Community Health Course Descriptions

HEPR-105. INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC & COMMUNITY HEALTH.  3:3:0
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of public and community health. The influence of public health professionals on the past, present and future health status of society through the examination of critical health issues will be described. Programming models, theories and policy development are included.
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-106. INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH BEHAVIOR.  3:3:0
This course examines the psychological, social-psychological, and sociological approaches to the development of health attitudes and behavior. The use of behavior change theories as a basis for the development of behavior change intervention programs.
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-108. PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH.  3:3:0
This course provides opportunity for study in personal and community health problems as well as steps that can be taken by individuals and groups to reduce risk of health problems for individuals, families, and communities. It also provides an introduction to the nature of community health services and resources.
Credit: three hours.

MVSC-191. UNIVERSITY SEMINAR I.  1:2:0
University Seminar is a two-semester General Education course sequence that develops academic skills including critical reading, thinking, writing, speaking, and computer and information literacy. The goals and objectives of the General Education Program are introduced in these courses and subsequently embedded across the curriculum in each of the majors and selected concentrations. Class activities provide each student with the opportunity to cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to become a life-long learner. A global, multi-cultural perspective is used to discuss moral and ethical issues, values, peer pressure, wellness, nutrition, and health issues. Other goals of this course are: knowledge of the University’s history, development of the sense of University community, and a shared common educational experience with other freshmen.
Credit: one hour.

MVSC-192. UNIVERSITY SEMINAR II.  1:1:0
University Seminar is a two-semester General Education course sequence that develops academic skills including critical reading, thinking, writing, speaking, and computer and information literacy. The goals and objectives of the General Education Program are introduced in these courses and subsequently embedded across the curriculum in each of the majors and selected concentrations. Class activities provide each student with the opportunity to cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to become a life-long learner. A global, multi-cultural perspective is used to discuss moral and ethical issues, values, peer pressure, wellness, nutrition, and health issues. The second semester course focuses on career and graduate school information, resume development, and development of communication skills. Other goals of this course are: knowledge of the University’s history, development of the sense of University community, and a shared common educational experience with other freshmen.
Credit: one hour.

HEPR-205. FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION & POLICY.  3:3:0
This course examines foundations and content of two professions, health education and public health, including history, mission, terminology, philosophy, ethical principles and scientific foundations. Emerging and reemerging threats to the public’s health will be discussed, as well as societal influences on health and health policy. Also addresses professional competencies and preparation, and the role of professional organizations.
Prerequisites: HEPR-105
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-210. HEALTH PROMOTION IN THE WORKPLACE.  3:3:0
The purpose of the course is to provide the student with an understanding of how to promote a healthy and safe workplace. The course examines occupational stress, occupational safety and health, women’s health, AIDS, violence, drugs, etc. The course includes lectures, discussions, speakers, and films.
Prerequisites: HEPR-105, HEPR-205
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-234. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES.  3:3:0
In-depth study of community health organization, including public health agencies. The course will examine the organization, governance, problems, services and programs of local, state, national and international organizations and agencies. Credit: three hours.
Prerequisite: Personal and Community Health.
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-236. SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE.  3:3:0
The study of the physical, mental, social and illegal implications of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs ad the nature and proper use of prescription drugs and nonprescription medications.
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-220. PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATICS & COMMUNICATION.  3:3:0
The course provides an overview of the development, design, and delivery process for public health communications and informatics. Students will gain both conceptual and theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience in a variety of communications, including instructional, clinical, technological, and communication-oriented. The course emphasizes various types of intervention and recipient factors that contribute to the success or failure.
Prerequisites: HEPR-105, HEPR-205
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-330. CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT.  3:3:0
Epidemiology, prevention and control of chronic disease (e.g. obesity, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, etc.) related to health and wellness. Students will examine risk factors, as well as preventive measured, as they relate to public health, individual management, and clinical interventions.
Prerequisites: HEPR-105, HEPR-205, Anatomy & Physiology II (MVSC 202 or BIOL 208)
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-331. OBSERVATION AND FIELDWORK.  3:0:3
Observation and fieldwork at selected health agency (Community Health major only).
Prerequisites: Personal and Community Health and Public and Community Health Services (may be taken concurrently).
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-332. CONSUMER HEALTH.  3:3:0
An in-depth study of the factors involved in the selection and evaluation of health services and products. Emphasis includes medical quackery, efficiently using health services, consumer protection, alternative and complementary therapies, food selection, and influences of advertising on consumer choices.
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-333. DISEASE AND INJURY PREVENTION.  3:3:0
This course provides study of occurrence and prevention of injuries. It also provides study in chronic and infectious diseases, including causation and prevention. Prerequisite: Personal and Community Health.
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-336. MENTAL HEALTH AND STRESS MANAGEMENT IN HEALTH PROMOTION.  3:3:0
This course focuses on issues relating to mental and emotional health, including stress and stress management. Services in the community are explored.
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-337. PROGRAMING PLANNING AND EVALUATION IN HEALTH EDUCATION AND PROMOTION I.  3:3:0
Needs assessment and planning for health education/promotion programs in a variety of settings. Consideration of issues relating to implementation of programs.
Prerequisites: Measurement and Evaluation in Health Promotion, Principles of Health Education.
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-339. HUMAN SEXUALITY.  3:3:0
The study of basic aspects of human sexuality, including human sexual response, development of sex roles and sexual lifestyles, reproduction and control of reproduction, AIDS and other STD’s and societal legal implications of sexuality.
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-340. BARRIERS TO HEALTHY LIFESTYLES.  3:3:0
This course provides students with an understanding of common barriers to healthy lifestyles through nutrition, physical activity, etc. The barriers are described using an ecological framework (intrapersonal, interpersonal, community/institution, and macro/public policy) to emphasize the need for multidimensional approaches that Public/Allied Health Professionals can use to help individuals overcome barriers.
Prerequisites: HEPR-105, HEPR-205
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-402. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY.  3:3:0
This course focuses on threats to the environment, effects on human health, regulation and enforcement, risk assessment, community action, and professional responsibilities.
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-410. COMMUNITY HEALTH ISSUES.  3:3:0
This course examines the most current issues in community health. Etiology and treatment options for common chronic and communicable diseases are discussed. Primary, secondary, and tertiary measures to prevent and treat conditions most prevalent at the community level are addressed.
Prerequisites: HEPR-105, HEPR-205
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-431. DESCRIPTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGY.  3:3:0
The study of disease and injury, including characteristics of person, place and time. Topics covered include the natural history of disease, models of diseases, individual diseases, measures of morbidity and mortality, and sources of data and indices of community health.
Credit: three hours.

HEPR-432. HEALTH PRACTICUM.  12:0:34
Off-campus senior capstone fields experience for community health majors. Students will be placed in community health agencies or public health facilities for field instruction. Students ate supervised and evaluated by the university staff and the cooperating agency staff. A minimum of 400 clock hours is required. A journal is required. Prerequisites: Senior Community Health majors with all other course work completed prior to this experience.
Credit: twelve hours.