Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health from Coursera

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Syllabus

Introduction to Planetary Health

The field of planetary health is based on the idea that the health of humans is dependent on the health of Earth’s natural systems. This module introduces the concept of planetary health and explains how it can be used as a framework for understanding other social determinants of health. The first lesson provides an overview of planetary health as a discipline, paradigm and movement. Lesson two explores the Indigenous origins of planetary health, and how the Great Acceleration has rapidly increased anthropogenic changes to the environment. Finally, in lesson three, we examine how planetary health addresses environmental determinants of health.

Values and Sources of Knowledge

Module 2 builds on what you learned in the previous module, as we take a more in depth look at planetary boundaries and the key data supporting our current understanding of planetary health. Climate change is not the only issue we are facing, and in lesson two, we investigate the broad range of environmental issues caused by humans and the resulting human health impacts of these disruptions. In lesson three, we take a look at the 12 cross-cutting principles of planetary health education which define the guiding themes and values of the emerging field. These principles provide a foundation for the growing interest and efforts in the field. We wrap up this module by looking at sources of planetary health knowledge, as we begin to reflect on how we can all take action in improving planetary health.

Action and Movement Building

In this module, we will explore movement building and emerging evidence-based planetary health solutions as we discuss how to combat the complex environmental issues covered in previous modules. Lesson one introduces the idea of The Great Transition, which will require innovation across fields and collaboration across social sectors to address planetary health concerns. We will also review organizations focused on evidence-based climate change solutions. In lesson two, we will analyze strategies for organizing an effective movement to enact widespread planetary health initiatives that will create change on a global scale. While the issue of planetary health can seem overwhelming, lesson three offers reasons to be hopeful for the future, as we consider the changes we can make in our own life to address planetary health issues.

Foresight

The purpose of this module is to introduce the concept of futures literacy and foresight leadership as people tackle the challenges of planetary health initiatives. People who want to bridge innovations across contexts must become time-conscious, future literate and embrace the dynamics of appreciation, influence and agency as they navigate change and transformation efforts. The development of futures literacy involves attention to the development and cultivation of futures thinking and foresight leadership. In part one, foresight is defined and several types of foresight leadership styles are described. In part two, strategies to develop foresight leadership are described and people are invited to apply futures thinking and foresight principles and practices to planetary health initiatives.

Data Applications: Regression Analysis and Scatter Plot Visualization

This module will focus on analyzing, displaying and interpreting social determinants of health data, with a particular focus on predicting health outcomes based on various social determinants of health and environmental variables. Lesson one will provide an overview of regression analysis and scatter plot visualization. In lesson two, we will learn how to conduct regression analyses and create scatter plots in R. Using the NHANES dataset, we will predict general health status based on age, BIPOC, marital status, education, household size, income, insurance, BMI, depression, smoker, and drinks/day. Using the Omaha System dataset, we will predict final status score based on baseline status score, BIPOC, marstat and social determinant of health variables. Finally, we will discuss how to interpret the results of our analysis as we visualize our findings using line graphs and scatter plots.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines important topics related to climate change, planetary health, and health disparities, which is highly relevant to contemporary issues

Taught by experts in both nursing and environmental health, who are recognized for their work in the field

Develops essential knowledge and skills for those working in public health and sustainability

Provides foundational knowledge for those new to the field of planetary health

Teaches methods for evaluating the health impacts of environmental factors

Requires extensive background knowledge in public health or environmental science for full comprehension

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 Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health with these activities:

Compile Introductory Materials

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Having all of the mandatory materials ready before the course begins to prepare you for success.

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Gather course syllabus, textbooks, and other required materials.
Review syllabus to become familiar with course structure.
Read assigned chapters in textbooks.

Apply Statistical Regression Concepts

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Statistics knowledge and skill are essential tools for conducting health related research, and taking an active role in the practice of planetary health.

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Review basic statistical concepts.
Practice solving regression problems.
Use statistical software to conduct regression analysis.

Create a Health Impact Assessment

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Simulation of real-world requirements to create a health impact assessment which is a required component of health policy and environmental health research.

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Identify a health issue and its potential environmental causes.
Gather data on the health issue and environmental factors.
Analyze the data to identify the relationship between the health issue and environmental factors.
Develop recommendations to reduce or eliminate the health risks.

Two other activities

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Create a Sustainability Plan for Your Community

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Developing a plan for sustainability is a capstone project that will require you to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex environmental issues within health care.

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Define stakeholders and engage them in a collaborative partnership.
Develop a baseline assessment of your community's sustainability.
Set goals to improve sustainability in your community.
Identify strategies and actions to achieve your sustainability goals.
Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of your sustainability plan.

Develop a Planetary Health Policy Brief

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By creating a policy brief, you will take on the role of health professionals who provide evidence-based policy solutions to complex problems.

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Identify a planetary health issue.
Research the issue in depth.
Examine the roles of health systems in promoting planetary health.
Analyze current policies and make recommendations for new or revised policies.
Write a policy brief.

Career center

Learners who complete Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Public Health Analyst

A Public Health Analyst investigates and analyzes public health problems and develops programs to address them. Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health would be a useful course for this role because it provides an overview of how social and environmental factors affect health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Analyst

Sustainability Scientist

A Sustainability Scientist researches and develops solutions to sustainability challenges. They work to create a more sustainable world for future generations. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health would be helpful for a Sustainability Scientist because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that affect health. Additionally, the module on Foresight would be helpful for developing strategies to address future sustainability challenges.

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Environmental Health Scientist

An Environmental Health Scientist works to protect public and environmental health. They research, identify, evaluate, control, and oversee environmental hazards that may affect human and environmental health. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health course could be helpful for one in this career role because it provides an introduction to planetary health and how it relates to human health. Additionally, the module on Data Applications: Regression Analysis and Scatter Plot Visualization would be helpful for analyzing and interpreting environmental health data.

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Public Policy Analyst

A Public Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and makes recommendations on public policy issues. They work to improve the lives of people and communities. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health would be helpful for a Public Policy Analyst because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that affect health. Additionally, the module on Action and Movement Building would be helpful for developing strategies to influence public policy.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems. They work to protect the environment and human health. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health would be helpful for an Environmental Engineer because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that can affect health. Additionally, the module on Data Applications: Regression Analysis and Scatter Plot Visualization would be helpful for analyzing and interpreting environmental data.

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Climate Change Analyst

A Climate Change Analyst researches and analyzes the effects of climate change on human and environmental systems. They also develop and implement plans to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health would be helpful for a Climate Change Analyst because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that can affect health.

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Health Educator

A Health Educator develops, implements, and evaluates health education programs and materials to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health would be helpful for a Health Educator because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that can affect health.

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International Development Specialist

An International Development Specialist works to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They work on a variety of issues, including health, education, and economic development. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health would be helpful for an International Development Specialist because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that affect health in developing countries.

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Urban Planner

An Urban Planner designs and manages the physical development of cities and towns. They work to create sustainable and livable communities. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health course would be useful for an Urban Planner because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that affect health.

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Environmental Lawyer

An Environmental Lawyer specializes in environmental law and helps to protect the environment and human health. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health would be helpful for an Environmental Lawyer because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that can affect health.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people navigate social systems and access resources to improve their well-being. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health would be useful for a Social Worker because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that can affect health.

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Environmental Consultant

An Environmental Consultant helps businesses and organizations understand and comply with environmental regulations. They also develop and implement plans to reduce environmental impact. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health would be helpful for an Environmental Consultant because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that can affect health.

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Geographer

A Geographer studies the physical and human geography of the Earth. They use their knowledge to understand and solve problems related to the environment, society, and the economy. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health course could be helpful for a Geographer because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that affect health.

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Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist investigates the causes and patterns of disease and other health problems in human populations. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health may be useful for an Epidemiologist because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that affect health.

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Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager develops and implements sustainability programs and initiatives for businesses and organizations. The Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health may be useful for a Sustainability Manager because it provides an overview of the social and environmental factors that affect health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager