Major Courses

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; As offered and Online)

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; As offered and Online)

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; As offered and Online)

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. (3 units; Fall, Spring, and Online)

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; As offered and Online)

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; Fall and Online)

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; As offered and Online)

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; As offered and Online)

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; As offered and Online)

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; Online)

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; Online)

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; As offered and Online)

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; As offered and Online)

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; Fall, Spring, and Online)