Easing the burden of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease from Coursera

This course is multidisciplinary in nature, and aims to equip the global audience of interested lay people, people with chronic disease, public health researchers, health clinicians, students, administrators, and researchers to reflect on the overall impact of the burden of chronic disease . It shows how all chronic diseases (obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer) are related by a set of common causes, and that such diseases should be tackled, not individually, but as part of a complex system, with interrelated contributing factors. These factors are genetic, environmental, psychological, economic, social, developmental, and media related.

The Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney is a unique interdisciplinary education and research hub which seeks solutions to chronic disease through a complex systems approach. Academics in many disciplines (in Science and Medicine, but also in Architecture, Humanities, Law etc) work in a collaborative fashion to produce novel solutions to the problems of chronic disease. All contributors and participants in this course are members of the Charles Perkins Centre and will speak from the unique interdisciplinary perspective that this Centre affords.

The course will describe a complex systems approach as the most productive way to ease the burden of chronic disease. It then describes these diseases in detail, their risk factors, and the environmental and biological factors that have led to the current epidemic of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Finally, the solutions – and more importantly the process for finding solutions- is the subject of the last module. No one approach by itself can ever be the answer, and certainly not a simple diet and exercise approach.

The entire course consists of 5 content modules, plus an extra module for completing assignments and discussions, and takes about 6 weeks to complete. Completion certificates are issued on the basis of participation in all 6 modules.

What you'll learn:

- How the Charles Perkins Centre recruits interdisciplinary teams to ease the burden of chronic disease

- How a complex systems approach is necessary to provide solutions to a complex problem

- The fundamentals of chronic disease research and where it is heading

- The biggest risk factors for chronic disease and their global incidence

- The biological, genetic, social, regulatory, and other influences that have inflated these risk factors

- How to provide solutions globally for the reduction of chronic disease

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1 – Setting the Scene

This module looks at the impact of the increasing incidence globally of non-communicable, or chronic, diseases and how the Charles Perkins Centre is developing a new approach to this complex challenge.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops understanding of a variety of chronic diseases

Teaches an interdisciplinary perspective of chronic diseases

Provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of chronic diseases

Taught by instructors from the Charles Perkins Centre, known for their work in chronic diseases

Examines a range of risk factors for chronic diseases, including environmental and genetic influences

Requires students to complete assignments and participate in discussions to demonstrate understanding

Reviews summary

Interdisciplinary look at chronic disease burden

According to learners, this course offers a positive and unique interdisciplinary perspective on the burden of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, drawing heavily on the expertise from the Charles Perkins Centre. Students appreciate the broad overview it provides on the complex systems linking these diseases and their key risk factors. Many find the topic itself highly relevant and important, providing valuable insights into global health challenges. While some find the course accessible and a good foundation, others note that the depth may be limited for specialists or that the complexity can be challenging for those without a science background. Overall, it is viewed as a thought-provoking and well-structured exploration of a critical health issue.

Balancing complexity for diverse learners.

"I don't have a strong science background, but I could follow most of the concepts, though some biological parts were challenging."

"The material was explained clearly enough for a layperson like myself to grasp the core ideas."

"For someone with a medical background, some of the foundational science felt a bit basic, but the systems thinking was new and valuable."

"I think the course tries to cater to everyone, which is hard. Sometimes it felt too simple, sometimes too complex, depending on the module."

Good breadth, but some seek more depth.

"It gave me a really great overview of the complex issues, touching on many different aspects without getting lost in excessive detail."

"While the breadth is good, I felt that some areas could have gone into more depth, especially the 'Solutions' module."

"As a researcher, I found the systems approach interesting but needed more granular data and deeper dives into specific mechanisms."

"It's perfect if you need a broad understanding of the landscape, but if you are looking for advanced knowledge, you might find it introductory in parts."

Addresses a critical global health issue.

"The topic is incredibly relevant to current global health crises. It highlights the urgency and complexity of these diseases."

"Understanding the interconnectedness of obesity, diabetes, and CVD is crucial for anyone in public health or medicine. This course delivers on that."

"The course reinforced the importance of these diseases and gave me a better framework for thinking about their causes and potential solutions."

"I was motivated to take this course because of the sheer impact these diseases have worldwide, and the content lived up to that importance."

Highly praised for its unique perspective.

"I really appreciated the interdisciplinary approach taken by the Charles Perkins Centre. It was a breath of fresh air compared to typical medical courses."

"The course does a fantastic job of showing how various fields connect to address chronic disease. It’s not just science; it includes social, economic factors too."

"Learning about the systems approach from different academic viewpoints was insightful and broadened my understanding significantly."

"I found the perspective of combining different disciplines to tackle these health problems truly innovative and well-presented."

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 Easing the burden of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease with these activities:

Review statistics

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Refresh your knowledge of essential statistical concepts that will be covered in the course, such as probability, distributions, and hypothesis testing.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Review introductory statistics textbooks
Take online practice quizzes
Solve sample problems

Read 'The Social Determinants of Health'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and chronic disease outcomes.

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Read each chapter thoroughly
Identify key concepts and theories
Discuss the implications for research and practice

Practice writing research proposals

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Strengthen your ability to develop and articulate clear and compelling research proposals, which is crucial for success in the field of chronic disease research.

Browse courses on Research Design

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Identify a research question
Develop a hypothesis
Design a research plan
Write a proposal outline
Draft and revise your proposal

Six other activities

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Show all nine activities

Attend workshops on grant writing

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Acquire practical skills in grant writing, which is essential for securing funding for your future research projects.

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Identify relevant funding opportunities
Develop a research proposal
Write a compelling narrative
Submit your grant application

Develop a health promotion intervention

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Apply your knowledge of chronic disease prevention to design and implement a health promotion intervention that addresses a specific health issue.

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Identify a target population
Develop intervention materials
Implement the intervention
Evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention

Contribute to open-access databases

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Engage with the broader research community by contributing to open-access databases, which will enhance your understanding of chronic disease research.

Browse courses on Data Science

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Identify relevant databases
Prepare data for submission
Contribute data to the database

Volunteer at a local health clinic

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Gain firsthand experience with the challenges and complexities of addressing chronic disease in a community setting.

Browse courses on Public Health

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Identify a local health clinic
Contact the clinic and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend training and orientation
Provide support to patients and staff

Attend industry conferences

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Build connections with professionals in the field of chronic disease research, which will provide you with valuable insights and opportunities.

Browse courses on Networking

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Identify relevant industry conferences
Register and attend the conferences
Network with attendees
Follow up with potential collaborators

Mentor students interested in chronic disease research

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Share your knowledge and experience with students who are passionate about chronic disease research, fostering their future success in the field.

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Identify potential mentees
Establish clear goals and expectations
Provide guidance and support
Monitor progress and provide feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Easing the burden of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Health Educator

Health Educators develop and implement educational programs and materials to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. This course may be useful for Health Educators as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the latest approaches to prevention and treatment. The course's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Health Educators, who often work in teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Public Health Researcher

Public Health Researchers conduct research to identify and address the root causes of disease and promote health and well-being. This course may be useful for Public Health Researchers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the latest approaches to prevention and treatment. The course's emphasis on a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Public Health Researchers, as chronic diseases are often complex and multifactorial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Researcher

Health Communications Specialist

Health Communications Specialists develop and implement communication campaigns to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. This course may be useful for Health Communications Specialists as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the latest approaches to prevention and treatment. The course's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Health Communications Specialists, who often work in teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Specialist

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the latest approaches to prevention and treatment. The course's emphasis on a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Health Policy Analysts, as chronic diseases are often complex and multifactorial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Health Coach

Health Coaches partner with individuals and groups to help them make healthy lifestyle changes and achieve their health goals. This course may be useful for Health Coaches as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the latest approaches to prevention and treatment. The course's emphasis on a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Health Coaches, as chronic diseases are often complex and multifactorial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Coach

Health Services Manager

Health Services Managers plan, organize, and direct the delivery of health care services. This course may be useful for Health Services Managers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the latest approaches to prevention and treatment. The course's emphasis on a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Health Services Managers, as chronic diseases are often complex and multifactorial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Services Manager

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians design and analyze studies to evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions. This course may be useful for Biostatisticians as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the latest approaches to prevention and treatment. The course's emphasis on a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Biostatisticians, as chronic diseases are often complex and multifactorial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease in populations. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the latest approaches to prevention and treatment. The course's emphasis on a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Epidemiologists, as chronic diseases are often complex and multifactorial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Nutritionist

Nutritionists help people make healthy eating choices and manage their weight. This course may be useful for Nutritionists as it provides comprehensive information on the causes, risk factors, and prevention of obesity and diabetes. The course's emphasis on a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Nutritionists, as obesity and diabetes are often complex and multifactorial conditions.

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Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitians are food and nutrition experts who help people make healthy eating choices and manage their weight. This course may be useful for Registered Dietitians as it provides comprehensive information on the causes, risk factors, and prevention of obesity and diabetes. The course's emphasis on a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Registered Dietitians, as obesity and diabetes are often complex and multifactorial conditions.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers develop and write educational and informational materials about health and medical topics. This course may be useful for Medical Writers as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the latest approaches to prevention and treatment. The course's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Medical Writers, who often work in teams.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They also help patients manage their medications and monitor their health. This course may be useful for Pharmacists as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the latest approaches to prevention and treatment. The course's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Pharmacists, who often work in teams.

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Cardiologist

Cardiologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. This course may be useful for Cardiologists as it provides in-depth information on the causes, risk factors, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The course's emphasis on a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Cardiologists, as cardiovascular disease is often a complex and multifactorial condition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cardiologist

Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, and hormone imbalances. This course may be useful for Endocrinologists as it provides in-depth information on the causes, risk factors, and treatment of obesity and diabetes. The course's emphasis on a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Endocrinologists, as endocrine disorders can often be complex and multifactorial.

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Primary Care Physician

Primary Care Physicians are responsible for providing comprehensive healthcare to patients of all ages and backgrounds. They diagnose and treat illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and provide preventive care and health education. This course may be useful for Primary Care Physicians as it provides a comprehensive overview of the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the latest approaches to prevention and treatment. The course's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and a complex systems approach to healthcare may also be particularly relevant to Primary Care Physicians, who often work in teams and need to consider the multiple factors that can contribute to a patient's health.

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Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Easing the burden of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

A History of Population Health

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the health of nations, including a discussion of the global burden of chronic diseases. It would be a useful reference for healthcare professionals and policymakers working in this field.

A History of Population Health Rise and Fall of...

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Data-Driven Quality Improvement and Sustainability...

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Provides a thought-provoking discussion of the future of public health, with a focus on the need to address the global burden of chronic diseases. It would be useful as a reference for healthcare professionals and policymakers working in this field.

Data-Driven Quality Improvement and Sustainability...

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Occupational Therapy

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Examines the social determinants of health, with a focus on their role in the global burden of chronic diseases. It would be a useful reference for healthcare professionals and policymakers working in this field.

Occupational Therapy: Performance, Participation,...

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Occupational Therapy: Performance, Participation,...

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Transformative Nursing in the NICU, Second Edition

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Examines the politics of health, with a focus on the role of government in addressing the global burden of chronic diseases. It would be useful as a reference for healthcare professionals and policymakers working in this field.

Transformative Nursing in the NICU, Second Edition:...

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Encyclopedia of World Geography

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Examines the environmental determinants of health, with a focus on their role in the global burden of chronic diseases. It would be useful as a reference for healthcare professionals and policymakers working in this field.

Encyclopedia Of World Geography (Facts on File...

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WHO Advisory Committee on Variola Virus Research

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This report provides a comprehensive overview of the health of the world's population, including a discussion of the global burden of chronic diseases. It would be useful as a reference for healthcare professionals and policymakers working in this field.

WHO Advisory Committee on Variola Virus Research

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WHO Advisory Committee on Variola Virus Research

Kindle Edition

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Employee Experience, Occupational Health, and...

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This journal publishes high-quality research on a wide range of health topics, including chronic diseases. It would be a useful source of information for healthcare professionals and policymakers working in this field.

Employee Experience, Occupational Health, and...

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Employee Experience, Occupational Health, and...

Kindle Edition

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