Impact Lives

PBHL 6411 Biological Aspects of Public Health

Credits: 
4

Discover the relationship between the health of our environment and the health of the population.

Format: Online
Duration: 8 weeks

In the world of public health care, biology plays a significant role in identifying the causes of diseases, how they are transmitted and how they can be controlled. In PBHL 6411 Biological Aspects of Public Health, you'll explore environmental concerns, the scientific basis for prevention, including vaccination and the human behaviors that affect the health of a community.

This course tackles the major issues that challenge public health, including chronic inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases and lifestyle risks that can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetics and addictions. Weekly discussion topics will engage you and your classmates in conversations that will enhance your learning experience and expand your knowledge of the public health field and its challenges.

Social media: Redefining communication, one tweet at a time.

Research shows that 60 percent of PhDs are active on at least one social media site, with 87 percent of active PhDs on Twitter, 56 percent on Facebook and 43 percent on YouTube. Throughout this course, you'll see many examples of how social media is expanding communication within the community and you will learn the five best practices that ensure a successful social media strategy.

*Source: Sample Week 6, Multimedia.

What You'll Learn in PBHL 6411 Biological Aspects of Public Health

This course covers the biological and molecular context of public health and its incorporation into public health practice. Coursework illustrates how biological, chemical and physical agents affect human health. You'll learn the ecological model of disease, as well as the impact of environmental factors on the health of the population.

You'll also explore the new frontiers in genetic biomarkers and their relevance to health and disease. You'll learn how genetic factors interact with environmental factors in causation and prognosis of multi-factorial diseases, and how advances in genetics have given rise to new challenges and opportunities for determining health policy.

Course Topics

Throughout this course, weekly topics may include but are not limited to:

  • Introduction to Biological Aspects of Public Health
  • Immunity and Inflammation
  • Disease Transmission
  • Disease Control and Prevention
  • Genetically and Environmentally Related Disease Processes
  • Cancer
  • Lifestyle Related Diseases and Mental Health
  • Biologic Processes

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of PBHL 6411 Biological Aspects of Public Health, you will be able to:

  • Apply biological principles to disease management, prevention and control.
  • Analyze the modes of transmission of infectious and noninfectious diseases.
  • Analyze the ways behavior alters human biology.
  • Analyze the effects of genetics and genomics on disease processes and public health policy and practice.
  • Develop biologically based approaches for public health interventions.
  • Communicate with other health professionals about the role of biology in public health.

Request More Information

To learn more about the online Master of Public Health/MS in Management and Organizational Behavior Dual Degree curriculum from Benedictine University call (866) 295-3104 to speak with a program manager or request more information.