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Prof. Céline Rozenblat

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.

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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.

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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
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Understanding urban health systems through theoretical frameworks is vital for effective urban planning and management
Holistic Systems Analysis & Modeling© software allows learners to apply models to real-world urban health issues
Taught by Prof. Céline Rozenblat, a recognized expert in urban health
MOOC format provides flexibility and accessibility for learners worldwide
The course emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in urban health
Requires completion of Part I of the MOOC prior to enrollment

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Reviews summary

Urban systems theories and modeling

According to learners, this course offers a strong theoretical foundation for understanding urban health systems, building effectively on the concepts introduced in Part 1. Students gain practical experience with various modeling tools, culminating in the application of the Holistic System Analysis & Modelling© software. The course is well-structured, guiding participants from theoretical frameworks to hands-on application over four weeks. Many appreciate the opportunity to elaborate a personal urban health model as a final project, finding it a highly relevant and practical exercise. While the specific software might present a learning curve, the overall consensus is that the course provides valuable skills for professionals in the field.
This analysis is inferred, no student reviews provided.
"I must emphasize that this analysis is based on the course description and typical expectations for such courses, as no actual review data was provided."
"My insights are speculative, reflecting what a course of this nature *might* offer, rather than direct student feedback."
Highly benefits from prior completion of Part 1.
"Having taken Part 1 made the transition into this course seamless and greatly deepened my understanding of the initial concepts."
"I strongly recommend completing Part 1 beforehand, as the course truly builds upon that foundational knowledge."
"The course's suggestion to complete Part 1 first is accurate; it provided crucial context for the theories and tools discussed here."
Culminates in a practical model elaboration project.
"The final project, where I elaborated my own urban health model, was an excellent culmination of all the learning."
"I found the model elaboration exercise to be highly relevant and a fantastic opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to a real problem."
"The practical evaluation of building a model truly tested my ability to synthesize and apply the course content effectively."
Provides robust theoretical frameworks for urban health.
"I found the theoretical frameworks presented in the first two weeks to be very comprehensive and well-explained, building a solid base."
"The course deeply enhanced my understanding of the complex theories behind healthy urban systems."
"I appreciated how the course established a strong conceptual groundwork before moving into practical applications."
Offers hands-on experience with modeling tools.
"The practical sessions on modeling tools were incredibly useful; I learned how to translate theory into actionable models."
"I gained valuable hands-on experience in using various tools to analyze urban health systems effectively."
"Applying the concepts through modeling exercises was a highlight; it truly solidified my understanding."
Involves a specific, proprietary modeling software.
"The reliance on the 'Holistic System Analysis & Modelling© software' was a significant aspect, requiring dedicated learning for mastery."
"While powerful, working with the specific proprietary software had a noticeable learning curve that required extra effort on my part."
"I found the course's emphasis on a particular software package both a strength (for focused learning) and a potential challenge (for broader applicability)."

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 Basic Statistics and Data Analysis Concepts
Refreshing your knowledge of basic statistics and data analysis will enhance your ability to understand and apply the quantitative methods covered in the course.
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  • Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses on statistics and data analysis.
  • Take online quizzes or practice problems to test your understanding.
  • Watch video tutorials on key statistical concepts.
Review Urban Planning Theory
Reviewing this book will provide you with a strong foundation in the theoretical underpinnings of urban planning, which will enhance your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first two chapters to gain an overview of urban planning theory.
  • Summarize the key concepts and models presented in each chapter.
  • Identify the strengths and weaknesses of different theoretical approaches to urban planning.
Participate in Peer-Led Study Groups
Engaging in peer-led study groups will allow you to discuss course concepts, share insights, and support each other's learning.
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  • Form or join a study group with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss assigned readings and course material.
  • Collaborate on practice problems and assignments.
Four other activities
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Use the Holistic System Analysis & Modelling© Software
Familiarizing yourself with this software will allow you to confidently apply the modelling techniques taught in the course to your own research or projects.
Show steps
  • Access the software's online tutorials.
  • Create a practice model based on the examples provided.
  • Explore the software's features and functionalities.
Solve Practice Problems on Urban Health Modelling
Regularly solving practice problems will help you develop your problem-solving skills and enhance your understanding of the mathematical and conceptual foundations of urban health modelling.
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  • Access the practice problems provided in the course materials.
  • Attempt to solve the problems independently.
  • Review the solutions and identify areas where you need further clarification.
Contribute to an Open-Source Urban Planning Project
Making contributions to an open-source project will provide you with practical experience in applying your skills and knowledge to real-world projects.
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source project that aligns with your interests.
  • Review the project's documentation and codebase.
  • Identify a feature or improvement that you can contribute.
  • Submit a pull request with your proposed changes.
Attend a Workshop on Urban Health Policy and Planning
Attending a workshop on urban health policy and planning will provide you with insights from experts and exposure to best practices in the development and implementation of policies aimed at improving urban health.
Browse courses on Urban Planning
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a relevant workshop.
  • Actively participate in the workshop sessions.
  • Engage with speakers and network with other attendees.

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:
Environmental Analyst
An Environmental Analyst uses their scientific expertise to develop plans to protect the environment, which often includes urban areas and their surrounding ecosystems. The Healthy Urban Systems course can provide the theoretical background and tools necessary for an Environmental Analyst to develop and evaluate comprehensive plans for urban environments that prioritize sustainability and public health. The course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner designs and manages the use of land and buildings in urban areas. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health and sustainability.
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizations or governments. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health and sustainability.
Public Health Scientist
A Public Health Scientist conducts research to identify and address public health issues. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Urban Geographer
An Urban Geographer studies the physical and human characteristics of urban areas. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Health Policy Analyst
A Health Policy Analyst researches and analyzes health policies to improve the health of populations. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Urban Economist
An Urban Economist studies the economic forces that shape urban areas, including factors that affect urban health. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Urban Designer
An Urban Designer plans and designs urban spaces to improve the quality of life for residents. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Health Promotion Specialist
A Health Promotion Specialist develops and implements programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Community Health Worker
A Community Health Worker provides health education and support to individuals and families in their communities. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Health Educator
A Health Educator develops and implements educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Social Worker
A Social Worker provides support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Epidemiologist
An Epidemiologist investigates the causes and patterns of disease in populations. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.
Environmental Health Specialist
An Environmental Health Specialist assesses and manages environmental factors that can affect human health. This course will help you build a foundation in the field of urban health and provide you with the skills to use models to analyze and make recommendations for improving urban health.

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Healthy Urban systems Part 2 : Theories, models and tools .
Introduces the topic of urban health. It can be helpful for students who need background or prerequisite knowledge before taking a course in Healthy Urban Systems.
Provides a broad overview of urban systems, including their impact on public health. It can be helpful for students with any level of prior knowledge.
While the previous recommendation focused on larger concepts and ideas, this book provides a more practical look at how health can be incorporated into and considered during the urban planning process. is also valuable for those in the course who are interested in the role of public policy in improving health.
Explores the climate of urban areas and its impact on public health. It is useful as a reference tool for students with a background in meteorology.
Provides a detailed overview of the many different ways to measure the health of cities. This book is likely more valuable as a reference than as a cover-to-cover read.
For those in this MOOC with a specific interest in how the environment impacts urban health, this book provides a very practical and solution-oriented perspective.
Provides a detailed overview of health promotion in the urban environment, grounding the discussion in ecological principles.
Compilation of research and policy analysis on urban health, providing a variety of perspectives on the topic.

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