Department of Public Health Sciences

This course will provide essential facts related to the causes, the natural history, management and prevention of selected diseases affecting human populations. The epidemiology and impact of these illnesses on the human populations will be studied. The course will also promote understanding of the impact of diseases on the individual, the family, and the community and their response to these illnesses. Ability to synthesize information based on history, clinical findings, and laboratory work and use this information for management of different conditions will be highlighted through case studies. Fall semester only.

This course will define the characteristics of allopathic medicine and will describe the principles and theories of non-allopathic health systems. A comparison of various health and healing traditions will be made so as to identify how a holistic approach to health and healing can be derived. The meaning of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) will be defined and evidence of its efficacy will be assessed. Ultimately, this course will demonstrate how CAM, non-western healing traditions, and conventional allopathic medicine can be integrated to promote health, prevent disease, manage symptoms and treat disease. Fall semester only. Accelerated format.

Selected topics in human nutrition will be extensively examined, such as fiber and health, vitamins and minerals in health and disease, methods of weight control, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia. Emphasis is placed on methods of evaluating nutrition-related literature and claims, and interpretation of data and scientific studies relevant to nutrition.

This course is designed for the health professional working with adolescents. Topics will include eating disorders, sports medicine issues, risk behaviors, and other common concerns among adolescents. Summer class. One-week format.

The first half of the course is devoted to examining basic stress concepts, the psychophysiology of stress, common stressors and their effect, and the relationship between stress and disease. The second half consists of a comprehensive review of stress management techniques that deal with cognitive restructuring, relaxation, and relationship building. Considerable emphasis is placed on personal application and group interaction in the classes.

Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS; natural history of HIV infection, psychosocial, economic, educational, ethical, legal, and health care issues related to HIV/AIDS will be addressed. Impact on social groups (minorities, women, and adolescents) will be discussed. Health promotion and disease prevention strategies will be highlighted. Summer course only.

Methods of promoting health by controlling environmental factors relating to air, water, wastes, housing, radiation, and industrial hygiene. Spring semester only. Accelerated format.

This course is an introduction to the role of culture in health and illness, and it's role in accessing and utilizing health care in the United States. Special issues such as women's health, infant health, mental health, and death and dying will be considered in the context of cultural, racial and ethnic diversity. Alternative medicine and its use in different cultures will be explored. In addition, how beliefs and values stemming from one's own culture can affect the provision and consumption of health care services will be highlighted.

This course explores both Eastern and Western theories and practices of health and healing through the mind/body connection. Emphasis will be placed on learning mind/body techniques and assessing the mind's role in preventing disease and promoting healing. Upon completion of the course, students will understand fundamental principles associated with the mind/body connection, the concept of psychoneuroimmunology and its role in health and healing, and appreciate multicultural views of holism of mind/body. In addition, students will be able to discuss in detail the role of the mind in chronic and communicable diseases and to engage in practical techniques such as meditation, yoga, imagery and biofeedback for personal use in health and healing. Spring semester only. Accelerated format.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Topic will include the role of vital energy, or Qi, in health and healing; diagnostic techniques including pulse and tongue; modalities such as acupuncture, acupressure, massage, and botanical medicines; and a comparison to Western allopathic medicine. Summer course only. One-week format.

This course is an introduction to classical homeopathy. Topics will include the theory behind homeopathic medicine, diagnostic techniques, formulation of homeopathic preparations, evidence-based modalities for health promotion and disease treatment, and a comparison of the homeopathic approach to health and healing compared to conventional and allopathic medicine. Summer class only. One-week format.

This workshop will focus on the newest scientific developments in the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. Among other topics, the workshop will explore the merits and weaknesses of different prevention and treatment approaches to obesity including different diets (Atkins, Ornish, Zone, etc.), surgery, medications, physical activity, behavior modification and more comprehensive strategies. Participants will have the chance to examine the influence of genetics and environment on human body composition. Summer course only. One-week format.

This course explains the history of botanical medicines in human health and healing practices and describes the biological activities of botanical medicines as documented in peer-reviewed, clinical literature. The safety issues associated with the integration of botanical medicines into conventional healthcare will be discussed. Clinical literature associated with the effects of botanical medicines on body systems will also be evaluated. The course identifies the forms of botanical medicines and discusses federal regulation of botanical medicines and industry responsibilities. In addition, there will be interpretation of case studies on the applications of botanical medicines for health promotion, disease prevention, symptom management and disease treatment. This class provides an integrative strategy for promoting health and healing using botanical medicines. Fall semester only. Accelerated format.

Students who elect independent study will select a topic dealing with integrative medicine to research and study under advisement. Offered every semester.

Students will experience a 135-hour field placement in integrative health settings such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices to gain experience integrating complementary and alternative modalities into professional health care. Offered every semester.

The emphasis of this course is the care of clients with cancer. This course examines the various physiological, psychosocial, and spiritual effects this disease has on clients and their families. A variety of topics will be discussed including communication, hope, sexuality, spirituality, loss, pain, and altered body image. The focus of the course is on the role of the professional nurse in prevention, diagnosis, and client management.

The emphasis on this course is that caring is a universal concept that can be viewed from many disciplines. Nurses and professionals in the caring business serve as the guides in a creative journey connecting human caring and the carious disciplines.