Course Description
A foundation course for new students to insure that each individual has the requisite capabilities for proficiency in advanced study in health policy and management. Topics include basic concepts, principles and skills in accounting/finance, management theory, algebra, economics, research procedures, written and verbal communication, systems thinking, and team- based learning.
Athena Title
Foundations in HPAM
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate clear and concise written and oral communication. 2. Formulate and solve algebraic expressions and equations related to health policy analysis. 3. Articulate the use of descriptive statistics in health policy analysis and management decision-making. 4. Explain how fundamental principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics affect the United States health care system. 5. Apply each step of the scientific method of research to a health policy or management-related problem: problem definition, hypothesis testing, explanation, prediction, and theory construction. 6. Prepare, explain, and analyze health care organization financial statements using fundamental accounting and financial principles. 7. Describe the five major functions of management (planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling) and current management theories. 8. Articulate principles for effective team-based learning and problem-solving. 9. Describe the basic tenets of systems thinking and apply tenets to a health policy or management decision-making dilemma.
Topical Outline
Topics: 1. Professional Communication Skills Development 2. Basic Algebraic Problem Analysis 3. Essential Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics 4. Introduction to Research Methods 5. Accounting Terminology and Financial Statement Analysis 6. Overview of Management Theory and Functions 7. Primer on Team-based Learning 8. Introduction to Systems Thinking
Syllabus