Courses
Preparing Public Health Professionals for a Changing World
Public health education should do more than introduce students to foundational concepts: it should prepare them to think critically, solve complex problems, communicate effectively, and improve the health of diverse populations. My courses are intentionally designed to bridge theory and practice through evidence-based instruction, active learning, authentic assessment, and meaningful community engagement.
Every course is designed with
- Backward Design
- Constructive Alignment
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT)
PBH 101
Introduction to Public Health
Foundations of Population Health
PBH 101: Introduction to Public Health is an undergraduate survey course that introduces students to the history, philosophy, science, and practice of public health. The course provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding how biological, behavioral, environmental, social, economic, and political factors influence the health of individuals and populations.
Students examine the core functions of public health, including health promotion, disease prevention, epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, global health, emergency preparedness, and health equity. Through case studies, collaborative learning, data analysis, and community-based examples, students develop the analytical and professional skills necessary for future study and careers in public health.
By the end of the semester, students will have a broad understanding of population health principles and the role public health professionals play in improving the health and well-being of communities locally, nationally, and globally.
Course at a Glance
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Level Undergraduate
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Format Survey course
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Structure 15 instructional modules
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Focus Foundations of Population Health
Core topics
- Health promotion
- Disease prevention
- Epidemiology
- Environmental health
- Health policy
- Global health
- Emergency preparedness
- Health equity
Course Justification
At the heart of my teaching philosophy is a commitment to student-centered learning. I design courses that encourage students to take ownership of their education by engaging in discussion, problem-solving, collaboration, and reflection. Learning is most meaningful when students actively construct knowledge through authentic experiences rather than simply memorizing information.
PBH 101 serves as the gateway to the public health curriculum by providing students with the foundational knowledge and professional competencies necessary for advanced coursework and future practice. The course encourages students to explore public health from a systems perspective while developing cultural humility, ethical reasoning, leadership, and a commitment to health equity.
Through authentic learning experiences, students learn to connect classroom concepts with real-world public health challenges, preparing them to become informed practitioners and advocates for healthier communities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Explain the history, philosophy, and core functions of public health.
Describe the social determinants of health and their influence on population health.
Apply epidemiologic principles to investigate health problems.
Evaluate environmental, behavioral, and policy factors that affect health outcomes.
Analyze health disparities using evidence-based approaches.
Interpret public health data and communicate findings effectively.
Collaborate with peers to develop community-based public health solutions.
Demonstrate ethical reasoning and cultural humility in addressing population health issues.
Apply systems thinking to contemporary public health challenges.
Develop evidence-based recommendations that promote health equity and disease prevention.
Fifteen weeks
Weekly Schedule
The course is organized into fifteen instructional modules that progressively build students' understanding of public health.
Week 1
Introduction to Public Health
Week 9
Global Health
Week 2
History and Evolution of Public Health
Week 10
Public Health Ethics
Week 3
Social Determinants of Health
Week 11
Emergency Preparedness
Week 4
Epidemiology
Week 12
Community Health Assessment
Week 5
Environmental Health
Week 13
Public Health Leadership
Week 6
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Week 14
Future Challenges in Public Health
Week 7
Health Policy and Healthcare Systems
Week 15
Final Project Presentations and Course Reflection
Week 8
Midterm Review and Examination
How students learn
Learning Activities
Students participate in a variety of engaging instructional activities designed to reinforce course concepts and develop professional competencies.
Signature work
Assignments
I believe that meaningful education extends beyond the classroom. My public health projects demonstrate how teaching, research, and community partnerships can be integrated to address real-world public health challenges.
Major course assignments include:
Community Health Profile
Students analyze demographic, environmental, and health indicators for a selected community.
Public Health Issue Analysis
Students investigate a contemporary public health problem using scientific literature and epidemiologic data.
Health Promotion Campaign
Student teams design an evidence-based intervention addressing a community health concern.
Community Assessment Project
Students evaluate community assets, health challenges, and available public health resources before proposing practical recommendations.
Final Integrative Project
Students synthesize course concepts into a comprehensive public health solution addressing a real-world population health challenge.
Measuring learning
Assessment Strategy
Education should be responsive, creative, and continuously evolving. I apply the principles of Design Thinking to develop learning environments that are student-centered, flexible, and responsive to changing educational needs.
Assessment methods include:
- Class participation
- Discussion activities
- Reflection journals
- Knowledge checks
- Case study analyses
- Team projects
- Written reports
- Oral presentations
- Midterm examination
- Final integrative project
Transparent expectations
Grading Rubrics
Student success extends beyond classroom instruction. Each course provides resources that support academic achievement, professional development, and lifelong learning.
Rubrics evaluate areas such as:
- Content accuracy
- Critical thinking
- Application of evidence
- Data interpretation
- Professional communication
- Collaboration
- Organization
- APA formatting
- Reflection
- Professional presentation
This balanced assessment approach allows students multiple opportunities to demonstrate learning while receiving formative feedback throughout the semester.
Support for success
Student Resources
Education should be responsive, creative, and continuously evolving. I apply the principles of Design Thinking to develop learning environments that are student-centered, flexible, and responsive to changing educational needs.
Course Materials
- Weekly lecture slides
- Reading guides
- Supplemental articles
- Study guides
- Practice quizzes
- Instructional videos
Course Materials
- Office hours
- Assignment feedback
- Writing resources
- APA citation guides
- Library research support
Professional Development
- Public health career pathways
- Internship opportunities
- Graduate school resources
- Professional organizations
- Networking opportunities
- Certification information
Digital Learning Tools
- Canvas Learning Management System
- Interactive discussion forums
- Online quizzes
- Multimedia learning resources
- Accessibility tools
- Mobile-friendly course content
A growing catalog.
Future Courses
As my teaching portfolio continues to expand, this section will include additional undergraduate and graduate courses that reflect my interdisciplinary interests in public health education, research, and practice.
PBH 210 - Principles of Epidemiology
Explore the distribution and determinants of disease in populations while developing skills in epidemiologic investigation, study design, outbreak analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.
PBH 230 - Environmental Health
Examine how physical, chemical, biological, and built environments influence population health, with emphasis on environmental justice, climate change, occupational health, and healthy housing.
PBH 310 - Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Study behavioral science theories, health education strategies, program planning, and evidence-based interventions designed to improve health outcomes across diverse populations.
PBH 330 - Global Health
Investigate global patterns of disease, health systems, humanitarian response, sustainable development, and international efforts to reduce health inequities and improve population health worldwide.
PBH 360 - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Public Health
Learn to apply GIS technology, spatial analysis, and data visualization to identify health disparities, map community resources, and support evidence-based public health planning and decision-making.
PBH 410 - Public Health Leadership
Develop leadership competencies essential for managing organizations, leading interdisciplinary teams, shaping public policy, and advancing systems-level change through ethical, collaborative, and strategic decision-making.
A Growing Teaching Portfolio
My teaching portfolio will continue to evolve alongside my research, professional practice, and scholarly development. Each new course will reflect my commitment to evidence-based instruction, inclusive excellence, authentic assessment, and community-engaged learning. Together, these courses represent a comprehensive vision for educating future public health professionals who are prepared to lead with scientific rigor, compassion, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to advancing health equity.