The Drexel University School of Public Health is offering the first undergraduate public health course in the University’s history this term, school officials announced today. The course is being offered in partnership with the University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
|
|
Open to juniors and seniors at Drexel University, the course, " Principles of Epidemiology ," is being taught by Dr. Mary Hovinga, the associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Public Health and a faculty in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. It focuses on the historical and biological foundations of epidemiology, and explores topics such as infectious diseases, outbreak investigations and the standard methods of epidemiologic investigation and disease control. |
The launch of a new undergraduate course in public health at Drexel University is not only a milestone for the university, but is part of a growing movement of undergraduate public health education across the country.
"With the growing complexities and connectedness of health with the social, economic and political issues facing our country and the world, it is important for all undergraduate students to have some exposure to the field of public health – its purpose, philosophy and methods" said Dr. Hovinga. "In addition, undergraduate courses can provide a mechanism for more students to learn about public health as a career option and the opportunities it offers to help make a difference in today’s world."
Faculty from the School of Public Health will serve as guest speakers throughout the duration of the course. The speakers will include Dr. Jennifer Taylor, who will focus on injury epidemiology, as well as a class on the epidemiology of the HIV/AIDS epidemic led by Dr. Seth Welles.
As part of the course, students will work in groups to investigate a current controversy in public health and present their findings to the class as a pro vs con debate on the issue.
The goal of this initiative is to expand to at least three undergraduate courses which will represent a continuing public health presence in the undergraduate curriculum of the university. By offering these course choices the School will help foster the development of an educated citizenry who will be better able to understand, evaluate, and debate the public health issues of the present and the future.