Public Health (PH

The psychology of thinking. Emphasis on scientific theory and research regarding mental processes including memory, language, problem-solving, creativity, and Artificial Intelligence. Cognitive psychology is part of a broader, interdisciplinary field of cognitive science and this interdisciplinary theme runs throughout the course. Students will gain an understanding of how cognitive psychologists attempt to understand and predict human thought and its consequences. Emphasis on critical thinking, reading original journal articles, and understanding the scientific research in the context of one’s own, personal cognitions. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 or Junior standing Credit: 3 hours (Spring, even years)

Explores topics in psychology that are not covered in the psychology core. Courses are offered whenever sufficient numbers of students request study in a particular content area, or about a subject “in the news.” May be taken more than once as content varies. Prerequisite: Psychology 101 & 206 or permission of the professor; junior class standing Credit: 3 hours

Completion of an empirical research study under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: Psychology 206 Credit: 1-3 hours

Required of majors in the last semester before graduation. Graded on P/F basis. Credit: 0 hours

Field experience in psychology through internship or volunteer opportunity. Must be approved and supervised by a faculty member. 1-3 hours variable credit, may be repeated until reaching a maximum of 3 hours. Internships require a minimum 2.0 GPA to participate. Credit: 1-3 hours

Introduction to public health concepts including the history, philosophy and core values of the field and profession. Students will be introduced to population health, determinants of health, and the effects of public health programming within communities and societies at a local and global level on overall health outcomes. Students will be able to describe important public health topics affecting their communities today and their origins. Credit: 3 hours

The purpose of this course is to specifically correlate the underlying science of human health and disease across the life course as it relates to public health matters such as chronic and infectious diseases. A key component of this course will include the analysis of such processes and identifying opportunities for health promotion, protection and education targeted specifically at behavioral health changes for varying communities and populations. Credit: 3 hours

Survey of literature about health to promote inquiry into medical and public health concerns that impact communities and individuals. Readings will include prose, poetry, drama and film and analysis of cultural contexts and works that help students explore narratives about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prerequisite: English 110 Credit: 3 hours

This course provides an introduction to social epidemiology, or the study of the description and determinants of disease frequency in human populations. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of population health and epidemiology including the incidence, distribution, determinants and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health. Two central questions will be addressed: (1) Which groups in society are more or less advantaged in terms of health? (2) Why are certain groups in society more or less advantaged in terms of health? The course focuses on “how we know what we know” about the causes of disease in human populations and will explore both the specific theories explaining the relation between the social phenomena and health as well as its methodological tools. Specific topics include socioeconomic status (SES); race and ethnicity; gender and sexuality; aging; family; and religiosity. Prerequisite: Sociology 101 or 102 Credit: 3 hours

This course will provide students an overview of the socioeconomic, behavioral, biological, environmental and other factors that impact human health and how they contribute to health disparities overall. Students will be introduced to the foundational concepts of environmental public health, such as the controlling of environmental hazards, via the exploration of practice and research materials. A key component of this course will include an overview of the ethical considerations, approaches and interventions that identify and address the major health-related needs and concerns of various populations within varying dynamic communities. Students will engage in activities which enhance their ability to advocate for improve societal health and wellness. Credit: 3 hours

This course provides an overview of the basic concepts, methods and tools of public health data collection, analysis, and utilization. Via a hands-on lab component student will analyze public health case studies determining how to best design and implement health education and promotion programming tied to specific outcomes. This course will allow students the opportunity to gain an appreciation for the fundamental health education and promotion project implementation, including planning, assessment and evaluation. A key aspect of this course is allowing students to critically think and gain an appreciation for why evidence-based approaches are an essential part of public health practice. Lab experiences will include field experiences with Wingate University community partners. Prerequisite: Public Health 101 Credit: 4 hours

The purpose of this course is to introduce basic concepts of legal, ethical, economic and regulatory dimensions of health care and public health policy. Additionally, the course will provide an overview of the fundamental characteristics and organizational structures of the US health system. A key focus of the course will include comparing the roles, influences and responsibilities of the different agencies and branches of government which deal with health care matters in the United States and across the globe. Students will gain an appreciation for effective management strategies within interdisciplinary health-related environments. Credit: 3 hours

This course provides students with an introductory overview of health and science communication in research, industry, and practice. Students will explore the role communication plays in health care delivery, health promotion, disease prevention, environmental and risk communication, media and mass communication, and technology. A key aspect of this course will be evaluating how community and organizational dynamics affect communication strategies. Credit: 3 hours

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introductory appreciation for leadership and professional skills as they relate to health promotion, education, advocacy, program design and collaboration. Students will gain an appreciation for how to best integrate basic concepts of public health-specific communication, including technical and professional writing and the use of mass media and electronic technology. A key focus on this course is addressing cultural contexts and organization dynamics in which public health professionals work. Additionally, students will gain an appreciation for important skills such as networking, independently work and personal work ethic within the field. Prerequisite: Public Health 101 Credit: 3 hours

The community health integrative learning experience demonstrates the synthesis of all major related learned knowledge and competencies culminating in a hands-on public health internship with Wingate University community partners. Students will work with partners and stakeholders identifying a community health need and designing a specific health education and promotion program to address the need. The experience will result in students presenting their experiences and specific health education and promotion projects incorporating written and oral forms of communication to fellow classmates and faculty. Ultimately, this course allows students to express their ability to integrate, synthesize and apply cumulative knowledge gained through the major. (Approximately 60 hours) Prerequisite: Public Health 301 Credit: 4 hours