Brigham Young University Idaho

Health Science Department

H.S.340/Introduction to Community Health

Class Version Course Syllabus

Fall 2008 

Instructor: Fred R. Pearson, Ph.D.

Please use class time to contact the instructor with questions.  Those needing computer type questions and assistance should contact the Help Desk located in the BYU Idaho McKay library.

Textbook: Lesson materials 

Course Description: Introduction to Community Health/Public Health is an introduction to the field of Community Health/Public Health and effectively addresses the health issues facing communities in the modern world. The course emphasizes the knowledge and skills needed for a career in Community/Public Health or Health Education. The course examines the breadth of community/public health information, from the foundations of community/public health to the health of the people in the United States. The course address the health care delivery system, health care financing, including Medicare and Medicaid, epidemiology, common health problems, and environmental health and safety issues. The instructor has spent 39 years as a public health practitioner.

Course Objectives: The student will be able to:

1. Provide a concise definition of Community and Public Health

2. Understand the specific areas covered by Community and Public Health

3. Understand the administration processes of Community and Public Health including Epidemiology

4. Understand the legislative processes of Community and Public Health

5. Understand where Community and Public Health will go in the future

6. Understand the current major health problems and concerns of U.S. communities and schools.

7. Understand the major purposes of community organizations for delivery of health care services.

8. Understand the major purposes of the regulatory and protective agencies within our government and health care delivery system.

9. Understand consumer health and safety issues that greatly affect the health of communities and individuals within the United States.

Textbook and class structure:

The Course is divided into Four Units and thirteen lessons.

Unit 1 Lesson 1-4

Unit 2 Lesson 5-8

Unit 3 Lesson 9-11

Unit 4 Lesson 12-13

Grading and Assignments:

1. Complete the readings and answer the questions that are presented in each lesson. Some lessons are very long so please look at the syllabus to make sure you give yourself enough time to completely understand the lesson materials and the questions. The student may access the lessons by going onto I-learn and then on the each of the lesson links. You can only complete the lessons during the times they are opened on I-learn. Complete each lesson by reading the material and answer all questions.  The lesson question are not submitted, but are used to study and complete the four unit exams. It is important that you answer the questions correctly in order to get the right answer on the unit exams. 

2. Unit Exams: There will be four unit exams throughout  semester, one about every three weeks.  The unit exams are open notes and book. You may use outside resources like the internet to help you answer the exam questions. Class outlines and power point slides will be provided so you may see the items discussed in the class version of this course. You will complete these exams on I-Learn.  They are administered by the I-Learn system and graded after you submit the exam.  Unit Exams must be taken on the days they are scheduled. They may be taken only once so be sure you answer the questions correctly.  The exams will take several hours to complete, so please give yourself plenty of time to complete the exams.  The save function on I learn testing may be used to come back to the exams at a later time. No make exams will be allowed.   The Unit Exams make up 50 percent (50%) of your grade.  Please be aware of the closing dates for these Unit Exams, they are listed on the course schedule. 

3. Creating a journal by collect articles related to health or health care is required.   The students in the course will collect journal entries by finding articles on health or health care issues from newspapers, periodicals, journals, internet articles, and news broadcasts. The students will report these finding in a journal.  Twenty percent (20%) of your grade will come from  the journal.  Students will receive 5 points for each journal entry submitted up to 75 points.  The journal entry materials will be submitted in a three ringed binder to the instructor for the assignment of a grade at the end of the semester. The journal is due in the instructors office, Clarke Bldg. 145 K, no later than December 5, 2008.  

4. Class attendance:  Students are required to come to class every day. However, if you decide to miss class for any reason, there will be a deduction of 5 points for each class missed.

5. Final exam: On the last day of the semester a comprehensive final exam will be given to the students in this course.  The exam will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions, that will come from the unit exams of the semester. This will be a closed book and notes exam.  You should carefully study the unit exams before trying to complete this final.  The final exam will be 20% of your grade.  Be aware the on the last day of the semester, the I-learn system may close early because of school activities.

Grading:

1. Exam one = 50 points possible - 12.5% of the grade

2. Exam two = 50 points possible - 12.5% of the grade

3. Exam three = 50 points possible - 12.5% of the grade

4. Exam four = 50 points possible - 12.5% of the grade

5. Final exam = 50 points possible - 20% of the grade

5. Journal = 75 points possible - 20% of the grade

6. Attendance points = 25 points - 10% of the grade

Total Points Possible = 350 points possible 100% of grade

A = above 93% C = 73.5 - 77.4%

A- = 90-92.9% C- = 70 - 73.4%

B+ = 87.5 - 89.9% D+ = 67.5 - 69.9%

B = 82.5 - 87.4% D = 62.5 - 67.4%

B- 80 - 82.4% D- = 60 - 62.4%

C+ = 77.5 - 79.9% F = below 60%

The teacher reserves the right to make changes and correction to the above assignment and grading process at any time to facilitate the course.

Class schedule

Unit One

Week one                   Introduction and Lesson 1                          

Week two                   Lesson 2                                                            

Week  Three               Lesson 3                                                                                                                                

Week Four                Lesson 4                                                       

Closes Oct  7th, 2008                    Exam 1                                                                                               

Unit Two

Week Five                  Lesson 5 Epidemiology

Week Six                    Lesson 6 Biostatistics

Week Seven                Lesson 7 Graphing and understand data collection                                                     

 Closes Oct.  30th                    Exam 2                                                                             

Unit 3                    

Week Eight          Lesson 8      Maternal and Child Health                                                              

Week Nine          Lesson 9    Adult and Elderly Health

Week Ten            Lesson 10     Mental Health

Closes Nov. 21st          Exam 3                                                                                      

Unit 4

Week Twelve      Lesson 11     World Environmental Issues                                                                        

Week Thirteen    Lesson 12     U.S. Environmental Health Regulation                                                                       

Closes Dec. 12th     Exam 4