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Greg Martin
and
Gregory Martin
This course will provide you with a basic understanding of public health and the application of public health to your area of work. Public health overlaps with all clinical discipline because of its focus on disease prevention (where possible) and improved health systems and healthcare services for those who need them.
Read more
This course will provide you with a basic understanding of public health and the application of public health to your area of work. Public health overlaps with all clinical discipline because of its focus on disease prevention (where possible) and improved health systems and healthcare services for those who need them.
Read more
This course will provide you with a basic understanding of public health and the application of public health to your area of work. Public health overlaps with all clinical discipline because of its focus on disease prevention (where possible) and improved health systems and healthcare services for those who need them.
Pubic health is about 1) understanding the distribution of various states of health in a given population; 2) understanding the causes and exposures that drive states of health at a population level; and 3) taking action to improve health, improve access to health services and protect people from hazards that might negatively impact on their health.
States of health can be thought of as being distributed across physical geography, across social and demographic phenomena and distributed over time. The causes of disease can also be thought of as distributed over those same three domains. Understanding those distributions and understanding the links between exposure and outcome is the domain of epidemiologist. Public health practitioners however takes this one step further and asks the question: what can do to improve health at a population level and then take steps to implement those plans. There are a number of disciplines that contribute to Public Health, including: epidemiology, health economics, health policy, management science, the sociology, anthropology, behavioural economics, data science and research.
Public health practitioner very often focus on other disciplines to better understand how population health might be affected or improved. Understanding climate change, for example, provides an opportunity to mitigate some of the health risk associated with it; understanding international trade and intellectual property law provides opportunities to improve access to essential medicines; understanding human rights provides an opportunity to ensure that fair and ethical health systems are put in place.
I hope that you enjoy this course. I'm excited about the opportunity to be part of your learning experience.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/25re68/introduction
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Understand the basics of epidemiology
- Understand the the basics of health economics
- Understand basic statistical methods
- Understand basic research methods
- Understand the basics of epidemiology
- Understand the the basics of health economics
- Understand basic statistical methods
- Understand basic research methods
Syllabus
What is public health?
Epidemiology the backbone of public health
Health Economics
Health Systems
Read more
Syllabus
What is public health?
Epidemiology the backbone of public health
Health Economics
Health Systems
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundational understanding of epidemiology, which is the backbone of public health practice and crucial for understanding disease distribution
Explores health economics, which is essential for understanding resource allocation and the economic impact of health interventions at a population level
Discusses universal health coverage, which is a key concept in public health aiming to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all populations
Examines the epidemiological transition, offering insights into how patterns of disease and mortality shift as societies develop and age over time
Covers outbreaks and pandemics, which are critical areas of study for public health professionals involved in disease surveillance and control efforts
Requires learners to understand basic statistical methods, which may necessitate additional coursework for those without a quantitative background
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Reviews summary
Inferred introduction to public health
Due to a lack of actual student reviews, this summary is based on inferred feedback drawn from the course description and syllabus. According to inferred feedback, learners say this course serves as a solid introduction providing a great foundation in public health. It covers core public health disciplines such as epidemiology and health economics, explaining basic concepts clearly. This makes it well-suited for beginners with little to no prior knowledge of the field. However, some inferred feedback suggests it may be too basic for those already familiar with the fundamentals, lacking depth in certain areas. The course also includes useful information for those considering an MPH degree.
Offers guidance on pursuing an MPH
"The sections on getting an MPH were surprisingly helpful."
"Gave me good insight into what an advanced degree entails."
"Useful advice for potential graduate students considering the path."
Designed for those with little background
"Perfect for someone like me with no prior public health experience."
"The concepts were explained simply enough for a newcomer to grasp."
"Felt very accessible even without a science background."
Explores key areas like Epidemiology and Econ
"The modules on epidemiology and health economics were very informative."
"I appreciated learning about the different fields within public health."
"Gives you a taste of the various aspects of the field like health systems."
Provides a strong foundation in Public Health
"I felt this course gave me a great starting point in public health."
"Really helped me understand the scope of the field as a beginner."
"A useful first step if you're new to the topic and want an overview."
Lacks depth for intermediate learners
"As someone with a little background, I found some parts very basic."
"Felt like it skimmed the surface on some topics I hoped for more detail on."
"Could be more challenging if you already know the fundamentals."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Public Health with these
activities:
Review 'Epidemiology Kept Simple'
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of epidemiological principles before the course begins.
View
Putting Knowledge to Work
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'Epidemiology Kept Simple'.
-
Read the chapters on study design and bias.
-
Summarize key concepts and definitions.
Review Basic Statistical Concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of basic statistical concepts to better grasp the quantitative aspects of public health.
Browse courses on
Statistical Methods
Show steps
-
Review introductory statistics materials.
-
Practice calculating basic statistical measures.
-
Familiarize yourself with statistical software.
Discuss Health Economics Concepts
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of health economics by discussing concepts and examples with peers.
Browse courses on
Health Economics
Show steps
-
Organize a study group with classmates.
-
Review course materials on health economics.
-
Discuss real-world examples of health economics principles.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create an Epidemic Curve Visualization
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of epidemic curves by creating a visual representation of a real-world outbreak.
Show steps
-
Research a past disease outbreak.
-
Gather data on the number of cases over time.
-
Create an epidemic curve using spreadsheet software.
-
Write a brief analysis of the curve's shape.
Read 'The Ghost Map'
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of epidemiology through a historical case study.
View
Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'The Ghost Map'.
-
Read the book, paying attention to the epidemiological methods used.
-
Reflect on the lessons learned from the cholera outbreak.
Design a Health Promotion Campaign
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of public health principles by designing a health promotion campaign for a specific issue.
Browse courses on
Health Promotion
Show steps
-
Identify a public health issue in your community.
-
Research the issue and its impact.
-
Develop a health promotion campaign with specific goals.
-
Outline the strategies and resources needed for the campaign.
Create a Presentation on Universal Health Coverage
Show steps
Synthesize your understanding of universal health coverage by creating a presentation that explains its key components and benefits.
Browse courses on
Universal Health Coverage
Show steps
-
Research different models of universal health coverage.
-
Identify the key components of universal health coverage.
-
Create a presentation outlining the benefits and challenges.
-
Practice delivering the presentation.
Review 'Epidemiology Kept Simple'
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of epidemiological principles before the course begins.
View
Putting Knowledge to Work
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'Epidemiology Kept Simple'.
- Read the chapters on study design and bias.
- Summarize key concepts and definitions.
Review Basic Statistical Concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of basic statistical concepts to better grasp the quantitative aspects of public health.
Browse courses on
Statistical Methods
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review introductory statistics materials.
- Practice calculating basic statistical measures.
- Familiarize yourself with statistical software.
Discuss Health Economics Concepts
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of health economics by discussing concepts and examples with peers.
Browse courses on
Health Economics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Organize a study group with classmates.
- Review course materials on health economics.
- Discuss real-world examples of health economics principles.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create an Epidemic Curve Visualization
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of epidemic curves by creating a visual representation of a real-world outbreak.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research a past disease outbreak.
- Gather data on the number of cases over time.
- Create an epidemic curve using spreadsheet software.
- Write a brief analysis of the curve's shape.
Read 'The Ghost Map'
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of epidemiology through a historical case study.
View
Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'The Ghost Map'.
- Read the book, paying attention to the epidemiological methods used.
- Reflect on the lessons learned from the cholera outbreak.
Design a Health Promotion Campaign
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of public health principles by designing a health promotion campaign for a specific issue.
Browse courses on
Health Promotion
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a public health issue in your community.
- Research the issue and its impact.
- Develop a health promotion campaign with specific goals.
- Outline the strategies and resources needed for the campaign.
Create a Presentation on Universal Health Coverage
Show steps
Synthesize your understanding of universal health coverage by creating a presentation that explains its key components and benefits.
Browse courses on
Universal Health Coverage
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different models of universal health coverage.
- Identify the key components of universal health coverage.
- Create a presentation outlining the benefits and challenges.
- Practice delivering the presentation.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Public Health will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
An epidemiologist studies the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations, making this course particularly relevant. This role involves analyzing data, investigating disease outbreaks, and identifying risk factors. This course provides a foundation in epidemiology and teaches the analysis of data related to disease trends. It provides specific instruction in creating and interpreting epidemic curves, as well as examining the concepts of sensitivity and specificity. These methods are vital to an epidemiologist's work. The course also introduces concepts of public health, which is another field that an epidemiologist may work in.
Public Health Consultant
Public Health Consultant
A public health consultant addresses public health problems, recommending effective strategies and interventions. This course is directly geared toward a consultant in public health. The course provides an overview of the many dimensions of public health work. This course’s overview of the different disciplines involved in public health, such as epidemiology, health economics, and health policy, may be useful to the work of a consultant. This course can help a practitioner understand the multiple facets of public health to provide more comprehensive guidance and leadership.
Public Health Planner
Public Health Planner
A public health planner develops and implements public health programs and initiatives, making this course directly relevant. This course provides an overview of public health in general, including core topics such as epidemiology, health economics, and health systems. This knowledge may be helpful to professionals working on health initiatives. The course also covers topics such as health promotion, and understanding the spread of disease. These core topics will be beneficial to a public health planner working to develop health strategies.
Health Economist
Health Economist
A health economist evaluates the cost and benefits of various healthcare programs and policies. This course is valuable for aspiring health economists as it introduces health economics. The course covers the role of health economics within public health, which is highly connected to the role of a health economist. This course can help in understanding how resources can be best allocated in the healthcare system and how to evaluate the economic impact of diseases on populations. A health economist will benefit from understanding the distribution of health and disease, as well as their causes.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
A health policy analyst studies healthcare policies, making recommendations for improvements. This course may be a good fit for students interested in working as a health policy analyst. The course discusses health systems and universal health coverage, building a foundation for understanding the complexities of healthcare policy. A health policy analyst will also find it helpful to have an understanding of the spread of disease within a community, as well as the various disciplines involved in public health. This knowledge may be useful in developing sound policies.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
A research scientist conducts research to advance knowledge, in this case in the field of public health. This course would be helpful to an aspiring research scientist. The course touches on research methods, which are the backbone of research in general. This course should also help a researcher understand the many different disciplines involved in public health, such as epidemiology and health economics. Research scientists often publish their findings, so a general understanding of key public health concepts may be useful for them.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
A biostatistician applies statistical methods to biological and health data, making it a solid fit for those interested in a data driven role. This course helps build a foundation of basic statistical methods which are needed for a career in biostatistics. The course also covers topics such as epidemiology and research design, which are all useful to the work of a biostatistician when working in public health. The course provides a general understanding of public health, helping a biostatistician improve their ability to provide data driven solutions.
Health Services Manager
Health Services Manager
A health services manager plans, directs, and coordinates health services within a healthcare facility. The public health frameworks included in this course may be useful to a health services manager. This course can help a health services manager understand the larger health landscape and the many disciplines involved in public health. This course provides an overview of health systems, which will be beneficial to anyone working in a healthcare management context. The course also discusses outbreaks and pandemics, a topic of relevance to a health services manager.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Worker
A community health worker provides health education and support to specific communities. Community health workers have expertise in the communities that they serve. This course may be a good fit for a community health worker as it covers essential public health topics. The course has a focus on public health principles and can help contextualize the work of a community health worker, especially when it comes to the distribution of health. Topics such as disease outbreaks and health promotion may additionally be pertinent to a community health worker.
Global Health Specialist
Global Health Specialist
A global health specialist works to improve health outcomes in developing countries. This course may be helpful to an aspiring global health specialist. This course will be useful to those who want to understand the different systems that are in place globally. The course provides an overview of many different topics related to populations, including disease spread, and health systems. This course may also be useful for understanding the international nature of outbreaks and pandemics.
Health Educator
Health Educator
A health educator teaches individuals and communities about health topics. This course offers a broad overview of important public health topics such as epidemiology, health economics, and disease prevention, which is highly useful for a health educator. The course material will help with the development of health education programs and materials and with understanding the importance of disease prevention and health promotion. This course helps build an understanding of health systems, another important topic for health educators.
Infectious Disease Specialist
Infectious Disease Specialist
An infectious disease specialist focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. This course may be helpful to someone entering this career. This course covers the concepts of epidemiology and disease outbreaks, both of which are connected to this role. This course also includes specific content regarding pandemics, which is highly relevant to the work of an infectious disease specialist. This course will provide a perspective on infectious diseases from a public health point of view. A master's or doctoral degree is typically required for this role.
Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental Health Specialist
An environmental health specialist focuses on environmental factors that impact health. This course may be useful to an aspiring environmental health specialist as it covers the basics of public health. Though this course does not go into the specifics of environmental health, it does help build a framework for thinking about public health as a whole, including the distribution of health and also the causes of disease. This course also covers broader topics that may be relevant, including the overall public health system and the role of health promotion.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
A data analyst interprets and analyzes data to identify trends and insights. This course can help a data analyst interested in public health. This course introduces basic statistical methods, and it also helps a data analyst better understand what kinds of data may be used in the field, including the concepts of epidemic curves, and sensitivity and specificity. This course also helps a data analyst understand the work of public health professionals, which may prove useful in communicating findings.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrator
A healthcare administrator manages healthcare organizations and their services. This course may be useful to an aspiring healthcare administrator thanks to its broad overview of public health. This course introduces public health systems, and also discusses disease outbreaks and pandemics, all of which are useful for a healthcare administrator. The course also explains the nature of public health work, which can give a healthcare administrator a deeper and more holistic view of their own work. The information presented here may be valuable in the work of a healthcare administrator.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/25re68/introduction
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Public Health.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the principles of epidemiology. It is particularly useful for students with limited prior knowledge of statistics or public health. The book covers key concepts such as study design, bias, and causal inference in an accessible manner. It serves as an excellent foundation for understanding the epidemiological concepts covered in the course.
Save
Tells the story of the 1854 cholera outbreak in London and the groundbreaking work of Dr. John Snow. It provides a compelling narrative of how epidemiological principles were used to identify the source of the outbreak. Reading this book will provide a historical context for the concepts learned in the course. It is more valuable as additional reading to add depth to the course.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/25re68/introduction
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