HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS - PART 2 : Theories, models and tools from Coursera

This MOOC is the second part (out of three parts) of the whole MOOC on Healthy Urban Systems. These PART II is very recommended (but not obliged) to take after the PART I and before the PART III. Once you understood the main concepts and visions of Urban Health, and the best practices of observation in PART I, you are ready to think about theories and to practice models for this PART II.

This PART II lasts 4 weeks, comprising two modules of 2 weeks each. The number of credits is 2 ECTS. To obtain these credits, you should achieve all the statements required each week. The final elaboration of a model (in the Holistic System Analysis & Modelling© software) on your proper urban health question, will be specifically evaluated.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome and introduction

WEEK 1 : Theoretical frameworks to conceive models of urban health systems - PART 1

WEEK 2 : Theoretical frameworks to conceive models of urban health systems - PART 2

WEEK 3 : Tools for Modeling - PART 1

WEEK 4 : Tools for Modeling - PART 2

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores theoretical frameworks for conceiving models of urban health systems, which is essential for designing effective interventions and policies

Requires completion of Part 1, which may pose a barrier to entry for learners without prior knowledge of urban health concepts and best practices

Involves the final elaboration of a model using the Holistic System Analysis & Modelling© software, which may require access to specific software and training

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 HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS - PART 2 : Theories, models and tools with these activities:

Review Systems Thinking Concepts

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Reviewing systems thinking concepts will provide a solid foundation for understanding the theoretical frameworks used in urban health modeling.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Read introductory materials on systems thinking.
Identify key concepts like feedback loops and stocks/flows.
Practice drawing simple causal loop diagrams.

Read 'Thinking in Systems: A Primer' by Donella H. Meadows

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Reading this book will provide a strong foundation in systems thinking, which is crucial for understanding the course material.

View Thinking in Systems: International Bestseller on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Thinking in Systems: A Primer'.
Read the book, focusing on the core concepts.
Take notes on key ideas and examples.

Discuss Urban Health Models with Peers

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Discussing urban health models with peers will help you solidify your understanding and gain different perspectives.

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Form a study group with other students.
Choose a specific urban health model to discuss.
Share your understanding and ask questions.

Four other activities

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Create a Causal Loop Diagram of an Urban Health Issue

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Creating a causal loop diagram will help you visualize the relationships between different factors affecting urban health.

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Choose an urban health issue (e.g., air pollution, obesity).
Identify the key variables involved.
Draw a causal loop diagram showing the relationships.
Explain the dynamics of the diagram.

Develop a Simple System Dynamics Model

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Developing a system dynamics model will allow you to simulate the behavior of an urban health system over time.

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Choose a specific urban health issue to model.
Identify the key stocks, flows, and feedback loops.
Build a simple model using a system dynamics software.
Run simulations and analyze the results.

Read 'Urban Health: Global Perspectives' by Sandro Galea

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Reading this book will broaden your understanding of urban health issues and provide a global perspective.

View Public Health: An Introduction to the Science... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Urban Health: Global Perspectives'.
Read the book, focusing on the topics relevant to your interests.
Take notes on key ideas and examples.

Present Your Urban Health Model

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Presenting your urban health model will help you communicate your understanding and receive feedback from others.

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Prepare a presentation summarizing your model.
Practice your presentation.
Present your model to a group of peers or colleagues.
Solicit feedback and answer questions.

Career center

Learners who complete HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS - PART 2 : Theories, models and tools will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Urban Planner

An Urban Planner develops plans for the growth and revitalization of cities, which includes considering the health and well-being of the city's inhabitants. This course, focusing on theories and models of urban health systems, directly complements the work of an urban planner. Specifically, the course's emphasis on theoretical frameworks and modeling tools helps an urban planner to create more effective and health-focused urban designs. The course material on the holistic system analysis and evaluation of models will be particularly relevant to the day-to-day of an urban planner, which involves creating, testing, and refining various plans. Therefore, this course is a strong option for anyone working or wishing to work in urban planning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts scholarly research in various fields, including public health, and often utilize models. This course, which covers the theoretical frameworks and modeling tools of urban health systems, is strongly connected to the work of a research scientist. The course's focus on the evaluation of models in health is particularly relevant to research, as is the practical application of holistic system analysis. The course's emphasis on applying models to urban health questions will help a research scientist develop their research skills. A research scientist may find this to be a beneficial course, particularly one seeking to conduct research in urban health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Public Health Analyst

A Public Health Analyst analyzes data and creates reports to inform public health policies and programs; this often includes the study of urban health. This course, with its focus on theoretical frameworks and modeling tools for urban health systems, can be very useful for a public health analyst. The course's emphasis on the application of models and theory to real-world urban health challenges, as well as the practical focus on evaluating health models, aligns well with the work of a public health analyst. The course's focus on holistic system analysis and modeling is especially relevant. A prospective public health analyst may find the course to be very beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Analyst

Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist studies the patterns, causes, and effects of health conditions in populations, which includes urban settings. This course, which discusses the theories and models of urban health systems, is highly relevant to the work of an epidemiologist. The course's focus on system analysis and modeling directly aligns with the research and analytical tasks of an epidemiologist. The emphasis on applying models to health questions in urban settings makes this course particularly useful. An epidemiologist will find much to apply to their work in this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Urban Designer

An Urban Designer creates design concepts and plans for urban spaces, which incorporates the health and well being of the city's inhabitants. This course, which covers the theories and models of urban health systems, will be valuable to an urban designer. The course's focus on urban health modeling will help an urban designer who needs a framework for creating healthier environments. The course's emphasis on system analysis and modeling directly connects to the design process. Those seeking to enter a career in urban design may find this course to be very beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Designer

Environmental Health Specialist

An Environmental Health Specialist focuses on the impact of environmental factors on public health, which includes urban environments. This course, which discusses theoretical frameworks and modeling tools for urban health systems, greatly complements the work of an environmental health specialist, especially those who focus on city environments. The course content surrounding system analysis and modeling may be particularly valuable in this career role. The course helps build a foundation in the methodologies and approaches utilized by professionals within the field. Those who anticipate a career as an environmental health specialist may find this to be a beneficial course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Specialist

Sustainability Analyst

A Sustainability Analyst assesses and develops strategies for sustainable practices. This increasingly includes urban settings, and also overlaps with public health. This course on urban health systems could be very useful for a sustainability analyst. The course content surrounding system analysis and modeling will be relevant as a sustainability analyst seeks to create models and plan for healthier cities. The course's specific approach to urban health can help add valuable insights. A person working or aspiring to work as a sustainability analyst may find this course to be fruitful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst evaluates and develops policies, often with a focus on public health, which includes the unique challenges of urban areas. This course may be useful for a policy analyst, especially those who wish to specialize in urban health. This course, which covers the theoretical frameworks and modeling tools used in urban health systems, will help inform the decisions of a policy analyst. The course's focus on real-world urban health questions can inform policy recommendations. For a policy analyst working in urban settings, this course provides relevant background.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Health Program Manager

A Health Program Manager plans, implements, and evaluates health programs, often in specific community environments. This course may be useful to a health program manager by providing a strong background for those who work in urban settings. The course's emphasis on urban health systems and the practical application of models will help a program manager build more effective programs. The course provides a foundation in system analysis which benefits program management. Those who wish to pursue a career in health program management may find this to be a beneficial course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Program Manager

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist analyzes large datasets, develops data models, and interprets data to provide insights; they often work in public health. This course may be useful for a data scientist, especially those who are interested in the health field. This course allows the data scientist to better understand the health context to which they are applying their data tools. This course's focus on models and systems can enhance a data scientist's expertise in health contexts. While this course is not primarily oriented toward data science, there is a useful alignment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Health Consultant

A Health Consultant provides expert advice to organizations, often around population health strategies. This course may be useful for a health consultant, specifically for those who will work in urban contexts. The course's focus on urban health systems, using theoretical models and practical tools, allows a health consultant to better understand the complexities involved in urban health. The course content on holistic system analysis and modeling in health can be valuable to a health consultant. Those interested in health consulting may find value in this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Consultant

Community Health Educator

A Community Health Educator develops and implements health programs within communities, and this often includes urban settings. This course may be useful for a community health educator who wishes to work in urban environments. This course, which focuses on the theoretical frameworks and modeling tools of urban health systems, helps inform a community health educator's approach. While a community health educator may not directly use models, this course provides a deeper understanding of the systems they work with. A community health educator may find this course to be quite beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Educator

Geographic Information Systems Specialist

A Geographic Information Systems Specialist uses mapping and spatial analysis to study patterns and trends, which includes the patterns of health. This course may be useful to a geographic information systems specialist who works in the health field. The course's focus on urban health systems offers a context for applying spatial analyses. The course gives a strong background in urban health models. A person working or aspiring to work in geographic information systems may find that this course will be valuable to their skillset.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographic Information Systems Specialist

Health Informatics Specialist

A Health Informatics Specialist is responsible for the planning, implementation, and maintenance of health information systems. While this course does not focus on data, it may be useful for a health informatics specialist who wishes to understand the models and systems being analyzed by those in health fields. This course, which discusses the theoretical frameworks and modeling of urban health systems, allows a specialist to better understand the contexts to which they are designing information systems. The course will provide valuable background knowledge in urban health. A professional in health informatics can expect to benefit from the perspective offered in this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Informatics Specialist

Social Worker

A Social Worker provides support and resources to people in need, and this often includes the study of health in urban communities. This course may be useful for a social worker who works in urban environments; it can help inform a social worker's understanding of larger health systems. While a social worker does not directly use models, this course provides a deeper understanding of the context of the community. This course offers a useful background for social workers in urban areas. Therefore a social worker may find this course to be valuable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS - PART 2

Theories, models and tools

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