Course Description
An introduction to key foundational concepts, principles, and methods in global health. Examination of factors that influence health from social, cultural, economic, and political perspectives. Risk factors for diseases of global health importance are discussed as well as health system and developmental issues that require collective multidisciplinary and partnership-based action.
Athena Title
Foundations of Global Health
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in GLOB 7100E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Explain the foundational concepts and principles in global health 2. Examine the global burden of disease and approaches to measuring health and disease 3. Explain the importance of social determinants of health, culture, and behavior and relationships with health disparities in different regions of the world 4. Analyze the major risk factors for major diseases or conditions of global health importance: infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal health, child health, malnutrition, mental health disorders, and unintentional injuries 5. Analyze historical perspectives of epidemics and pandemics 6. Evaluate health systems and how they influence global health 7. Evaluate the effect of the environmental risk factors on global health 8. Analyze issues in global health governance: the multidisciplinary nature of global health actors, their role in collective action, and related ethical issues 9. Examine the impact of complex emergencies on global health 10. Assess globalization and its impacts on global health 11. Evaluate examples of large-scale global health programs 12. Create proposals for innovative and practical solutions to persistent global health problems
Topical Outline
1. Defining Global Health: History and Evolution 2. Key Concepts and Principles in Global Health 3. Global Burden of Disease and Measurement 4. Major Epidemics and Pandemics 5. Social Determinants of Health 6. Culture, Behavior, and Health 7. Health Disparities 8. Infectious Diseases 9. Non-Communicable/Chronic Diseases 10. Maternal Child Health 11. Malnutrition 12. Mental Health Disorders 13. Health Systems and Services Delivery 14. Environmental Health Issues 15. Global Health Governance and Ethics 16. Complex Emergencies and Global Health 17. Globalization and Health 18. Global Health Programs: Successes and Failures 19. Innovative Solutions for Global Health Problems
Syllabus