Data to Advance Population Health: Global Perspectives from Coursera

In this course, you will learn about methodologies that support the successful data use to strengthen public health programs and policies. Experts from around the world will define and explain what population-level data is, introduce the data-generation-to-use cycle, and explain other considerations for successful data use for population health. You will also learn about how health services data can be used to inform population-level decision-making, and the application of a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Our overarching goal for this course is to support and improve the use of data to inform policy.

The course is the result of a collaboration among multiple partners, including Vital Strategies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the World Health Organization. This course was funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, with co-funding from the Australian government and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

What's inside

Syllabus

Using Data to Advance Health

Building Capacity for Data Use

Making an Impact with Data

Data Use for Policy and Action

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Poses barriers for learners who are not in the public health domain

Is an excellent choice for both beginners and intermediate learners in the public health domain

Features instructors who are experts in the public health field

Offers a good foundation in data use for public health

May be useful for those working in public health policy

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 Data to Advance Population Health: Global Perspectives with these activities:

Review basic statistical principles

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Reviewing these basics will ensure a smoother experience in learning about data.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Review your notes or the course textbook from any previous course you took in statistics.
Go through practice questions and exercises.

Online tutorials on data analysis

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Following online tutorials on data analysis will help you learn the tools and techniques used in population health.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Find online tutorials on data analysis that are relevant to your course.
Complete the tutorials at your own pace.

Volunteer at a public health organization

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Volunteering at a public health organization will let you observe the practical applications of the principles and data you learn in this course.

Browse courses on Public Health

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Find a public health organization that interests you.
Apply for a volunteer position.
Be a committed and reliable volunteer.

Four other activities

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Study group

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Discussing materials with others can improve your understanding of data usage principles.

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Form a study group with a few classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.

Data visualization practice

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Having adequate practice with visualizing data will prepare you to visualize data for population health policies.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a dataset.
Create a variety of visualizations using different software or tools.

Presentation on data use for policy

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A presentation on the process will help you consider the factors involved and best practices for data use.

Browse courses on Data Use

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Research and gather information about data use for policy.
Identify the key principles and best practices.
Develop a presentation that is visually appealing and easy to understand.

Write a blog post on a population health topic

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Writing a blog post on a population health topic will help you synthesize your knowledge and think critically about the issues.

Browse courses on Population Health

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Research a population health topic.
Develop a thesis statement.
Write a blog post that is informative and engaging.

Career center

Learners who complete Data to Advance Population Health: Global Perspectives will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Public Health Analyst

Public Health Analysts use data to improve the health of the public. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Public Health Analyst in their career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Data Scientist in their career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Population Health Manager

Population Health Managers use data to improve the health of populations. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Population Health Manager in their career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Population Health Manager

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists use data to investigate and control diseases. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel an Epidemiologist in their career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Health Education Specialist

Health Education Specialists use data to promote health and prevent disease. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Health Education Specialist in their career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Education Specialist

Health Policy Analyst

A Health Policy Analyst uses data to inform health policy. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Health Policy Analyst in their career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists use data to investigate and control environmental hazards. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel an Environmental Health Scientist in their career.

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Occupational Health Nurse

Occupational Health Nurses use data to protect workers from health hazards. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel an Occupational Health Nurse in their career.

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Health Communicator

Health Communicators use data to communicate health information to the public. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Health Communicator in their career.

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Physician

Physicians use data to diagnose and treat diseases. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Physician in their career.

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Social Worker

Social Workers use data to help people improve their lives. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Social Worker in their career.

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Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitians use data to promote healthy eating. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Registered Dietitian in their career.

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Health Services Manager

Health Services Managers use data to manage health care organizations. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Health Services Manager in their career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Services Manager

Pharmacist

Pharmacists use data to help people take medications safely and effectively. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Pharmacist in their career.

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Health Insurance Agent

Health Insurance Agents use data to help people find health insurance plans. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Health Insurance Agent in their career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Insurance Agent