SVM Catalogue 2012-2013 - St. George's University

of the professional practice of the core areas of public
health. It provides an integrated overview of the field by
surveying epidemiology, biostatistics, preventive medicine,
environmental health, social and behavioral aspects of
health, and health policy. The course will also give students
an understanding of the tools needed to be effective
leaders in carrying out the core public health functions of
assessment, policy development, and assurance.
PUBH 832
Public Health Research Methods and Ethics
As the second course required by the department, Public
Health Research Methods and Ethics covers basic research
tools needed to work successfully in public health and
explores some of the common types of research encountered
in public health settings. Topics include qualitative and
quantitative data collection, design of research instruments,
interpretation and dissemination of data, community
assessments, and presentation of research findings. The
course integrates case studies in public health ethics
throughout the discussion of research so that the latter is
considered in light of moral and ethical dilemmas that often
occur. A combination of lecture, discussion, reading of
literature, and computer applications are used to familiarize
students with public research methods in public health.
PUBH 853
Public Health Surveillance
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the key
aspects of surveillance: history of public health surveillance,
sources and collection of data, analysis and interpretation
of surveillance data, communication of surveillance
data, technology of public health surveillance systems,
evaluation of public health surveillance activities, ethical
and legal issues in surveillance, international and regional
issues in surveillance, and future considerations. The course
structure will be based on the principle that the purpose
of surveillance is to enable evidence-based development
of prevention and control programs, and to promote the
most effective use of health resources. Surveillance is built
upon dynamic and flexible principles of careful resource
allocation, the best response to the current epidemic state,
use of biological and behavioral data, and integration of
various data sources.
PUBH 855
Community Medicine Seminar Series
This course is a 16 contact-hour seminar series experience
in which students are required to attend, participate in
presented topics as well as develop and deliver a seminar
on their own. This seminar series will contribute to the
development of well-rounded (holistic) medical professionals,
who will demonstrate knowledge and competence in
dealing with primary health care, desire for lifelong learning,
evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary team work, and
professional and ethical behavior in practice in order to
improve and sustain the health of the human population.
PUBH 881
Independent Study
This course is the opportunity for students to design a
course of particular interest for self study in association
with a faculty mentor. This course requires the permission
of a faculty advisor.
PUBH 889
Practicum/Internship in Public Health
This course is the third requirement of the department is the
practicum. The practicum experience is a critical part of the
Master of Public Health program, which integrates academic
preparation with field-based experience. The internship
allows students to apply academic coursework and training
within a public health agency setting under the direction of
a mentor or on-site supervisor. Internships are arranged on
an individual basis with written goals spelled out in advance
and approved by the student, faculty advisor, and on-site
supervisor. Students complete a minimum of 240 hours of
fieldwork in the public health practice setting.
PUBH 893
Capstone Seminar
The fourth departmental requirement is designed as
a practical seminar to assist students to work through
systematic steps in preparation of their Capstone Paper.
The seminar covers topics in a planned sequence, such
as selecting a topic, reviewing the literature, selecting
data sources, selecting methods analysis, preparing a
proposal, and writing stepwise drafts. The Capstone Paper
demonstrates mastery of selected concepts of public health
by integrating the core functions of public health within a
comprehensive research paper. Students determine the
topic of the paper and work according to the schedule of
the Capstone Seminar to show understanding and mastery
School of Medicine
Course Descriptions
School of Veterinary Medicine Catalog 2013–2014 | 59