Course Description

Pathways to Public Health is an introductory-level course offered by GW (George Washington University) that provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental public health concepts, theories, and methodologies. This course serves as an essential starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in public health or seeking to understand the broader health sector. It is particularly valuable for students considering the Maternal and Child Health MicroMasters program.

The course delves into a wide array of crucial public health topics, including the genetic and biological basis for disease, environmental factors, social determinants of health, individual behavior change, globalization, and research methods. By exploring these areas, students will gain a solid foundation in core public health concepts and language, enabling them to better comprehend persistent and emerging health issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, health disparities, and the impact of climate change on human health.

What Students Will Learn

• Essential functions and services of public health in both domestic US and international settings
• Key issues addressed by public health, including health disparities, health services delivery and access, epidemiology, and global health
• Strategies for changing health behaviors, prevention, influencing policy, and the importance of evidence in decision-making
• Various professional roles in public health and their intersections with other professions
• Underlying influencers of individual and community health, including social, environmental, commercial, and biological determinants of health

Prerequisites

This course is designed for beginners and has no specific prerequisites. However, a genuine interest in public health and a willingness to engage with diverse topics related to health and society would be beneficial.

Course Content

• Genetic and biological basis for disease
• Environmental factors affecting health
• Social determinants of health
• Individual levels of behavior change
• Globalization and its impact on health
• Research methods in public health
• Health disparities and health equity
• Health services delivery and access
• Epidemiology and its role in public health
• Global health challenges and solutions
• Prevention strategies in public health
• Policy influence and decision-making in health
• Core public health concepts and theories
• COVID-19 pandemic and its implications
• Climate change and human health

Who This Course Is For

• Students considering a career in public health
• Individuals interested in the Maternal and Child Health MicroMasters program
• Healthcare professionals seeking to broaden their understanding of public health
• Policy makers and community leaders interested in health-related issues
• Anyone curious about the factors influencing individual and community health

Real-World Application of Skills

The knowledge and skills gained from this course can be applied in various real-world scenarios:

1. Developing community health programs that address social determinants of health
2. Designing and implementing health interventions based on evidence-based decision-making
3. Advocating for health equity and policy changes to reduce health disparities
4. Conducting research on emerging health issues like the impact of climate change on public health
5. Collaborating with professionals from diverse fields to address complex health challenges
6. Implementing strategies to improve health services delivery and access in various settings
7. Analyzing and interpreting health data to inform public health initiatives
8. Developing health communication campaigns to promote behavior change and disease prevention
9. Participating in global health initiatives and understanding cross-cultural health issues
10. Applying core public health concepts to address local and global health challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic

By mastering these skills, learners will be well-equipped to contribute to the improvement of public health outcomes and address the complex health challenges facing communities worldwide.