MPH Curriculum

Public Health Management of Disasters

This course focuses on the public health role in disaster preparedness, including planning, response, mitigation and recovery.  The relationship between the 10 essential public health services and disasters and other public health emergencies will be discussed.  In addition, the interplay and collaboration between public health agencies, public health systems and other agencies and systems involved in disaster preparedness and response will be discussed.  The use of a conceptual framework (Haddon matrix) for understanding disasters will be presented and used as a basis for analyzing emergency events. Course Syllabus [PDF]

Biosafety, Biosecurity and the Evaluation of Biohazards

Provides an overview of the field of Biological Safety and its application in a wide variety of settings for students at all levels who are interested in the epidemiology of microbial diseases. The course encompasses: micro- and molecular biology research, research involving laboratory animals; the design of laboratory facilities, field work, bioterrorism, indoor air quality investigations, and disinfection and sterilization. Pertinent federal, state, and local regulations, standards, and guidelines are presented and reviewed. Interactive exercises and case studies are employed to reinforce key course concepts. Students gain hands-on experience in select aspects of Biosafety through assignments involving the use of sampling equipment for biological agents in air, water, and surfaces.
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Public Health Surveillance

Surveillance plays an important role in assessing the need for public health intervention measures and evaluating their success. Therefore, an understanding of surveillance is crucial for all public health workers. Surveillance is a key element of disaster preparedness, response and recovery. This course is intended to provide students with a strong foundation in public health surveillance of both infectious and non-infectious disease. The course will teach the theory and practice of surveillance supported by many examples of surveillance systems from the developed and developing world. The class will build on and reinforce basic epidemiologic concepts. Students will be given the opportunity to design and evaluate a surveillance system. Course Syllabus [PDF]

Mental Health and Psychosocial Issues in Public Health Disasters & Emergencies: Preparing, Responding and Recovering

The goal of this seminar is twofold. First, students will gain an understanding of
emotional and behavioral reactions to disasters and their significance for planning and
implementation of public health responses in the US and internationally. Second, students
will gain knowledge and develop skills related to public health and mental health systems
before, during and after disasters or emergencies. The background readings will be used
as the bases for weekly presentations and discussions. Course Syllabus [PDF]