One Health: A Ten-Thousand-Year-Old View into the Future from edX

Are you interested in understanding how global climate change will alter human society, animal health, and the environment? Are you curious about how these three things are interconnected?

This course focuses on what is happening right now in the Arctic, where climate change is accelerating twice as fast as the rest of the world. Understanding how Arctic ecosystems are adapting and collapsing can give us insight into future changes across the globe. While this course is focused on the Arctic, the principles and concepts in this course can be applied anywhere in the world.

Finding deep solutions to new challenges caused by climate change can’t be accomplished using only traditional fields of science, such as medicine or biology.

Addressing these issues effectively requires a novel approach, one that integrates knowledge across disciplines and cultures and recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. This concept, always central to the Indigenous worldview, has recently been recognized in Western science as One Health.

One Health was originally developed as a means of understanding how zoonotic diseases, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, arise.

Between 65% and 70% of emerging diseases in humans are of zoonotic origin. The way we impact our environment and how this influences human-animal interactions play a significant role in how these diseases develop and spread.
Health is more than the absence of disease and can be defined as a state of well-being for individuals and their communities. Under this definition, well-being encompasses physical, mental, behavioral, cultural, and spiritual health.
Applying this holistic approach to the One Health paradigm allows us to bring in expertise across natural and social sciences and connect Western science with traditional Indigenous ways of knowing.
Such a broad and deep integration of knowledge and experience provides opportunities for understanding large issues like food safety, security, and sovereignty at their roots, and for engaging stakeholders to build effective solutions.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Students who complete this course will:
Have a solid understanding of the one health concept
Be able to identify how one health can provide a lens through which to view a variety of challenging situations in human, animal, and environmental health
Explain how the one health approach can lead to sustainable solutions to critical issues facing communities in the circumpolar north and beyond
Students will also:

Explain the one health paradigm with a focus on the circumpolar north and global applications
Describe the ten thousand-year history of one health
Explore interrelationships between human, animal, and environmental health
Provide examples of challenges best addressed through the one health paradigm
Describe how traditional ways of knowing and western science can be used together to understand and manage one health issues

Students who complete this course will:
Have a solid understanding of the one health concept
Be able to identify how one health can provide a lens through which to view a variety of challenging situations in human, animal, and environmental health
Explain how the one health approach can lead to sustainable solutions to critical issues facing communities in the circumpolar north and beyond
Students will also:
Explain the one health paradigm with a focus on the circumpolar north and global applications
Describe the ten thousand-year history of one health
Explore interrelationships between human, animal, and environmental health
Provide examples of challenges best addressed through the one health paradigm
Describe how traditional ways of knowing and western science can be used together to understand and manage one health issues

Syllabus

Week 1: One Health Overview

Welcome to the Course

One Health Concepts

Indigenous Worldview

The Zen Venn Approach

Week 2: Human Health and Animal Health

Animal Health Introduction

Why Animal Health Matters

Human Health Introduction

Human Health - More than just the Absence of Disease

Week 3: Environmental Health - Our Role in the Ecosystem

Environmental Health

One Health and Climate Change

Biodiversity

Biocontaminants and Contaminant Monitoring

Week 4: Social Sciences in One Health

Social Sciences Introduction

One Health Paradigm

Role of Team Science in One Health

Collaboration in One Health

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops a solid understanding of the complex and interconnected nature of One Health, enabling learners to navigate the intricate relationships between human, animal, and environmental health

Provides a comprehensive understanding of the One Health concept and its applications in the Circumpolar North, offering valuable insights into global health challenges

Examines the interrelationships between human, animal, and environmental health, highlighting their impact on the well-being of communities in the Circumpolar North and beyond

Utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from natural and social sciences, as well as Indigenous ways of knowing, to provide a holistic understanding of One Health

Emphasizes the crucial role of collaboration and team science in addressing complex One Health issues, fostering a collaborative mindset among learners

Taught by experienced instructors Arleigh Reynolds, Hannah Robinson, Kelsey Nicholson, and Laurie Meythaler-Mullins, who bring diverse expertise in One Health and related fields

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 One Health: A Ten-Thousand-Year-Old View into the Future with these activities:

Review the principles of One Health

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Reviewing the key principles of One Health will provide a strong foundation for understanding the course material.

Browse courses on One Health

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Read the course syllabus and introductory materials.
Watch the first few lectures of the course.
Summarize the main concepts of One Health in your own words.

Review Zoonotic Diseases

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Reviewing Zoonotic Diseases will help provide context for the discussion in Week 1 of the course.

Browse courses on Zoonotic Diseases

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Read about Zoonotic Diseases on the CDC website
Summarize the transmission mechanisms of Zoonotic Diseases
Create a list of examples of Zoonotic Diseases

Review One Health Concepts

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Review existing knowledge of One Health Concepts to refresh your foundational understanding.

Browse courses on One Health

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Read articles and watch videos about One Health
Summarize the key concepts of One Health
Identify examples of One Health in practice

Four other activities

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Develop a One Health Project Proposal

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The One Health Project Proposal will provide an avenue to apply and practice the principles of One Health

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Identify a real-world problem that can be addressed with a One Health approach
Research the problem and develop a research question
Design a study to answer the research question
Write a project proposal

Analyze One Health Case Studies

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Solving One Health case studies will help you apply your understanding of One Health to real world scenarios.

Browse courses on One Health

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Review case studies provided in the course materials
Identify the key One Health concepts involved in each case study
Develop and evaluate solutions to the challenges presented in the case studies

One Health Resources Compilation

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The compilation will be a useful resource for students throughout the course.

Browse courses on One Health

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Review materials from the course including websites, videos, and articles
Identify the most relevant and informative resources
Create a document or spreadsheet to organize the resources

Develop a One Health Prevention Plan

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Creating your own One Health Prevention Plan will allow you to integrate your knowledge of One Health into a practical solution.

Browse courses on One Health

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Identify a specific One Health issue to focus on
Research the issue and its causes
Develop a comprehensive plan to address the issue
Present your plan to a group of peers for feedback

Career center

Learners who complete One Health: A Ten-Thousand-Year-Old View into the Future will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Veterinarian

Veterinarians are responsible for the health and well-being of animals. They diagnose and treat diseases, perform surgeries, and provide preventive care. This course can help veterinarians understand the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help veterinarians better prevent and treat diseases that can spread between animals and humans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interaction with human activities. They work to protect the environment and human health from pollution, climate change, and other environmental hazards. This course can help Environmental Scientists understand the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Environmental Scientists develop more effective strategies to protect the environment and human health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in humans. They provide preventive care and counsel patients on how to maintain good health. This course can help Physicians understand the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Physicians better prevent and treat diseases that can spread between animals and humans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

Public Health Officer

Public Health Officers are responsible for protecting the health of communities. They work to prevent and control diseases, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure access to healthcare. This course can help Public Health Officers understand the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Public Health Officers develop more effective strategies to protect the health of communities.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of diseases in populations. They work to identify and control outbreaks of disease and develop strategies to prevent future outbreaks. This course can help Epidemiologists understand the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Epidemiologists better identify and control outbreaks of diseases that can spread between animals and humans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the behavior, ecology, and conservation of wildlife populations. They work to protect wildlife and their habitats. This course can help Wildlife Biologists understand the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Wildlife Biologists better protect wildlife and their habitats from the impacts of human activities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists study the conservation of natural resources, such as forests, wetlands, and wildlife. They work to protect these resources from the impacts of human activities. This course can help Conservation Scientists understand the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Conservation Scientists develop more effective strategies to protect natural resources.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability programs for businesses and organizations. They work to reduce the environmental impact of these organizations and promote social responsibility. This course can help Sustainability Managers understand the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Sustainability Managers develop more effective sustainability programs.

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Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts study the effects of climate change on the environment and human societies. They work to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and adapt to its impacts. This course can help Climate Change Analysts understand the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Climate Change Analysts develop more effective strategies to protect human health from the effects of climate change.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the culture and behavior of humans. They work to understand the diversity of human societies and the ways in which humans have interacted with their environment throughout history. This course may be useful to Anthropologists who are interested in understanding the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Anthropologists better understand the ways in which human activities have impacted the health of humans, animals, and the environment.

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Historian

Historians study the past to understand the present. They work to uncover the causes and consequences of historical events and to interpret the meaning of the past. This course may be useful to Historians who are interested in understanding the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Historians better understand the ways in which human activities have impacted the health of humans, animals, and the environment throughout history.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and evaluate public policies. They work to ensure that policies are effective and efficient and that they meet the needs of the public. This course may be useful to Policy Analysts who are interested in developing policies to address the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Policy Analysts develop more effective policies to protect the health of humans, animals, and the environment.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. They work to make science accessible and understandable to everyone. This course may be useful to Science Writers who are interested in writing about the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Science Writers better communicate the importance of the One Health concept to the public.

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Educator

Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. They work to help students develop their knowledge and skills and to prepare them for the future. This course may be useful to Educators who are interested in teaching about the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Educators better prepare students to understand and address the challenges facing the planet.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers lead nonprofit organizations that work to address social and environmental problems. They work to develop and implement programs that make a positive impact on the community. This course may be useful to Nonprofit Managers who are interested in leading organizations that work to promote the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This understanding can help Nonprofit Managers develop more effective programs to protect the health of humans, animals, and the environment.

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