One Health: A Ten Thousand Year History

Course Description

"One Health: A Ten Thousand Year History" is an innovative and eye-opening course that explores the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental well-being. With a particular focus on the rapidly changing Arctic region, this course offers a unique perspective on how global climate change is affecting our world and what we can do about it.

Using the One Health approach, which integrates knowledge across disciplines and cultures, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how human activities, animal welfare, and environmental factors are intricately linked. This course goes beyond traditional scientific boundaries, incorporating both Western science and Indigenous wisdom to provide a holistic view of health and well-being.

What Students Will Learn

• A solid understanding of the One Health concept and its applications
• How to identify and address complex health challenges using the One Health approach
• The interrelationships between human, animal, and environmental health
• The impact of climate change on global ecosystems, with a focus on the Arctic
• The importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches
• How to develop sustainable solutions to critical health issues in the Circumpolar North and beyond

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. It is designed as an introductory-level course and is accessible to anyone with an interest in health, environmental science, and interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges.

Course Coverage

• The One Health paradigm and its ten thousand-year history
• Climate change impacts in the Arctic and their global implications
• Zoonotic diseases and their relationship to environmental changes
• The role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem and human health
• Food safety, security, and sovereignty in the context of One Health
• The integration of social sciences and team science in addressing health challenges
• Collaboration between Western science and Indigenous ways of knowing

Who This Course Is For

• Students interested in health sciences, environmental studies, or social sciences
• Professionals in healthcare, veterinary medicine, or environmental management
• Policymakers and community leaders concerned with public health and environmental issues
• Anyone curious about the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being
• Individuals seeking to understand and address complex global challenges

Real-World Applications

• Developing more effective public health strategies that consider environmental and animal factors
• Creating sustainable solutions for communities facing climate change-related challenges
• Improving food safety and security practices in both local and global contexts
• Enhancing collaboration between different scientific disciplines and traditional knowledge systems
• Informing policy decisions related to health, environment, and climate change
• Addressing emerging zoonotic diseases and potential pandemics more effectively

Syllabus

Week 1: One Health Overview

• Welcome to the Course
• One Health Concepts
• Indigenous Worldview
• The Zen Venn Approach

Week 2: Human Health and Animal Health

• Animal Health Introduction
• Why Animal Health Matters
• Human Health Introduction
• Human Health - More than just the Absence of Disease

Week 3: Environmental Health - Our Role in the Ecosystem

• Environmental Health
• One Health and Climate Change
• Biodiversity
• Biocontaminants and Contaminant Monitoring

Week 4: Social Sciences in One Health

• Social Sciences Introduction
• One Health Paradigm
• Role of Team Science in One Health
• Collaboration in One Health

This course offers a unique and valuable perspective on some of the most pressing issues of our time. By enrolling, you'll gain insights and skills that can help you make a real difference in the world, whether you're a student, professional, or simply a concerned global citizen.