites: PH 2610, PH 1726, and one graduate-level course in environmental and occupational health sciences; consent of instructor.

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PH 2175 Toxicology I: Principles of Toxicology
Credits: 3

This course presents basic principles of toxicology and their applications to the understanding of xenobiotic-induced target organ toxicity will be presented in this course. Topics covered include toxicant disposition, mechanisms of toxicity and target organ responses to toxic agents. A broad overview of various classes of toxic agents will be presented in the context of their exposure routes, disposition, toxicologic sequelae, and mechanisms of toxicity. This course is designed to provide a foundation for understanding the complex interactions between toxicants and biologic systems.

Prerequisites: Prior biological science coursework required (i.e., biology, chemistry, or physiology) and consent of instructor

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PH 2177 Toxicology II: Toxic Agents and the Environment
Credits: 3

Guided readings will provide the basis for in-class discussions on current topics in toxicology. The discussions include the historical context for our understanding of toxicant-induced adverse health effects. Class activities will be based on discussions of books designed for the lay public and the scientific literature on which the books are based. Principle mechanisms of toxicity as they relate to the understanding of environmentally-induced disease form the framework for the course. In-depth reviews of various classes of environmental contaminants and their adverse health effects will be presented.

Prerequisites: PH 2175 preferred; consent of instructor.

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PH 2190 Environmental and Occupational Health Policy
Credits: 3

This course provides graduate students with a general survey of environmental and occupational health policy, acquaints them with the public policy process in the United States, introduces conceptual frameworks for analyzing public policy alternatives, and instills an appreciation of the challenges inherent in making policy decisions.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

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PH 2230 Water Environment
Credits: 4

This course is designed to provide “hands-on,” practical experiences to students across the School of Public Health, especially those, majoring in bio-security, global health, epidemiology, disease control, biostatistics, management, policy, and planning. Topics include water and soil resources, availability, pollution control, water and soil-related (acute and chronic), health risk assessment, quality criteria, standards, community preparedness, and control methods. Classroom lectures are reinforced by field sampling, laboratory and computer mapping experiences. There are several field days, including a tour of USEPA laboratory; a tour of the City of Houston drinking water plant; wastewater treatment plant the City of Bellaire; sampling of benzene contamination in yard soil; rapid surface water quality assessment (Lake Conroe); stream flow exercises; and land subsidence monitoring methods. Student projects, reading, and discussions. There are no exams, but students are expected to present a poster.

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PH 2245 Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene
Credits: 4

This course introduces students to basic concepts of industrial hygiene and occupational health hazards. Typical industrial conditions which may produce work-related disorders and diseases are studied. Major chemical, physical, and biological stresses in the industrial environment are presented, and important sources, effects, and evaluation and control measures are discussed. Where appropriate, typical calculation methods are included.

Prerequisites: Undergraduate biology, chemistry (through organic), and mathematics.

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PH 2250 Environmental and Occupational Health Controls
Credits: 3

This course overviews the principles and practice of controlling air, water, land, and workplace hazards, and details CPC, respiratory protection, and dilution of local exhaust ventilation, engineering controls, and evaluation and basic design of industrial ventilation systems.

Prerequisites: Prerequisites: PH 2100 or 2110 or 2120 and PH 2130; PH 2245 in lieu of the previous courses

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PH 2255 Clinical Occupational Medicine
Credits: 4

This course offers students the opportunity to: familiarize themselves with the clinical practice of, and current issues in, occupational medicine; supplement basic knowledge in the clinical presentations of occupational illness and injury by organ systems; and be introduced to systematic approaches to the evaluation and management of work-related injury and illness. The course is designed for students interested in occupational medicine practice and who have taken at least a college level biology course.

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PH 2260 Occupational Health Field Trips
Credits: 3

This course takes students into approximately one-half dozen industrial and occupational settings, with analysis of processes and potential worker health hazards involved. Course goals are to: introduce students to basic industrial processes and delivery of occupational health services, through the conduct of plant visits; enable students to perform simple walk-through evaluations of plant facilities and to provide written reports on these evaluations, in order to identify potential workplace hazards and evaluate their level of control; and have students appreciate the importance of using an integrated interdisciplinary approach in the anticipation, evaluation and control of workplace hazards.

Prerequisites: PH 2245 or permission of instructor.

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PH 2290 Immunology
Credits: 3

This course covers the essential concepts of the human immune responses and their relevance to disease control and prevention. In the first part of the course, Drs. Tom Douglas, Cynthia Chappell, and Eric Brown will outline the foundations of the subject of immunology. Then, in part two, we will hear presentations from guest lecturers who have expertise in specific areas where the principles of immunology find their application to human health. Following this, each student will make a presentation to the class on an area of immunology that is of particular interest to them. Throughout, extra emphasis is given to aspects of immunology with particular relevance to public health, such as immunodeficiency, blood transfusion, nutrition and immunology, tumor immunology, and vaccines. Grades are based on three written examinations and an oral report on the current state of knowledge in an area of basic or applied immunology selected by the student.

Prerequisites: Basic background in biology.

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PH 2498 Special Topics in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
Credits: 1-4

Topics will vary from semester-to-semester to provide intensive study of selected environmental factors, or specific methods of analysis, evaluation, or control. Previous topics have included: Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Disease Environmental Health Seminar Site Visits in Environmental Public Health

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PH 2499 Individual Study in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences
Credits: 1-9

A plan of study is determined for each participating student and supervised by a member of the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences faculty. May be repeated for credit.

Epidemiology & Disease Control

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PH 2610 Fundamentals of Epidemiology
Credits: 3

This course introduces students to principles and concepts in epidemiology through lectures, discussions, assigned readings, and exercises. Students are given the opportunity to acquire an understanding of epidemiologic principles and concepts, the vocabulary of epidemiology, methods of epidemiologic investigation, and the design, interpretation, and evaluation of epidemiologic research. The emphasis is on public health practice of epidemiology, and this course serves as the core epidemiology course for most M.P.H. students.

Prerequisites: None

This is a designated core course.

This is a designated core course for non-majors.

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PH 2612 Epidemiology I
Credits: 3

This is a core course for students enrolled in the MPH or MS in Epidemiology degree programs. It introduces students to principles and concepts in epidemiology through lectures, discussions, assigned readings, and exercises. Students are given the opportunity to acquire an understanding of epidemiologic principles and concepts, the vocabulary of epidemiology, methods of epidemiologic investigation, and the design, interpretation, and evaluation of epidemiologic research. The key concept of this course is to help students to learn how to think epidemiologically and to apply these epidemiologic concepts and methods to solve public health problems.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

This is a designated core course.

This is a designated core course for majors.

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PH 2615 Epidemiology II
Credits: 4

This course focuses on the principles and activities necessary to carry out information collection, data implemented and managed in an ethical manner consistent with the principles of the scientific method. This course addresses practical aspects of epidemiologic research, that is, how you get it done. Systems theory, epidemiologic methods, principles of survey research, operations research methods, and computer uses in research are covered. The final product from the class is the development of an epidemiologic field Manual of Procedures for a study.

Prerequisites: PH 2610 (or PH 2612) or equivalent and PH 1610 (or PH 1725).

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PH 2710 Epidemiology III
Credits: 4

This course covers advanced concepts in epidemiologic methods with an emphasis on observational studies. Topics include causal inference, measures of disease frequency, measures of association, study design, precision and validity in epidemiologic studies, introduction to stratified and logistic regression analysis, concepts assessing effect modification and confounding, interpretation of epidemiologic study results, and manuscript development.

Prerequisites: PH 2610, PH 1725, and PH 1726 or equivalent.

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PH 2711 Epidemiology IV
Credits: 4

This course provides an opportunity to learn the basic elements of epidemiologic data analysis in a laboratory setting. Students in this course address research questions by analyzing data from a variety of study designs. Students will be expected to acquire experience with the following types of data analysis; stratified analysis, logistic regression, proportional hazards modeling, and meta-analysis. The course also covers examination of confounding and effect measure modification, strategies for model building, and interpretation and presentation of results.

Prerequisites: PH 2710.

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PH 2712 Experimental Methods in Epidemiology
Credits: 3

The central objective of this course is to enable students to evaluate and interpret evidence concerning preventive or therapeutic measures, especially those recommended for public health application. It concerns principles and methods of experimental studies in epidemiology and public health, from simple clinical trials to prevention trials in multiple communities. Applications span diverse areas, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases. A standard text and selected readings concerning specific experimental studies and related topics are used. Students participate actively in a seminar format, critique published reports, and undertake a collaborative project to develop a research protocol for an experimental study.

Prerequisites: PH 2710 or consent of instructor.

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PH 2720 Epidemiologic Proposal Development
Credits: 3

The course defines the components of a scientific proposal, utilizing the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) guidelines for the development of research grant applications. Proposals must be for an epidemiologic study. Students have the opportunity to learn how to develop each section of a proposal through lecture materials, reviewing and discussing examples of successful and unsuccessful proposals, and finally the preparation of their own research proposal. The course concludes with a mock NIH study section, in which students serve as reviewers for their colleague's proposals.

Prerequisites: PH 2610, PH 2710, PH 1725 and PH 1726, or consent of instructor.

This course is intended for M.P.H. and M.S. students.

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PH 2730 Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Disease
Credits: 4

This course is designed as an introduction to the epidemiologic aspects of infectious diseases and provides information regarding prevention and control of these diseases. At the end of the course, students have an understanding of the epidemiologic aspects of infectious diseases including incidence, distribution, and pattern of disease occurrence as well as different modes of transmission and associated risk factors. They should understand the importance of surveillance systems in detecting epidemics, the application of epidemiological methods to determine the risk and associated factors, and the significance of prevention and control programs for infectious diseases. Students gain knowledge and skills in carrying out epidemic investigations through a series of case study assignments.

Prerequisites: PH 2610 (or PH 2612) or consent of instructor

This course is also offered at the El Paso Regional Campus.

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PH 2740 Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention
Credits: 3

The purpose of this course is to provide an introductory overview to the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD) epidemiology. Topics for this course include the pathophysiology of CVD, CVD survey methods, trends in CVD mortality and morbidity, CVD risk factors, major strategies for CVD prevention and a summary of major CVD clinical trials. Students will gain an understanding of the impact of CVD on public health.

Prerequisites: PH 2610 or consent of instructor.

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PH 2770 NIH Proposal Development
Credits: 3

The goals of this course are to introduce students to the process of submission, review and funding at the NIH, and to guide students in developing grant writing skills through preparing an NIH‐style application. Knowledge of how the NIH works is an important part of academic life in the U.S. While there are many other funding sources for public health and medical research, the NIH is the largest, most competitive and the most prestigious. Developing grant writing skills is essential for academic success in today’s competitive environment and shifting federal priorities. In academic life, without grant preparation skills your chances for promotion and tenure are reduced. After completing this course, students should be able to understand the NIH grant review process at its various levels. Students should also be able to understand the process of developing an idea into a research project, and will be familiar with the various sections of a grant application, their format and content. If a research topic of interest has not been identified, students are encouraged to think about one as soon as possible. Course assignments will assist in making this selection.

Prerequisites: PH 2610, PH 1725 and 1726, PH 2710

This course is intended for Ph.D. and Dr.PH. students.

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PH 2780 Applied Genetic Methods in Public Health
Credits: 3

This course is an introduction to statistical methods and software for analyzing measured genetic variation in human studies. The primary focus will be on analytic methods with hands on use of sample datasets and available software. Students will be refreshed on the genetic and statistical theory underlying current methodologies. We recommend that students have previous exposure to the principals of genetics and biometry.

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PH 2810 Pathology and Public Health
Credits: 3

This course is an overview of the pathophysiology of disease. The first third of the semester is devoted to studying pathophysiologic processes. Thereafter, for each body system, 2-3 diseases are examined and studied in detail, including clinical, histologic and anatomic changes that occur, as well as public health implications of each. Each student presents a final research project on a disease process or type, including the pathology and public health aspects. The final grade is based on attendance, participation, exams, and class projects.

Prerequisites: College biology or zoology or PH 2275.

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PH 2815 Genetics and Human Disease
Credits: 3

This course introduces principles and methods of human genetic analysis with special reference to the contribution of genes to the burden of disease. Although molecular, biochemical and morphogenic processes controlled by genes will be briefly surveyed, the aim is to describe the analytical processes whereby genetic mechanisms are inferred and genes on chromosomes are located.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor; general genetics and statistics required.

Cross-listed with UTHSC GSBS GS110013

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PH 2820 Molecular and Cellular Approaches to Human Genetics
Credits: 3

This course provides a comprehensive overview of human genetics and the role of genes in human disease. The course is taught by instructors from SPH and UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and consists of a series of lectures from instructors and guest lecturers. While a wide range of topics are covered, many lectures focus on cancer biology and genetics.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. This course requires undergraduate level biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics.

Cross-listed with UTHSC GSBS1 GS110023

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PH 2830 Introduction to Medical Genetics in Public Health
Credits: 2

The intent of this course is for SPH students to learn fundamentals of medical genetics, with emphasis on the practice of medical genetics as it might be encountered by professionals in public health. Instructors include faculty in the Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, and in the Division of Medical Genetics, Dept. of Pediatrics, UT Medical School. Teaching will be by didactic classroom instruction. Subject material covers basic biology of medical genetics, genetic diseases and anomalies as seen in a typical medical genetics clinic, the provision of medical genetics services in the State of Texas, and public policy issues relating to the practice of medical genetics.

Prerequisites: Recent college biology or equivalent.

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PH 2920 Human DNA Variation
Credits: 2

This course will provide a review of genetic variation in human DNA: related terms and concepts; methods for detecting variation, including Southern blotting and PCR; types of DNA variation, including disease causing mutations; methods for analyzing variation; and applications, including linkage mapping and genetic counseling.

Prerequisites: General genetics and biochemistry or consent of instructor; PH 2815 and PH 2820 are recommended.

Cross-listed with UTHSC GSBS GS110062

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PH 2925 Statistical Genetics
Credits: 2

In this course, statistical procedures of estimating genetic parameters and testing hypotheses and aspects of population genetics are discussed. The topics covered include segregation analysis, test of genetic linkage, estimation of gene frequencies, genetics of quantitative characters, inheritance of complex characters, paternity testing, and genetic counseling.

Prerequisites: Calculus, statistics, and consent of instructor

Cross‐listed with UTHSC‐H GSBS GS110072

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PH 2950 Genetic Epidemiology of Chronic Disease
Credits: 2

This course will serve to expose students to the evidence and logic involved in inferring the contribution of genetic mechanisms to those diseases of public health importance. Emphasis will be on developing a framework for assessing the impact of genes on common disease, but will not include detailed methodological developments or statistical techniques. The format will be a weekly 2-hour session in which a single disease will be examined. In this way students will be introduced to a broad spectrum of diseases and learn to recognize the similarities and uniquenesses inherent to each. Sessions will be comprised of lectures and discussions.

Prerequisites: None

Cross-listed with UTHSC GSBS GS110092

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PH 2960 Seminar in Genetics and Population Biology
Credits: 1

Students analyze and present individual topics or research.

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

Cross-listed with UTHSC GSBS GS110711

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PH 2970 Foundations of Public Health Genetics
Credits: 2

This course is designed mainly (but not exclusively) for M.P.H. students with a limited background in biological sciences and genetics who wish to gain an appreciation of the importance and current limitations of the application of human genetics to public health approaches to identifying and ameliorating disease. The course aims to provide a background in genetics, human biology, and genomics needed to develop an appreciation of the public health role of genetics while developing sufficient depth on selected topics that illustrate different aspects of the genetic paradigm.

Prerequisites: None

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PH 2998 Special Topics in Epidemiology
Credits: 1-4

Special Topics in Epidemiology vary each semester. Previous topics have included: Cancer Epidemiology Causation CITAR Seminar Diet and Chronic Disease Epidemiology of Aging Health of Refugees and Displaced Populations Injury and Violence: A Public Health Approach Maternal and Child Health Nutritional Epidemiology Public Health Response to Chronic Disease in the 21st Century Rapid Assessment Methods in Public Health Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology Seminar in Child and Adolescent Health Vaccines and Immunization

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PH 2999 Individual Study in Epidemiology
Credits: 1-9

A plan of study is determined for each participating student and supervised by a member of the epidemiology faculty. In general, courses of individual study are not recommended unless a student has completed the introductory course or presents evidence of experience in the field of epidemiology. May be repeated for credit.

Health Promotion & Behavioral Science

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PH 1110 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Community Health
Credits: 3

This course focuses on health problems and issues and public health methods that have a major social or behavioral component. It is intended for the student with little background in the behavioral sciences. The course will enable students to describe one or two core theoretical perspectives from each of the social science disciplines of psychology, sociology and anthropology and their application to public health. The course will cover the major social and behavioral science models used in health promotion and disease prevention. The course will also cover existing social inequalities in health status related to race, social class and gender and the critical intersection between social risk factors, behavioral risk factors and the development and implementation of public health interventions. The problems considered in this course will vary from year to year but include topics with social and behavioral risks.

Prerequisites: This is the designated core course for non-health promotion majors.

This is a designated core course.

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PH 1111 Health Promotion Theory and Methods I
Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the application of selected behavioral science theories and concepts in health education and health promotion programs directed toward individuals and groups. Concepts emphasized are drawn from the Health Belief Model, the Theory of Reasoned Action, Trans-Theoretical Model, and Social Cognitive Theory with some attention to numerous additional theories and perspectives. Teaching-learning techniques include lecture, demonstration, and problem-based learning case studies. At a regional campus, PH 1111 can take the place of PH 1110 as the core course for non-health promotion majors.

Prerequisites: This is a designated core course for Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences majors when taken with PH 1112.

This is a designated core course.

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PH 1112 Health Promotion Theory and Methods II
Credits: 3

Prerequisites: This is a designated core course for Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences majors when taken with PH 1111.

This is a designated core course.

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PH 1113 Advanced Methods for Planning and Implementing Health Promotion Programs
Credits: 4

The purpose of this course is to integrate and extend knowledge of behavioral science theory into planning models for health promotion programs that include conducting a needs assessment, determination priorities, setting goals, stating objectives, designing interventions and developing an implementation plan. The teaching methods used in the course emphasize group process skills through modeling and guided practice applied to the planning process. Case studies of health promotion program planning from school, health care, worksite, and community settings are included. Student evaluations include written examinations over course content, a written health promotion project plan, and participation in class and group assignments.

Prerequisites: PH1610, 2610, and 1111

This course is also offered by ITV at Regional Campuses.

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PH 1115 Health Survey Research Design
Credits: 3

This course presents the methods for designing and conducting health surveys. Emphasis is placed on problem conceptualization, measurement, and questionnaire design in the context of a total survey design framework. Examples of face-to-face, telephone, and mail surveys are presented. Readings, assignments, and class lectures and discussions are intended to facilitate the preparation of a survey research prospectus and questionnaire.

Prerequisites: PH 1610 and PH 2610 or equivalent.

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PH 1118 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
Credits: 4

This course is designed to familiarize students who have little or no experience in conducting qualitative research with the perspectives, methods, and techniques of its practitioners. The course covers the underpinnings of qualitative research, some of the major qualitative research traditions, methods of data collection used in the conduct of qualitative inquiries, and preliminary analysis of narrative or text data. Part I provides the students with a broad overview of qualitative research traditions and techniques as they begin to conceptualize and design their own research project. Part II covers the conduct of fieldwork. Students work in small groups or independently to carry out a field-based research project. Part III covers qualitative analysis and presents the students with the opportunity to learn preliminary coding and axial coding techniques. Project and methodological practice reports, based on the fieldwork experience, are required in this course.

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PH 1119 Advanced Qualitative Methods
Credits: 3

The purpose of this course is to provide the basic tools for analyzing ethnographic and other forms of qualitative data. Different analytical approaches are explored and examined. Students will explore the use of different types of analysis that are appropriate to the data project’s overarching theoretical approach and the topical focus of the study from which it was produced. Students will learn the basics of ATLAS.ti, a software program for coding textual and visual data. Preferably students will analyze data collected in PH1118 or in another project conducted after they took that course. The final paper will be the write up of their results. Other coursework includes lectures, instruction and work with ATLAS.ti, discussions, and intensive group work on other data students will analyze as part of a team.

Prerequisites: PH 1118 or consent of the instructors.

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PH 1120 Introduction to Program Evaluation
Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the theory and application of program evaluation, emphasizing a range of evaluation goals and designs. Class exercises, small group and whole class discussions, and lectures focus on practical tools for conducting field evaluations that are focused on three levels: critique of the program concept and design; program implementation and process; and program impact and outcomes. Stakeholders are identified, and methods for involvement are emphasized to promote use of study findings. The validity framework from Shadish, Cook, and Campbell is also used in judging the strength of conclusions about causal relationships and in generalizing findings from particular evaluations to target constructs and to other people, settings, times, interventions, and outcomes. Each student prepares a proposal for the evaluation of a program or policy of his or her choosing. Sections of the proposal are written and revised during the semester based on further learning and feedback from the instructor and other students.

Prerequisites: PH 1610 (or 1725 and 1726) and PH 2610 or consent of the instructor.

The course is also offered at the San Antonio Regional Campus.

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PH 1122 Health Promotion Theory and Methods: A Teaching and Learning Experience for Doctoral Students
Credits: 3

This course provides doctoral students in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences with an in-depth overview of the application of selected behavioral science theories and concepts used in health education and health promotion programs directed toward individuals and groups. The objectives for this class are to: (1). apply the theories covered in class to development of interventions for health problems; (2). develop group leadership and teaching skills; (3). Monitor and improve scientific writing skills. For this class, doctoral students participate in PH 1111, Health Promotion Theory and Methods as problem‐based learning group leaders. In this role, they receive instruction and feedback on their group leadership and teaching skills. They meet one hour per week outside the PH 1111 class to discuss the problem‐based learning case studies and their group experiences. They cover each theory in class with the same readings as the master’s students. They then build on this work by reading the 8‐10 papers on each theory chosen by their group members, and they grade the group member critiques. Concepts emphasized are drawn from the Health Belief Model, the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Trans‐Theoretical Model, and Social Cognitive Theory, with some attention to additional theories and perspectives.

Prerequisites: Enrollment in a Doctoral Program in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences

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PH 1123 Health Promotion Theory and Methods II—Doctoral level
Credits: 3

In this course students are introduced to the application of health education and health promotion intervention theory and methods directed toward change in organizations, communities, and governments. Topics include organizational change, mass media, community organizations, diffusion of innovations, community development, social action, and political action. Students are provided opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and gain experience in applying theory, in designing interventions, and in developing programs of intervention to affect programs, policies, and environmental conditions. In addition, to the master level work, doctoral students are given the opportunity to explore CBPR proposal writing, writing up CBPR projects for publication, and to practice developing and teaching masters level students. They also serve as leaders in group activities.

Prerequisites: Enrollment in a Doctoral Program in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences

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PH 1125 The Principles and Practice of Data Management in Behavioral Sciences Research
Credits: 3

This course is designed to provide the student with the skills required to manipulate data from various sources in order to address the many different types of research questions that arise in behavioral sciences research. SPSS statistical program is used in this class, but the logic and procedures that are covered are directly transferable to other major statistical packages. The class covers such basic principles as maintaining careful documentation, data cleaning and error checking, merging and adding files from multiple sources, extracting strategic records from complex file structures, and accessing data from sources, such as the internet, administrative databases, mainframe ôflat filesö and relational databases. The course is ôhands-onö, and students have the opportunity to gain practice linking research questions to data structure and modifying that structure as needed to address those questions. In general students have the opportunity to learn to deal with many of the problems and challenges associated with the use of the numerous secondary data sources available to public health and behavioral sciences researchers. The course is held in the computer lab and includes a mixture of lectures, demonstrations, and practices.

Prerequisites: Basic research methods and PH 1610 (or 1725 and 1726) or consent of the instructor

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PH 1128 Advanced Qualitative Methods
Credits: 3 credits

The course is intended to familiarize the student with the philosophy of scientific inquiry as it is applied to both deductive and inductive research. The initial section of this course is an exploration of the philosophy of science as applied to deductive and inductive inquiry. In this section of the course, students compare and contrast the meanings of observation, measurement, and explanation, among other concepts used in inductive and deductive inquiry. The student has the opportunity to gain a critical understanding of the differences and similarities between the two scientific methods and the contributions each can make to scientific knowledge. The course is intended to critically examine the principles of inductive inquiry from the perspective of practitioners working in the areas of health promotion and disease prevention research. Students have the opportunity to examine and analyze methods most commonly used in health promotion and disease prevention research. Students critique examples of qualitative research that they have identified in the literature. Critiques are presented to the class for discussion and further assessment. In addition, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of qualitative design and inductive methods by developing and writing a research plan.

Prerequisites: PH 1118 or consent of the instructor

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PH 1128 Advanced Qualitative Methods
Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PH 1118 or consent of the instructor.

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PH 1130 Measurement Theory
Credits: 3

This course introduces the student to basic aspects of psychometric theory with an emphasis on the development of valid and reliable questionnaires. The course covers classical test theory, generalizability theory, common scaling methods, and Item Response Theory (IRT). The course format is a combination of lectures, class discussions, computer labs, and assignments.

Prerequisites: PH 1725 and PH 1726.

Faculty from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston teach this course.

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PH 1132 Latent Variable Models and Factor Analysis
Credits: 3

This course offers the skills and understanding necessary to use and apply several statistical techniques related to Latent Variable Analysis. The course covers Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Path Analysis, Structural Equation Modeling, and Latent Growth Curve Modeling. Students have the opportunity to test: the factorial validity of an instrument (questionnaire or test); invariant factorial structure of an instrument; validity of a causal structure and analyze dichotomous and polytomous variables. Emphasis is placed on understanding the relationship of latent variable models to other multivariate techniques. The course focuses on the application of these methods in public health and on understanding research studies that use these methods. The student has the opportunity to become familiar with different programs developed to assess these models. The course format is a combination of lectures, class discussions, computer labs, and assignments.

Prerequisites: PH 1725 and PH 1726; completion of an applied multivariate statistics course is strongly encouraged.

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PH 1225 Contemporary Social and Cultural Theory
Credits: 3

This course introduces students to a variety of post-classical social theorists and to the "cultural turn" in social theory. Different schools of thought and representative theorists are chosen for each semester, ranging from critical theorists, such as Adorno and Habermas, and French (post) structuralists, such as Barthes and Foucault, to American (post) Marxists, such as Jameson and Butler. Emphasis is placed upon understanding the selected theoretical perspectives and attending to how they construct public health concepts, expertise and modes of intervention. Applications to student research will also be featured.

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PH 1227 Behavioral Science Theories for Health Promotion: An Advanced Course
Credits: 3

This course provides an overview of new developments in behavioral and social science theories that advance the understanding of health behavior. The course also highlights the interaction between the social sciences and public health, as part of the process of exploring the nature of theories and theory testing. A social ecological framework is used to structure the course content.

Prerequisites: PH 1110 or 1111 and 1112, 1725, and 1726 are required. This course is for advanced masters or doctoral students with a background in the behavioral sciences.

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PH 1230 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Occupational and Environmental Health
Credits: 3

This course covers the role of social and behavioral science theories in explaining and understanding the causes of occupational and environmental health problems and in designing intervention strategies to resolve problems. Students have the opportunity to use social and behavioral science theories and methods to solve occupational safety and health and environmental health problems. The course also covers how Employee Assistance Programs work as well as the role of worker's compensation in occupational health.

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PH 1231 Advances in Medical Nutrition Therapy
Credits: 4

This is an advanced course focusing on the assessment and nutritional management of persons with conditions requiring medical nutrition therapy in general medicine (diabetes, cardiovascular,gastrointestinal) and critical care (surgery, renal, oncology, enteral, and parenteral nutrition). Specialized nutritional needs and principles of clinical management are covered. Grades are based on competency examinations, case studies, and presentations.

Prerequisites: Approval of instructor

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PH 1232 Public Health Nutrition Practice
Credits: 3

This course presents an overview of the roles, responsibilities, skills and career opportunities of the public health nutritionist. Topics include: review of nutrition education literature; development of behaviorally-based nutrition education materials; identification of community problems, needs, and resources; evaluation of program effects; nutrition policy; and the effects of culture on food consumption. Applications of national dietary goals to various population groups are presented.

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PH 1233 Public Health Nutrition
Credits: 3

This course covers nutrition issues that affect the public health of developed countries, specifically the United States. Topics covered include: dietary guidelines for populations; dietary assessment techniques; diet and chronic disease relationships; communication of nutrition issues to the public; and emerging issues in public health nutrition, such as biotechnology and gene/nutrient interactions. Biologic mechanisms will be discussed as well as epidemiologic relationships between diet and disease.

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PH 1234 Advances in Specialty Nutrition Practice
Credits: 2

This is an advanced course that provides the student exposure to selected areas of specialty dietetics practice through lectures from practicing dietetic specialists. Information for professional dietetic practice will also be covered, including Review for the Registration Examination for Dietitians, Licensure Acts, and preparation of Professional Development Portfolio.

Open only to dietetic interns concurrently enrolled in Public Health Practicum: Dietetic Internship Supervised Practice Rotation Supervised Practice Rotation.

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PH 1235 Social and Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity and Public Health
Credits: 3

The purpose of this course is to present, review, and discuss the extensive scientific literature on health-related physical activity. The course covers behavioral science theories, physical activity research, and public health interventions to promote physical activity.

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PH 1236 Issues in Aging
Credits: 3

This survey course focuses on biological, psychological, and social theories of aging and contextual issues that surround the provision of health and social services to the elderly. Students will participate in an interdisciplinary group project and a variety of field experiences designed to acquaint them with the broad spectrum of issues in aging.

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PH 1239 Theories of Child and Adolescent Development
Credits: 3

This course introduces students to developmental theorists and developmental theories, with particular reference to their influence on health promotion, education, and parenting. The course consists of introductions to prominent developmental theorists and their work, including Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Vygotsky, Bronfenbrenner, Bandura, Bowlby, Kohlberg and Jessor.

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PH 1240 Mental Health of Children and Adolescents
Credits: 3

The purpose of this course is to provide students an overview of the mental health of children and adolescents in the United States. The focus is on assessing the current state of knowledge and reviewing the central research questions and strategies regarding the epidemiology of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. The requirements include reading materials assigned for class, participating in class discussions, making a class presentation, and writing a term paper. Each student selects major epidemiologic studies of mental disorders among children and/or adolescents, or prevention of mental health problems among children and/or adolescents. Students report on the design and results of the research. The presentations are descriptive and evaluative. The presentation is written as a formal scientific report for course credit.

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PH 1242 AIDS in Africa: Global Socioeconomic and Political Contexts
Credits: 3

In this seminar we examine the social, cultural, political, and economic contexts in which ideas, practices, beliefs, and actions that surround individuals, families, and communities' experiences of HIV/AIDS emerge. Drawing from reports, articles, ethnographies, the internet, and videos the different ways that people respond to the global threat of HIV/AIDS are considered. This is an intensive reading and writing seminar designed to expand students understanding of the myriad factors that work to produce specific and general responses to HIV/AIDS policies and programs at the local, state, and trans-local levels. Students learn about the range of dynamic cultural and social practices, local economic and political situations, and beliefs and concerns that men and women are producing throughout the world today as they negotiate and transform gendered and generational roles and obligations within their communities. Students learn about the different ways that members of specific international communities respond to the global threat and reality of HIV/AIDS in their lives and about HIV/AIDS interventions.

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PH 1247 History of Public Health
Credits: 3

Using an historical perspective, this course examines the development of organized public responsibility for the creation and maintenance of a healthy population. Public health emerged in response to and is closely related to the changing status and development of nation states. We will examine how power, agency, class, race and gender infuse public health concerns and intertwine with social, political and economic factors. Case studies will examine: 1) the environmental conditions that set the stage for nineteenth century epidemics of cholera, typhoid, yellow fever and other epidemic diseases, 2) the Bacteriological Revolution and the impact of shifts in scientific knowledge and practice upon the development of public health, 3) the urban industrial environment and tuberculosis, 4) the creation of international and development organizations (e.g., Rockefeller, UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank) and their development and public health programs and policies, 5) the global eradication campaign against malaria; and 6) the more recent grassroots and state responses to HIV/AIDS.

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PH 1250 Genital, Sexual and Reproductive Public Health
Credits: 3

This course integrates the basic biology, epidemiology, behavioral science, and health promotion interventions of genital and reproductive aspects of public health. The course covers bacterial and viral sexually transmissible diseases (including HIV), cancers of the genital and reproductive system in men and women, contraception and abortion, sexual dysfunction, sexual violence, and the sexual behaviors associated with public health problems (with emphasis on cultural and social variation). The emphasis of this course is on the design and analysis of health promotion approaches to sexual, genital and reproductive public health problems given their biology, epidemiology, and policy implications. Each student prepares and presents a proposal for an intervention study based on biological and epidemiological analysis of the issue.

Prerequisites: /Corequisite: PH 1110, PH 1111, PH 1112 or equivalent

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PH 1260 Chicano/Mexican American Health: Exploring its Social Dimensions
Credits: 3

The purpose of the course is to describe, discuss, analyze and interpret research literature on Chicano/Mexican American health. The course will focus on topics about the social relationships, cultural and economic conditions, and other social determinants of health (including system factors) that relate to the distribution of disease/health among Mexican origin populations and that concern public health practice. Research will be examined within disciplines of epidemiology, health promotion and behavioral sciences, environmental health, and public policy. Research will also be examined within historical and contemporary concepts.

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PH 1320 Ethics in Health Care
Credits: 3

This course is a systematic overview of major ethical issues pertaining to health care, delivery, health promotion, disease prevention, and health policy from a public health perspective. Students learn to recognize the primary features of an ethical problem in health care; become familiar with the language and discourse of health care ethics; recognize and analyze the social and cultural dimensions of ethical dilemmas in health care; and formulate a process for preventing and/or resolving ethical conflicts.

Faculty from the UT-H Medical School participate in the course.

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PH 1325 Research Ethics for Public Health
Credits: 3

This course examines social, cultural and ethical dimensions of health research and research process, with implications for future public health investigators. Case-based discussions deal with topical areas in the history of research, ethical issues in study design and implementation, and the political and economic contest of the research endeavor. Course participants become familiar with the language and discourse of ethics and develop an ethical framework for planning and conducting investigations.

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PH 1330 Scientific Writing for the Behavioral Sciences
Credits: 3

The goal of the course is to provide the student with the basic writing skills needed to write a competent scientific proposal or a manuscript that clearly presents the information needed to communicate study design and/or research findings. The course begins with using words correctly and precisely. Writing sentences is the second skill presented. The sentence building skills are communicating the core message of a sentence, avoiding noun clusters, simplifying sentences, and building parallel sentences. The course teaches students to construct well-crafted paragraphs that clearly and precisely present scientific ideas. Using these basic skills, the course instructs students on the parts of a research manuscript, the essential elements of the text, and the presentation of supporting information.

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PH 1350 Multicultural Populations and Public Health Research
Credits: 3

This course explores social identities critical to contemporary U.S. society. The course emphasizes the intersection of public health and social sciences research and how they inform an understanding of social identity and/or culture of groups who have sub-optimal access to health care. Commonalities and differences among these groups are discussed throughout the semester.

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PH 1410 Addictive Behavior
Credits: 3

This course examines the societal, family, and individual problems related to addictive behavior associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs (licit and illicit) and other substances. The identification, etiology, treatment and prevention of such behavior is also studied with emphasis on public health applications.

This course is offered by ITV from the Dallas Regional Campus.

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PH 1418 Practice in Health Behavior Change
Credits: 3

Public health practitioners spend an enormous amount of time emphasizing the importance of healthy behaviors. Despite these efforts, many patients continue to engage in unhealthy or self-destructive patterns. This course covers psychological theories of behavior change, with an emphasis on brief interventions such as motivational interviewing that have proven effective in counseling, healthcare, and other public health settings. Through a mixture of didactic presentation, role-play, discussion, and personal exploration the course focuses on interventions for six of the leading health indicators as identified by Healthy People 2010 smoking, alcohol and other drug use, physical activity, obesity, risky sexual behavior, and injury and violence. In addition to theory, students will learn specific skills for interacting with patients around health behavior changes in multiple settings.

This course is offered by ITV from the Dallas Regional Campus.

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PH 1420 Research Design and Analysis in Behavioral Sciences I
Credits: 3

This course focuses on linking research questions common in behavioral sciences research to appropriate analytic methods. It focuses on the philosophy of science, paradigms of inquiry, analytic methods that are appropriate for assessing group differences and those that are used for assessing relationships and making predictions. There is an emphasis on the ability to understand the benefits and limitations of particular research designs to answer specific questions, read and understand scientific journal articles that make use of these methods, appropriate use of statistical software for conducting these analyses, interpret output from this software, and professionally present the results from analyses in oral and written form.

Prerequisites: PH 1610, PH 1725 and 1726, or the equivalent.

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PH 1421 Research Design and Analysis in Behavioral Sciences II
Credits: 3

This course expands on the material covered in PH 1420 and extends the focus to: analyses that assess measurement reliability, validity and latent structure; methods that can be used to group either people or objects; and procedures that assess differences between groups and/or change over time. There is an emphasis on reading and understanding scientific journal articles that make use of these methods, using of statistical software for conducting the analyses, interpreting the output from this software, and professionally present the results from analyses in oral and written form.

Prerequisites: PH 1420.

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PH 1423 Society and Health
Credits: 3

This course provides an overview of the society and health field. It explores how broad social, cultural and economic inequalities in society affect health. This course is designed to provide students with a way of thinking about public health from the population health perspective. Despite spending more money on health care than any other country in the world, the United States has some of the poorest health indicators of any developed country. Why is this? Some would argue it is the wide and widening social and economic inequalities in American society. The course explores some of the major explanations for this observation. Why is it that countries like Costa Rica with few economic resources can have an average life expectancy greater than the United States? This is explored in the context of how societies function. How does society get "under the skin" to affect health, illness and disease? The society and health course considers these and other questions and addresses the policies that can be considered to mend these inequalities.

Cross-listed with Rice University.

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PH 1424 Social Epidemiology/Social Justice
Credits: 2

This course considers the current knowledge in the areas of social epidemiology and social justice. It is a reading seminar covering topics ranging from social capital, globalization and the political economy to topics of cultural context, multi-level analysis and emerging issues in the social spread of infectious diseases. The course also considers principles of social justice and their relevance to addressing inequalities and health disparities. A goal of the course is to develop an understanding of the connections between social epidemiology and social justice in the context of current research in both areas.

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PH 1425 Applied Multivariate Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
Credits: 3

This course is designed for behavioral researchers who will use multivariate methods to address research questions. Topics will include multiple regression, multivariate analysis of variance and covariance, discriminant function analysis, canonical correlation, and other relevant multivariate methods. The emphasis will be on a conceptual understanding of these methodologies and their assumptions, implementation using standard statistical packages, and interpretation of output. Students should be familiar with the elements of research design and have completed a basic statistical sequence that covered univariate methods and hypothesis testing.

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PH 1426 Methods for the Analysis of Change: Applied Longitudinal Analysis
Credits: 3

This course is designed for behavioral researchers who are interested in answering questions related to change over time. Topics will include growth curve analysis, survival analysis, latent transition analysis, time series analysis, and other procedures that are designed to answer questions related to change. The emphasis will be on a conceptual understanding of these methodologies and their assumptions, implementation using standard statistical packages, and interpretation of output. Students should be familiar with the elements of research design and have completed statistical classes that covered both univariate and multivariate methods.

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PH 1430 Systematic Review, Meta‐Analysis, and Evidence‐Based Public Health
Credits: 3

This course introduces the methods of systematic review and meta-analysis, including formulating questions, criteria for relevance and rigor in selecting primary studies, search strategies, coding protocols, tables and other formats for presenting data, qualitative and quantitative representations of effect sizes from individual primary studies; and analyses of groups of studies to estimate an average effect size and to explain variation. The course also introduces students to the methods and products of the U.S. (Clinical) Preventive Services Task Force and Evidence-based Practice Centers and to the newer U.S. Community Preventive Services Task Force.

Prerequisites: PH 1610 and PH 2610 or equivalent

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PH 1433 Research Seminar in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences
Credits: 1

This seminar will provide opportunities to learn about faculty and student research in health promotion and behavioral sciences. Faculty and students will present aspects of planned, ongoing, and completed research. There will be opportunity for discussion and feedback. The seminar encourages presentation of projects in process for which investigators are seeking constructive criticism. All students in the Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences Division must enroll for the Division Seminar at least one semester during their degree program. It is strongly recommended that they do so early in their coursework in order to learn more about the kinds of health promotion research the faculty at the School and neighboring institutions are engaged in.

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PH 1434 Research Seminar in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences for Doctoral Students
Credits: 1

The lab will build on the first hour of the research seminar (PH 1433) in health promotion and behavioral sciences. Students will discuss and critique readings related to the seminar topic. Through this experience students are expected to develop skills in critical thinking and an ability to critique the literature in health promotion and behavioral sciences.

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PH 1435 Health Promotion/Behavioral Sciences Doctoral/Post-Doctoral Research Seminar
Credits: 2

This seminar course affords the opportunity for doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows to improve their skills and increase scientific productivity in the formulation of research proposals and journal publications and presentations at scientific meetings. Participants present their work-in-progress. The seminar provides opportunities to involve mentors (advisers, dissertation supervisors, committee members) and to practice mentoring and teaching with other class members. This course may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Doctoral student or post-doctoral fellow in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences or consent of the instructor.

Faculty from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston participate in this course.

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PH 1498 Special Topics in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences
Credits:

Special topics courses in areas of faculty research are periodically offered.

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PH 1499 Individual Study in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences
Credits: 1-9

A plan of study is determined for each participating student and supervised by a member of the Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences faculty. May be repeated for credit.

Management, Policy & Community Health

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PH 3710 Administration and Public Health
Credits: 3

This course covers the elements and effective practice of management and administration. It includes the investigation of organizational environments, strategic decision-making and control, policy and program development, and selected aspects of behavior in organizations.

This is a designated core course.

This course is also offered at the Dallas and El Paso Regional Campuses.

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PH 3715 Introduction to Management and Policy Sciences
Credits: 3

This course surveys theory and practice in the management and policy sciences applied to the field of public health. Topics include: public health in the US health system/ legal bases of public health; public policy institutions and decision-making processes; methods of policy analysis, public sector institutions, management and decision-making; and private sector health care institutions, management and decision making.

This is a designated core course.

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PH 3720 Principles and Practice of Public Health
Credits: 3

This course illustrates how the health of populations is promoted and protected by organized public health practice. Students are acquainted with current evolving concepts and performance of public health practice and are introduced to essential public health services performed by public health agencies. Students will learn expectations of the effective and efficient performance of agencies and the competencies required of individual public/community health workers. Representatives from community/public health programs will participate in class presentations along with faculty.

This is a designated core course.

This course is offered by ITV to Regional Campuses.

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PH 3725 Health and Safety Program Management
Credits: 4

Drawing on concepts from sociology, political science, and anthropology, this course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to master the analytical tools necessary to understand and function efficiently within organizations. The course will include exposure to management theory and its application to current health and safety programs. Using ôreal worldö health and safety-based examples, students will be challenged to apply the concepts presented in this class to anticipate, recognize, evaluate and control a variety of managerial problems. Students will have ample opportunity to participate in class discussions, simulations, and group exercises. Guest lecturers from a wide array of health and safety management settings add dimension to the course material presented. This course is designed for students in the Industrial Hygiene programs or for those students with a strong interest in the area of health and safety program management.

This is a designated core course.

This course is offered by ITV to all campuses.

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PH 3730 Health Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation
Credits: 3

This course is designed for students who expect their work experience to include development or management of interventions at the program level. In satisfying course objectives, students will have the opportunity to improve their understanding of the theoretical basis for meeting health needs of populations through organized programs. In addition, they will have the opportunity to learn technical skills and the use of essential techniques in planning, implementation and evaluation of health programs. Course methods include presentation and discussion of program concepts and techniques, illustration of programs through a series of case presentations and guest speakers, and group exercises by members of the class.

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PH 3735 Health Planning
Credits: 3

A comprehensive survey of health planning in the United States at area wide, state, and institutional levels is presented. Generic health planning principles are emphasized through discussion of health planning theory and by utilizing specific health planning programs that have occurred historically in the public and private sectors. Their application to both community and strategic planning are included. Useful fundamental methods and techniques are described and demonstrated in brief. Conceptual, political, and technical problems are identified and discussed.

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PH 3740 Community-Based Health Assessment
Credits: 4

The goal of this course is to have each student demonstrate mastery of methods for rapidly assessing community health problems, their policy context and the resources committed to their solution. This course surveys the core functions of public health as they are fulfilled by community partners with responsibility for the assessment, policy development and assurance functions.

This is a designated core course.

This course is offered by ITV from the San Antonio and Brownsville Regional Campuses.

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PH 3745 Organization Theory and Management
Credits: 3

This course is taught as a doctoral level seminar. The focus of this class is on providing students with an in-depth understanding of important managerial paradigms and a theoretical background into organizational theory, from which effective managerial techniques are developed. The primary objectives are: to expose students to theories of the firm based on the traditions of economics, management and philosophy, and industrial/organizational psychology; to provide a forum for the discussion and critical analysis of these theoretical issues; to familiarize students with past and current managerial techniques for the effective management of business environments in general and health care settings in particular; to foster a thorough integration and understanding of the linkages between managerial and organizational theories; and to provide students with the direction needed to expand their own interests and abilities for promulgating research in the fields of management and organizational theory in the future. This is not a ôhow-toö course in management, but rather, the objective is to improve the managerial ability of students by providing the foundation for critical analyses of situations that may be encountered in their workplaces.

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PH 3747 Healthcare Operations Management
Credits: 3

Management is fundamentally about two things: developing a strategy and executing daily. In this course we will be discussing these topics, and how agencies and organizations can use more advanced methods to improve healthcare processes. Specific focus will be on reducing cycle times (e.g., patient wait times), measuring productivity, streamlining process flows, tracking outcomes and performance metrics, and generally improving health management processes.

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PH 3750 Organizational Psychology
Credits: 4

Selected topics from the field of organizational psychology are explored using an experiential learning model as the vehicle. Emphasis is on increasing interpersonal skills and competencies central to supervisory and managerial roles. Three levels of analysis (i.e., intrapersonal, interpersonal and organizational) are considered in each behavioral simulation. Individualized performance contracts are negotiated to provide the basis for evaluation.

This course is offered at the San Antonio Regional Campus.

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PH 3755 Public Health Leadership
Credits: 3

This course is designed for doctoral students in all disciplines and modules. The purpose of the course is to expose students to concepts and theories of leadership, to present leadership challenges from public health practice and research and to discover personal leadership attributes. Content areas will include leadership theory as it relates to the person, organizations, communities, and research. Emphasis will be placed on the application of course material to ôreal lifeö public health problems and issues and to the development of public health careers. Special topics may include futures research, systems thinking, sustainable development and leadership in science.

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PH 3758 Aging and the Life Course
Credits: 3

This course introduces students to current theories and research that examine how health and well‐being unfold over the life course. The main goals of the course are to: (1) help students to achieve an understanding of the life course perspective, (2) assist students in critically evaluating empirical research, including the theories and methods used throughout research in this area, and (3) help students to develop their research and writing skills. We will cover topics including race/ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic variation in the life course; the influence of early life conditions on later life health; longevity and health among the aged; and some of the key social and behavioral factors that shape health among youth, adults, and the oldest old. Our readings will come from disciplines including sociology, demography, medicine, and epidemiology.

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PH 3760 Topics in Demography
Credits: 3

This course will provide a general overview of the field of demography, with particular attention to connections between demography and population health. The readings and lectures will cover topics such as the demographic and epidemiologic transitions, fertility, mortality, migration, population growth and population aging, race/ethnicity, gender, population and the environment, work and the family, urbanization, and economic development. The readings will summarize the current state of the field of demography, introduce students to common data sources and methods used by demographers, and present cutting edge empirical research that illustrates the breadth and scope of contemporary demographic research.

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PH 3810 Health Policy in the United States
Credits: 3

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of health policy in the U.S. Attention will be given to: the principal institutions, processes, and ideas shaping health policy at the Federal level; political, economic, and legal perspectives on health policy questions; and the historical and intellectual context of recent policy developments.

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PH 3812 Comparative Healthcare Systems: Policy Challenges and Economic Perspectives
Credits: 3

This course is in a doctoral seminar format. We examine economic, political, and other pertinent aspects of eight to ten national health care systems in an effort to better understand the range of options available for health care reform efforts. In the past the course has covered Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, the U.K., the U.S. and Vietnam.

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PH 3815 Health Policy Analysis
Credits: 3

This course introduces both qualitative and quantitative methods for analyzing public health policy. Multiple approaches to inquiry and argument that are relevant to decision making in political settings are covered. Emphasis is on the context of public policy-making and its bearing on the conduct and fate of analyses. Applications to various public health problems are presented.

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PH 3818 Texas Health Policy: Emerging Issues and New Approaches
Credits: 3

The course analyzes major issues, new programs, and legislation in state health policy. The legislative process, state budget, and role and responsibility of health and human service agencies are discussed. Policy analysis concepts and methods are introduced and applied. When the legislature is in session, topics reflect proposed legislation. Issues addressed by interim studies are emphasized in semesters between legislative sessions. Topics typically addressed include: Medicaid/CHIP changes/reform; healthcare regulation; behavioral health; long-term care; medical education; rural and border health; disease prevention and control; and health promotion. Students are introduced to the latest policy debates on each topic through selected readings and informed speakers.

The course is offered by ITV to Austin and the San Antonio Regional Campus.

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PH 3823 Global Issues in Pregnancy and Perinatal Health
Credits: 3

From the global perspective, this course explores the major issues related to current-day pregnancy and perinatal health. It includes a review of basic anatomy and physiology pertinent to reproduction and childbearing. There is detailed discussion of the medical care, epidemiology, and public health issues associated with selected problems during pregnancy and the perinatal and inter-pregnancy periods. Students make an oral presentation on a selected topic.

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PH 3824 Health and Development
Credits: 3

This course examines the interrelationships between population health and economic development in developing countries, including consideration of globalization, healthcare and public health systems, and the roles of international organizations.

This course is offered by ITV from the El Paso Regional Campus.

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PH 3825 Public Health Law
Credits: 3

Public Health law defines the extent to which the state can interfere with private interests when protecting the health of the population. In this course students will study, through constitutional and statutory analysis, how the balance between these interests is determined. Because administrative agencies are used extensively to regulate matters that affect the public health, students will examine the legal characteristics of these governmental entities. The use of the common law to establish public health policy and remedies for pubic health problems will be considered.

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PH 3826 Introduction to Administration Law
Credits: 3

Administrative Agencies are important in the practice of public health. Numerous administrative agencies have been created by the U.S. Congress or various State legislatures to act as agents of the executive branch and carry out activities that are intended to protect the public's health. This course considers the laws and legal principles that govern the activities of these entities. Students will study statutes, regulation, and case law affecting selected public health agencies and will delve into the workings of a local regulatory agency.

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PH 3830 Ethics and Policy
Credits: 2

This course focuses on the application of ethics, values and moral reasoning to problems and issues in public health. It offers a careful overview of approaches to moral theory and modes of assessment to develop students' skills in reasoning and evaluation. Special attention will be given to justice and equity as key moral claims in public health. Practical examples will be used to illustrate moral arguments, criteria, and modes of reasoning connected with health promotion, disease prevention, and health care delivery.

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PH 3835 Ethics for Management, Policy and Community Health
Credits: 3

This course examines ethical dimension of health issues in the community, hospitals, long‐term care facilities, and health insurance companies. Health providers are also affected in this new environment of a competitive, market‐oriented health sector. There is a need to be selfconscious about ethical issues in the areas of access to health services, costs of health care, payment of health services, responsibility for quality of health services, and conflict of interest issues. New and emerging ethical quandaries demand attention as the US health system progresses toward personal accountability for health, private delivery of services, and greater out‐of‐pocket payments. Previous ethical models were grounded more on the assumptions of public responsibility for the provision of health services. But ethical issues related to privatepublic partnerships for the delivery of health care, and from the outsourcing of health services are increasingly important. Even the terminology is new, and the implicit ethical implications of this language need to be consciously considered. Ethical choices of health system policy makers, the ethical implications regarding community health practice, the balancing off of corporate interest and patient claims all require study. The inter‐relationship of ethics and community health raises draws attention to equity for vulnerable populations. What ethical questions arrive from the interaction of industrialized and developing countries in our shared global health environment?

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PH 3850 Translating Research into Policy
Credits: 2

The purpose of this course is to examine the challenges and strategies for bridging the gap between research and practice. Students will understand the role of translating research into a form that meets users’ needs and the challenges of disseminating translated information to the appropriate audience. In prevention and population health research, the users include the community of practitioners and health policy makers as well as the public.

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PH 3860 Pharmaceutical Politics and Policy
Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the various public health policy issues affecting the development, distribution, and consumption of pharmaceuticals. The development and approval process in the U.S. is studied, emphasizing the ever-evolving responsibility of the FDA and its approval process. The role of the pharmaceutical industry both as a manufacturer of products, and as a major player in the making of health-care decisions is explored. Regulatory issues and the influence of managed care are covered as well as U.S. federal and state prescription drug coverage programs. Controlling the cost of prescription-only, generic, and over-the-counter drugs is considered along with the ôshift movement,ö (prescription to OTC status). The course examines the conflicting priorities, ethical dilemmas, and business objectives of the global pharmaceutical industry. The marketing of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. and in other countries is discussed along with cross-border pharmaceutical sales and research/development conflicts of interest. Guest lecturers explain employer priorities and the role of pharmaceutical benefits managers in the private and public sectors.

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PH 3870 Public Health Policy and Practice
Credits: 3

The course focuses on the practice of policy analysis in the real world of resource and time constraints and political cross pressures. Faculty and students will work with community leaders, program administrators, outside researchers, experts, and policymakers at the national, state, and local level in developing collaborative research projects related to public health and healthcare policy issues. Guest lecturers from a number of organizations and institutions will play an important part, offering an opportunity for students to interact with possible future employers. Topics will vary from year-to-year and will relate to the evolving policy agenda and the interests and specialization of the professors involved. Some years students may be given the opportunity to participate in a ôreal-worldö policy research exercise with a defined product and client. On other occasions the course will offer the students an opportunity to learn about the practical details of providing technical assistance and expertise to clients, policymakers, and communities. Most years the course will include a consideration of professional norms, ethics, and responsibilities as well as resolution of conflicts over values, roles, and objectives. Students are expected to present their papers, findings, or results in a public forum.

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PH 3910 Introduction to Health Economics
Credits: 3

This course covers the theory of microeconomic analysis and its application to health and health services. It emphasizes the use of theory to understand: problems of organization, delivery, and financing of health services; discrepancies in health levels among members of society; and the choices available to society regarding these issues.

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PH 3915 Methods for the Economic Evaluation of Health Programs
Credits: 3

This course introduces the concepts and methods for the economic analysis of health care decision alternatives. Topics will include cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis, and other methods of decision analysis. It emphasizes the application of these methods to the evaluation of alternative health programs.

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PH 3920 Health Service Delivery and Performance
Credits: 3

This course reviews the major policy issues in health care services delivery in the United States and introduces students to fields of inquiry concerned with analysis and evaluation of the health care system. The issues of effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of health care are explored as indicators of system performance. Basic analytical concepts and methodologies used in health policy analysis and program evaluation are introduced.

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PH 3922 Economic and Social Determinants of Health
Credits: 3

This course introduces the concept of population health and studies the reason for health disparities between countries as well as socioeconomic and racial/ethnic groups within countries. It takes an approach to health that identifies the social factors, such as inequalities in income and opportunities and racial/ethnic disparities, that influence the health of populations. The course presents an overview of these concepts and is intended as the introductory course for students interested in the topic. The course examines population health by: exploring economic, social and cultural factors; identifying systematic variation in these factors, leading to health disparities; exploring how economic, social and cultural conditions affect individual risk factors, human behavior and biology; and assessing economic social and policies.

This is a designated core course.

This course is also offered at the Brownsville Regional Campus.

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PH 3925 Health Care Finance
Credits: 3

This course offers students the opportunity to improve their understanding and use of financial concepts and principles in the health care industry. Managerial and financial accounting, as well as financial analysis and strategic planning, are covered. Financial management under prospective payment and capitation systems, as well as product costing and pricing, will be emphasized.

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PH 3930 Econometrics in Public Health
Credits: 3

This course has two learning objectives: to develop skill in quantitative methods for the analysis of complex models; to understand and critically evaluate public health research using methods. This course consists of 11 units and includes: multicollinearity; autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity; specification tests; random and fixed effort models; engogeneity and instrumental variables; simultaneous equation models; and selection models.

Prerequisites: Intermediate biometry or similar statistical background.

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PH 3935 Advanced Health Economics
Credits: 3

This course is in a doctoral seminar format and focuses on the applications of microeconomic analysis to questions dealing with the production of health, the demand for health services, the production and supply of health services, market equilibrium, social health insurance, and government regulation of health sector activities.

Prerequisites: PH 3910 (or its equivalent) and consent of instructor.

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PH 3940 Health Care Outcomes and Quality Research
Credits: 3

This course introduces students to measurement and evaluation issues associated with patient-centered outcomes and quality of care studies, an increasingly important component of present-day health services research. The focus will be application of measurements, rather than development. Topics that will be covered in this class include development of the outcomes framework, outcomes measures, risk adjustment of health outcomes, technical and practical issues with measurement and estimation, and empirical examples of health care outcomes research. Outcome and quality measures that will be covered include generic and condition-specific health status measures, satisfaction, patient trust, and patient adherence.

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PH 3970 Seminar on Health Services Research
Credits: 3

This course is a doctoral-level seminar on the concepts, methods and problem areas addressed by health services research as a field of inquiry. The focus of the course is the development and critique of dissertation-level health services research proposal.

Prerequisites: Doctoral students near or post-qualifying exams.

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PH 3980 Management Policy and Community Health Doctoral Seminar
Credits: 1

This is a seminar course for doctoral students in Management Policy and Community Health who are currently working on their dissertation. The seminar is a venue for students to present and discuss their work in a supportive environment of peers and faculty. Faculty may also present ongoing research.

Prerequisites: Management, Policy and Community Health doctoral students (Dr.P.H. or Ph.D.) near or post‐qualifying exams.

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PH 3998 Special Topics in Management, Policy and Community Health
Credits:

Topics vary from semester to semester and provide in depth study of various public health issues. Previous topics have included: Community Mental Health Community: The Basis for Public Health Policy; Competition and the Health System; Contemporary Issues in Management; Decision Making Under Uncertainty; Design, Health and Environment; Diversity in the Modern Organization; Drugs and Society; Economics of Mental Health; Epidemiology and the Law; Epidemiology-based Decision-Making; Fundamentals of Population Health; Health Care Reform in the U. S.; Law and the Elderly; Legal Issues in Public Health; Obesity and Public Health; Organizing for Safety in High-Hazard Industries; Public Health Leadership; Public Finance; Politics of Community Health; Qualitative Policy Analysis; The New Public Health.

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PH 3999 Individual Study in Management, Policy and Community Health
Credits: 1-9

A plan of study is determined for each participating student and supervised by a member of the Management, Policy and Community Health faculty. May be repeated for credit.

Global Health Concentration

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PH 5610 Global Health Overview
Credits: 3

This course will present an overview of the issues that are affecting the living conditions and the health status of low income country residents, and the local and global responses to these problems. Throughout the semester students will develop an understanding of global and international health through the discussion of sub‐themes, including the different meanings of globalization; population and demographics; assessment, health indicators, and epidemiology; immunizations, communicable and emerging diseases; war, conflict, refugees, migration and displacement; health systems; cultural differentiation; maternal and child health; food security and nutrition; trade agreements, agriculture and pharmaceuticals; environmental health and pollution; urban health and the development of mega‐cities; and economic development.

This course is required for students enrolled in the Global Health concentration.

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PH 5611 Health and Development
Credits:

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PH 5612 Global Health Seminar
Credits: 1

This weekly seminar is presented by faculty, students, and Visiting Professors, and varies in subject matter, depending on current events as well as the special expertise and experience of presenters.

This course is required for students enrolled in the Global Health concentration.

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PH 5613 Critical Cinema for Public Health
Credits:

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PH 5998 Special Topics in Global Health
Credits: 1

The following elective courses offer opportunities to focus on a variety of Global Health issues. The courses offered may vary from year to year. PH 1115 Health Survey Research Design PH 1233 Public Health Nutrition PH 1242 AIDS: Global Socioeconomic and Political Contexts PH 1250 Genital, Sexual and Reproductive Public Health PH 1350 Multicultural Populations and Public Health Research PH 1410 Addictive Behavior PH 2125 Medical Geography PH 2230 Water Environment PH 2280 Public Health Microbiology I: Tropical Viruses and Human Parasites PH 2290 Immunology PH 2615 Field Research Methods in Epidemiology PH 2730 Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases PH 3812 Comparative Healthcare Systems: Policy Challenges and Economic Perspectives PH 3823 Global Issues in Pregnancy and Perinatal Health PH 3922 Economic and Social Determinants of Health PH 5611 Health and Development PH 5613 Critical Cinema for Public Health

All Divisions

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PH 9997 Practicum
Credits: 1-9

A practicum is determined by the student and advisor, and supervised by a member of the Division faculty.

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PH 9998 Culminating Experience/Thesis Research
Credits: 1-9

Thesis research is determined by the student with approval of the student's advisory committee. May be repeated for credit.

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PH 9999 Dissertation Research
Credits: 1-9

Dissertation research is determined by the student with approval of the student's advisory committee. May be repeated for credit.