Introduction to Public Health
An introduction to basic and contemporary issues of public health, including tools of community-based health assessment, surveillance, health promotion, disease prevention, policy and ethics will be presented.  This course provides an overview in the diverse areas of public health practice.

Biostatistics I
Introductory topics in descriptive biostatistics and epidemiology, database principles, basic probability, diagnostic test statistics, tests of hypotheses, sample-size estimation, power of tests, frequency cross-tabulations, correlation, nonparametric tests, regression, randomization, multiple comparisons of means and analysis of variance for one- and two- factor experiments.

Biostatistics I
Introductory topics in descriptive biostatistics and epidemiology, database principles, basic probability, diagnostic test statistics, tests of hypotheses, sample-size estimation, power of tests, frequency cross-tabulations, correlation, nonparametric tests, regression, randomization, multiple comparisons of means and analysis of variance for one- and two- factor experiments.

The Health Care System
Analysis of system-wide issues related to the delivery of health in the United States, including organizational arrangements, financing, health status issues, health insurance, health manpower, cost of health care, quality of health care, access and regulatory issues.

Epidemiology I
An introduction to epidemiology and the basic principles and methods of epidemiological research and practice.  Overview of the history and the theoretical basis of epidemiology; measures of morbidity, mortality, disease transmission and risk; major study designs; measures of association; bias, confounding and interaction; evaluation of screening tests; inference; casualty. 

COPH Seminar Series
This course is designed to give students a broad overview of current topics in public health through ongoing seminar series sponsored by the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health and its partners.  The seminar series provides students an opportunity to learn about the diversity in public health research and practice, to apply their knowledge of public health concepts to a variety of topics, and to increase their professional network within the public health field.  (Requires prior approval of faculty advisor and course instructor.) 

Biology for Public Health:  Infectious Disease
This course addresses the biological principles of infectious disease as related to public health concerns.  It provides prerequisite knowledge of basic biological concepts that are key to understanding public health issues relating to infectious diseases.  It will serve as a tutorial for public health biology sub-competencies found in licensing examinations.

Preceptorship in Public Health
A minimum of 135 hours of field experience under the joint direction of a public health faculty member and a qualified specialist working in selected areas of public health.  A written report specifying activities, products, and outcomes of the experience is required upon completion of the preceptorship. The project must be undertaken during the semester registered for  Preceptorship. (Requires approval from preceptor, faculty course advisor, and specialty department chair or generalist committee.)

Public Health Integration Project
A culminating experience that requires the students to synthesize and integrate knowledge and apply theory and principles learned to an area of public health practice resulting in either preparations of a manuscript for publication or of a research proposal for submission.  The project must be undertaken during the semester registered for Integration Project. REQUIRES ATTENDANCE OF INTEGRATION PROJECT SEMINAR and a public presentation. (Requires approval of Integration Project Advisory Committee.)

Directed Study (1-6)
Provides an opportunity for students to engage in detailed study of a public health topic relevant to their program of study, with the guidance of a faculty supervisor. A completed and signed directed study contract is required at the time of registration. (Requires prior approval of faculty advisor and independent study faculty supervisor.)

Biostatistics III (Multivariate Analysis and Linear Models)
Multivariate linear models, survival analysis with covariates, repeated measures designs, principal components, factor analysis, clustering methods, and introduction to non-linear regression. Prerequisite: PBHL 5023:  Biostatistics II.

Nonparametric Methods
This course will provide an overview of nonparametric techniques with a primary focus on their application to healthcare data.  Appropriate techniques for one-sample and multi-sample data will be covered as well as the use of nonparametric  methods to assess correlation, independence, and linear relationships.  Students will learn when it is more appropriate to use a nonparametric approach instead of the usual parametric tests, and which techniques have been incorporated into popular statistical software.   Prerequisite: PBHL 5013: Biostatistics I.

Application of Microcomputers to Data Management and Analysis
Brief overview of software packages commonly used for data management and analysis that include Excel, Access, SPSS and Stata, followed by primary focus on use of SAS software in data management and recoding techniques. These include working with SAS libraries, inputting raw data, reading and writing from external files, using logical structures, using numerical and character functions, working with dates and using arrays. Course focuses on programming techniques with limited use of analytical procedures. Class activities include lecture/discussion and intensive programming work using SAS.  Prerequisite: Prior successful completion or concurrent enrollment in PBHL 5013:  Biostatistics I is recommended.

Regulation of Environmental Health
An up-to-date overview of the statutory basis for and aspects of governmental regulation of environmental hazards to public health.  Focuses on the relationships that exist between scientific aspects of environmental and occupational health and their application through the statutory framework and related governmental regulations in the public health arena.  (Same as INTX 5073).

Environmental Exposure Assessment
Quantitative introduction to the process of environmental exposure dose evaluation for inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption routes.  Particular attention is given to air contaminant measurement principles and interpretation of monitoring results.  Includes assessment and modeling of workplace, community and residential environments and the associated sources and pathways of chemical exposure. 

PBHL 5543
Jan Richter
Weekends: Friday 1:00-5:00pm; Saturday:  8:30am-3:30pm; Sunday: 1:00-5:00pm
October 9, 10 & 11; October 16, 17 & 18 and October 23, 24 & 25, 2009
COPH, room 1230/1250

PBHL 5623
Karen Kim Yeary/Martha Carle
Wed:  5:30-8:30pm
COPH, room 3252
 

PBHL 5643
Jan Richter
Weekends: Friday:  1:00-5:00pm; Saturday:  8:30am-3:30pm; Sunday:  1:00-5:00pm;
September 11, 12 & 13; September 18, 19 & 20; September 25, 26 & 27, 2009
COPH, room 1230/1250

Health Promotion in the School Setting
The focus of the course centers upon the role the public school can play in improving the health status of children and adolescents.  Emphasis is on the development, implementation and evaluation of a coordinated school health program designed to promote the health and well being of students and staff; and, includes an analysis of health services, healthful school environment, and comprehensive health education.   

Survey Research Methods
This course will provide students with a practical overview of survey research methods.  Topics to be covered include questionnaire and interview design; tailoring instruments for specific settings, populations, and methods of administration; reliability and validity; construction of scales and indices; sampling methods, assessing sampling bias, and maximizing response rates.

Technology for eHealth: Theory and Application
This course focuses on theories and practices involved in the development and implementation of public health informatics and eHealth programs to promote healthy behaviors within communities.  The course will prepare graduates to lead multidisciplinary research and development teams involved in eHealth programs.

Advanced Health Behavior Theory
This course will review the major theories of behavior change and explore the complex relationships between socio-demographic factors and theory constructs.  Students will gain substantial experience in designing behavioral theory-based public health interventions.  Prerequisites:  PBHL 5133:  Introduction to Health Behavior and Health Education or its equivalent; MPH student standing with a specialization in HBHE AND permission of instructor.  (Please contact Dr. Stewart via email to request permission prior to registering.)

Management of Health Care Organizations
Analysis of administrative practices in health organizations, including governmental agencies, health care institutions, and community clinics, with emphasis on administrative structure, roles of professionals and staff, and the health policy applicable to each. 

Introduction to Health Systems Financial Management
Basic accounting/financial principles and practices as applied to health institutions and agency administration; emphasis on budgeting, financial analysis, cost management, third-party reimbursement systems; working capital management; capital investment decisions, and management of financial risk. Prerequisite: PBHL: 5013 Biostatistics I.

Health Information Systems for Administrators
Course is designed to expose students to the purpose and value of health information systems.  Various components of such systems, how such systems are designed and how information provided by such systems can assist day-to-day operations as well as strategic planning.  Prerequisites: PBHL 5003: Introduction to Public Health; PBHL 5123: The Health Care System.

Public Health Law and Ethics
Introduction to the legal and ethical issues encountered in health policy and management. Course content includes: constitutional authority and limits on governmental intervention in public health (i.e., individual rights vs. society's rights); the functions of and interaction between courts, legislatures, regulators; the role of the courts in health policy and health care delivery; how to recognize legal issues and communicate with attorneys; how law will affect students as strategic thinkers in health care positions; how to apply basic tort and contract principles; and the process of public health regulation and potential legal barriers to public health strategies. Specific legal topics will vary, but will usually include: the nature and scope of public health authority; constitutional constraints on public health initiatives; liability; fraud and abuse; privacy and confidentiality; regulatory oversight of the health care system; legal requirements for access to health care; nondiscrimination; conflicts of interest; and a review of ethical and moral issues commonly faced in health care management. Prerequisites: PBHL 5003: Introduction to Public Health; PBHL 5123: The Health Care System.

Decision Analysis
Provides rational framework for decision-making in the delivery of health and public health services. Emphasizes basic modeling techniques and uses health care examples. Students become familiar with operations research techniques including inventory modeling, queuing, linear programming, computer simulation, PERT/CPM, network analysis, forecasting, and quality control. Students learn to use relevant software to solve health systems related decision making problems. Prerequisite: PBHL 5013: Biostatistics I.

Seminar in Human Resource Management
Variety of situations and techniques involved in the management of human resources in health care institutions, including ethics, recruitment, training and development, grievance procedures, wage and salary administration, affirmative action, labor unions, and professional credentials. Prerequisites: PBHL 5003: Introduction to Public Health; PBHL 5123: The Health Care System.

Child Health
Explores the role of child health programs and policies in the health system, with emphasis given to community health issues.  Programs at the local, state, and national levels will be addressed.  Also, international programs in both developing and developed countries will be discussed, with emphasis on models of problem-solving.

Hospital Administration
Hospital organization and management; emphasis on administration, medical staff, trustee relationships; provides an understanding of the diversity and complexity of the daily routine of a hospital administrator and clarifies the roles of various constituencies in hospital organizations.  Prerequisities:  PBHL 5143:  Management of Health Care Organizations; or permission of instructor.

Biostatistics I
Introductory topics in descriptive biostatistics and epidemiology, database principles, basic probability, diagnostic test statistics, tests of hypotheses, sample size estimation, power of tests, frequency cross-tabulations, correlation, nonparametric tests, regression, randomization, multiple comparisons of means and analysis of variance for one- and two- factor experiments.

Biostatistics I
Introductory topics in descriptive biostatistics and epidemiology, database principles, basic probability, diagnostic test statistics, tests of hypotheses, sample size estimation, power of tests, frequency cross-tabulations, correlation, nonparametric tests, regression, randomization, multiple comparisons of means and analysis of variance for one- and two- factor experiments.

The Health Care System
Analysis of system-wide issues related to the delivery of health in the United States, including organizational arrangements, financing, health status issues, health insurance, health manpower, cost of health care, quality of health care, access and regulatory issues.

Management of Health Care Organizations
Analysis of administrative practices in health organizations, including governmental agencies, health care institutions, and community clinics, with emphasis on administrative structure, roles of professionals and staff, and the health policy applicable to each.

Introduction to Health Systems Financial Management
Basic accounting/financial principles and practices as applied to health institutions and agency administration; emphasis on budgeting, financial analysis, cost management, third-party reimbursement systems; working capital management; capital investment decisions and management of financial risk. 

Health Information Systems for Administrators
Course is designed to expose students to the purpose and value of health information systems.  Various components of such systems, how such systems are designed and how information provided by such systems can assist day-to-day operations as well as strategic planning.  Prerequisites:  HSAD 5013:  Biostatistics I; HSAD 5123:  The Health Care System; or permission of instructor. 

Public Health Law and Ethics
Introduction to the legal and ethical issues encountered in health policy and management. Course content includes: constitutional authority and limits on governmental intervention in public health (i.e., individual rights vs. society's rights); the functions of and interaction between courts, legislatures, regulators; the role of the courts in health policy and health care delivery; how to recognize legal issues and communicate with attorneys; how law will affect students as strategic thinkers in health care positions; how to apply basic tort and contract principles; and the process of public health regulation and potential legal barriers to public health strategies. Specific legal topics will vary, but will usually include: the nature and scope of public health authority; constitutional constraints on public health initiatives; liability; fraud and abuse; privacy and confidentiality; regulatory oversight of the health care system; legal requirements for access to health care; nondiscrimination; conflicts of interest; and a review of ethical and moral issues commonly faced in health care management. Prerequisites: HSAD 5123: The Health Care System.

Decision Analysis
Provides rational framework for decision-making in the delivery of health and public health services.  Emphasizes basic modeling techniques and uses health care examples.  Students become familiar with operations research techniques including inventory modeling, queuing, linear programming, computer simulation, PERT/CPM, network analysis, forecasting, and quality control.  Students learn to use relevant software to solve health systems related decision making problems.  Prerequisites:  HSAD 5013:  Biostatistics I; HSAD 5143: Management of Health Care Organizations; or permission of instructor. 

Seminar in Human Resource Management
Variety of situations and techniques involved in the management of human resources in health care institutions, including ethics, recruitment, training and development, grievance procedures, wage and salary administration, affirmative action, labor unions, and professional credentials.  Prerequisites:  HSAD 5143:  Management of Health Care Organizations; or permission of instructor. 

Health Administration Residency
A three-month administrative residency in a health institution or agency; work experience under a qualified health administrator with selected field projects and written reports.

Advanced Health Behavior Theory
This course will review the major theories of behavior change and explore the complex relationships between socio-demographic factors and theory constructs.  Students will gain substantial experience in designing behavioral theory-based public health interventions. Prerequisites: PBHL 5133: Introduction to Health Behavior and Health Education or its equivalent; Doctoral student standing in the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health; or permission of instructor.

Advanced Public Health Policy and Management
This course provides an advanced examination of issues related to the development, implementation, and impact of public policies and health system management strategies on population health.  It will include an in-depth exploration of: (1) theories of policy development applied to health issues, including the often-competing influences of political, economic, and socio-cultural forces; (2) strategies for agenda-setting and policy formation in the health arena; (3) policy implementation and management approaches; (4) policy analysis methods and tools; and (5) policy and managerial decision-making strategies in health, including values-based and evidence-based perspectives; case studies of policy and managerial decisions made at national, state, and community levels will provide opportunities for in-depth discussion and analysis. Prerequisites: PBHL 5123: The Health Care System or its equivalent; Doctoral student standing in the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health; or permission of instructor.

Community-Based Public Health Program Design/Evaluation I
These courses are a two semester series integrating concepts of community-based program design and evaluation. This approach builds on the philosophy that evaluation should be considered simultaneously with program design.  This first course focuses on concepts and theories, and the second, on application.  The courses will be taught using an interdisciplinary approach with an emphasis on the community-based participatory model, although traditional and hybrid approaches will also be addressed.  Students will learn about social and structural issues affecting both communities and the effectiveness of community-based public health programs.  The role of the practitioner as a participant with communities in issue selection, data collection, and analysis will be examined to learn how to apply these concepts and methods to program design and implementation. A range of interventions, as well as the levels they target, will be described through illustrative case studies.  Evaluation frameworks and logic models will be studied, and formative, process, impact, and outcome evaluation purposes and techniques will be compared.  The role of both quantitative and qualitative methods will be explored. Prerequisites: Doctoral student standing in the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health; successful completion of three public health science core courses, including PBHL 9023: Advanced Health Behavior Theory or equivalent; PBHL 9473/5473: Health Services Research Methods or equivalent; or permission of instructor (s). Note: PBHL 9103: Community-Based Public Health Program Design/Evaluation (1) must be completed prior to registration for PBHL 9113: Community-Based Public Health Program Design/Evaluation (2).

Grantmanship and the Peer Review Process
This course provides information and cultivates skills required to develop grant applications supporting health programs and prevention research.  Relevant topics  include:  funding agencies and mechanisms, justifying proposals; rigorous assessment and intervention methods; and working on a research team.  Students will gain experience in writing funding proposals and creating program budgets.  Prerequisites:  Doctoral student standing in the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health; completion of public health science core courses; and PBHL 9473/5473:  Health Services Research Methods; or permission of instructor. 

Doctoral Practicum
The Doctoral Practicum consists of 270 hours of field experience under the joint direction of a COPH faculty member and a practicing professional with leadership experience in a public health institution.  A written report specifying activities, potential products, and outcomes of the experience is required upon completion of the practicum.  Prerequisites:  Doctoral student standing in the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health; completion of public health science core courses; completion of PBHL 9103:  Community-Based Public Health Program Design/Evanluation (1) and (2); or permission of the DrPH Faculty Leadership Chair. 

Doctoral Capstone Project
The Doctoral Capstone Project is a culminating experience that requires the student to synthesize and integrate knowledge by applying learned theories and principles to an area of public health practice relevant to the health needs of Arkansans.  A written product must be submitted and must take the form of a dissertation, "n" manuscript(s) that is/are suitable for publication in a national-level public health journal(s), a technical report with supplemental materials if applicable accompanied by a grant proposal, case study (ies) from initiation to completion/ethnography and/or other similar scholarly document approved of by the DrPH Faculty Leadership Chair and/or selected faculty advisor (s).  The written report must be presented and successfully defended.     Prerequisites:  PBHL 997V: Doctoral Practicum; PBHL 998V:  Doctoral Capstone Seminar and permission of the DrPH Faculty Leadership Chair.