Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Principles of Biology or equivalent

An introductory course in biological principles intended for non-majors. Emphasis on scientific method; chemistry of life; interpretation of data; morphology and physiology of animals and plants; genetics; and current biological problems. Meets the general education requirement for natural sciences. (3 units)

Fundamentals of Chemistry or equivalent

A review of fundamental topics in chemistry including units of measurements, classifications of matter, atomic and molecular structure, bonding, the periodic table, chemical reactions, solutions, gases, and energy. (3 units)

Composition

This is a process-based writing class that focuses on academic writing, reading, and critical thinking as expressed in expository and analytical writing assignments through 5 to 7 substantial essays over the course of the semester. Develops fluency, coherence, style, effectiveness, and literary analysis. Students must pass this course with a C- or better or demonstrate a comparable level of writing competence to fulfill general competency requirements and to proceed to ENG 123 - Intermediate Composition. Students may only earn credit for ENG 113 or ENG 113E - Composition Enriched with Lab. (3 units)

Intermediate Composition

Continued practice in writing and research strategies, with emphasis on critical thinking, information literacy, argument, analysis, and interpretation of multicultural and interdisciplinary readings. Includes the writing of a major research paper in addition to several shorter essays. Students may earn credit for either ENG 123 or ENG 123E - Intermediate Composition Enriched with Lab. Prerequisite: ENG 113 with a grade of C- or better or evidence of comparable level of writing competency. Note: Students must successfully complete this course with a grade of C- or better to fulfill general education requirements and to begin any literature course. (3 units)

Intermediate Algebra or equivalent

This course satisfies the math competency for the general education requirements. It will include instruction in the following areas; roots and radicals, quadratic equations and inequalities, graphing relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities, and matrices and determinants. Prerequisite: MAT 095 or sufficient SAT, ACT or math placement exam scores. (3 units)

General Psychology

This introductory course is a survey of the processes of adjustment, growth, learning, remembering, perception, sensation, socialization, and emotions. It is meant to better equip students to understand and articulate their own life experiences, as well as improve their understanding of the behavior of others. This course is a prerequisite to all other courses in Psychology. (3 units)

Introduction to Public Health

This course provides an introduction to public health concepts and practice by examining the philosophy, purpose, history, organization, functions, tools and activities and results of public health practice. Case studies and a variety of practice-related exercises serve as a basis for student?s participation in real world public health problem-solving simulations. (3.0 units)

Survey of U.S. Health Care Delivery

The course is designed to provide the students with a basic foundation in the ways in which health care is delivered to patients in the United States. The course will explore the matrix of insurance companies, financing, patient rights, and physician liabilities as it creates a contemporary illustration of how environmental factors influence and shape our current system. The primary foci will be the delivery, financing, and regulation of healthcare in the US. (3 units)

Ethics in Health Care

This course provides grounding in ethical theories and principles as they relate to and impact current health care issues and policies. Students are introduced to a variety of frameworks for ethical decision-making and policy analysis. Current trends in the contemporary health care arena are analyzed through the use of case studies. Recent health care issues are presented including euthanasia, fertility interventions, mental illness, genetic engineering, multicultural issues, economics, public policy, professional ethical codes, and other relevant topics. (3 units)

Introduction to Statistics

Mathematical theory and applications, development of formulae, principles of statistical decision theory, descriptive measurements, probability concepts, random variables, normal distribution, inferential statistics, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, chi-squared procedures, linear regression, and the use of computers in statistics. Prerequisite: MAT 115 or sufficient SAT, ACT or math placement exam scores and appropriate high school mathematics background. (3 units)

Principles of Health Education

This is an introductory course that overviews principles of health education. Health education is an academic area that fosters the acquisition of skills and competencies to assist individuals, families, and communities to make informed decisions related to health. This course will introduce students to Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential that is nationally recognized by National Commission on Health Education Credentialing, and will be a fundamental course for students who are preparing for the CHES exam. (3.0 units)

Epidemiology

Principles and methods used to investigate the distribution, determinants, and prevention strategies for disease in human populations. Major topics include: disease classification, measures of disease frequency and relative effect, comparisons and contrasts of analytic study designs, methods used to isolate effects, statistical significance testing, interpretation of results, and screening for latent disease. (3 units)

Pathophysiology for Public Health

This course introduces students to the basic pathogenesis of disease in human beings. The course will describe the most common disorders as they relate to each major body system while exploring the etiology, risk factors, diagnostic and prognostic procedures of each disease. This course also studies the pathology and general health management of disease and injuries across the human lifespan. (3.0 units)

Introduction to Environmental and Occupational Health

In-depth discussion and analysis of the physical, chemical and biological hazards found in the environment and health risks associated with workplace and community exposure to them. Risks to special populations and mechanisms of reducing or controlling these risks are discussed. (3 units)

Public Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Intervention

This course will discuss approaches to health promotion and disease prevention intervention in different setting, using varied strategies, and for different target groups. It is intended to be practical in nature focusing on the specifics of intervention development and delivery and how these might vary across settings, behaviors and strategies. Prerequisite: HSC 306. (3.0 units)

Public Health Nutrition and Physical Activity

This course introduces concepts of nutrition as they relate to nutritional needs, practices and problems throughout the life cycle, nutritional counseling and education of individuals/groups toward health promotion and disease prevention. This course also introduces knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to lead participants in gaining the skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors required to lead physically active lifestyles. (3.0 units)

Curriculum Design in Health Education

This course introduces the theories and skills necessary to develop health education curricula based on analysis of individual, community, and societal needs and interests. Prerequisites: HSC 301 and Junior or Senior status. (3.0 units)

Planning and Evaluating Health Education and Health Promotion Programs

This course addresses the use of planning models and diagnostic techniques to design, deliver, and evaluate health education programs in a variety of settings: school, worksite, medical care, and community groups. It will also study the steps in the educational process: conducting behavioral and educational diagnoses; setting behavioral and educational objectives; selecting appropriate intervention strategies; integration and application of behavioral and education theories to interventions; instructional delivery and design skills; and evaluation of education results. (3 units)

Research Methods

This course provides an introduction to clinical research design with statistical analysis. The emphasis will be on the student designing her or his practical research project by the end of the semester. Content would include developing the research question, choosing the (1) study design, (2) study subjects, (3) measurements (independent and dependent variables), data management (including designing the data collection form) and statistical analysis (including sample size estimation and power), ethical issues, implementation, and publication of results. Prerequisites: STA 144, and Junior or Senior status. (3 units)

Contemporary Health Issues

Major areas include personal, family, and community health, including the effects of alcohol, dangerous drugs and narcotics, degenerative and infectious diseases, and tobacco on the human body. Exploration of community resources related to health issues is offered. Meets California Teacher Credential requirements. (3 units)

Overview of the Bible

A general survey of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian writings (New Testament) with special emphasis to the religious and national life of the Hebrew people, the life of Jesus, and the development of the early church. An Online and Professional Studies requirement for Online and Professional Studies degree programs only. (3 units)

Foundations of Christian Thought

An introduction and primer to Christian theology with special emphasis on identifying the importance and development of a Christian worldview, understanding the doctrine of scripture and biblical authority, learning to do theology, comprehending the relationship between truth, faith and reason, and applying a biblical worldview to the Christian life. (3 units)