PH 410 Public Health Studies I: Current Topics and Politics

This course is intended to provide students with a means of evaluating the health impact of political decisions and a broad knowledge base about the practice of Public Health today.  Students will explore a range of current topics in public health – including COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and the obesity epidemic.  Students will also look at the impact of US politics on global public health, especially in developing nations.  Furthermore, this course will explore key topics such as the WHO’s Millennium Development Goals, the disastrous circumstances that can arise when Public Health Policies fail, and the conflict between data and political will that drives so much of Public Health policy decision making.  This course culminates in a project in which students must plan a Health Impact Assessment of a current or proposed federal or state policy.  This course is offered online through a consortium of accredited colleges and universities.  Instruction is provided by faculty employed by partner institutions within the consortium, with technology and administrative support provided by Rize Education.  Oversight of courses offered through the consortium are reviewed and approved by Upper Iowa University.  Students register through Upper Iowa University and receive academic credit from Upper Iowa University.  Rize courses may not be taken for electives.