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Graduate Course Proposal Form Submission Detail - PHC7039
Tracking Number - 2848

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Current Status: Approved by SCNS - 2012-06-14
Campus: Tampa
Submission Type: New
Course Change Information (for course changes only): N/A
Comments: To GC Chair 5/4/12 for MPH Epi Conc; GC appd 5/15/12. to USf 5/15/12. to SCNS 5/23/12. Appd eff 8/1/12. Sub as 7012; Appd as 7039


Detail Information

  1. Date & Time Submitted: 2012-03-22
  2. Department: Epidemiology and Biostatistics
  3. College: PH
  4. Budget Account Number: 640300-10000-PUB001-0000000
  5. Contact Person: Wendy Nembhard
  6. Phone: 8139746861
  7. Email: wnembha@health.usf.edu
  8. Prefix: PHC
  9. Number: 7039
  10. Full Title: Critical Thinking in Epidemiology
  11. Credit Hours: 1
  12. Section Type: D - Discussion (Primarily)
  13. Is the course title variable?: N
  14. Is a permit required for registration?: Y
  15. Are the credit hours variable?: N
  16. Is this course repeatable?:
  17. If repeatable, how many times?: 0
  18. Abbreviated Title (30 characters maximum): Critical Thinking in Epidemiol
  19. Course Online?: C - Face-to-face (0% online)
  20. Percentage Online: 0
  21. Grading Option: R - Regular
  22. Prerequisites: PHC 6000, PHC 6010, PHC 6011 and PHC 6016 or instructor consent
  23. Corequisites: None
  24. Course Description: This doctoral seminar focuses on important theoretical constructs in the scientific method and epidemiologic principles. The course also examines the general history, development and evolution of epidemiology as a discipline and the role of epidemiology

  25. Please briefly explain why it is necessary and/or desirable to add this course: Needed for accreditation
  26. What is the need or demand for this course? (Indicate if this course is part of a required sequence in the major.) What other programs would this course service? Need it to meet College of Public Health and discipline specific competencies.
  27. Has this course been offered as Selected Topics/Experimental Topics course? If yes, how many times? No
  28. What qualifications for training and/or experience are necessary to teach this course? (List minimum qualifications for the instructor.) 1) PhD in Epidemiolgy from an accredited institution

    2) Knowledge of major theories of the scientific method/process

  29. Objectives: To facilitate higher level thinking about epidemiologic concepts and the role of epidemiology in science and public health.
  30. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to:

    1. Describe and discuss the origins of epidemiology as a discipline and the evolution of epidemiology over time.

    2. Describe and discuss the scientific method, the process of science and how they apply to epidemiology.

    3. Describe and discuss the theoretical and practical aspects of epidemiology as a discipline in the 21st century.

    4. Describe and discuss different perspectives on the role of epidemiology in public policy and advocacy.

  31. Major Topics: 1) History of Epidemiology;

    2) Evolution of Epidemiology since its beginnings to curent day;

    3) The Scientific Method;

    4) Scientific Theories; and

    5) Epidemiology & Public Health

  32. Textbooks: None required
  33. Course Readings, Online Resources, and Other Purchases: The assigned readings will come from the peer-reviewed scientific literature and current topics discussed in the media. The reading list will be posted on the course management website.
  34. Student Expectations/Requirements and Grading Policy: 1. Class participation (80%): Consists of class attendance, completing course readings prior to class, participation in class discussions, and participation in class activities.

    2. Current Events and Epidemiology Paper (10%): A 5-page paper on a current public health issue (taken from the media). Details of the assignment will be posted on Blackboard.

    3. Student presentation (10%): 10-minute formal presentation on current event paper. Details of the assignment will be posted on Blackboard.

  35. Assignments, Exams and Tests: Date Topic

    Week 1 Introduction

    Week 2 From 19th Century Origins to 21st Century Debates: Classification and Causation

    Week 3 The Roots of Modern Epidemiology

    Week 4 Modern Epidemiology: Individuals and Populations

    Week 5 The Philosophy of Science

    Week 6 Causal Thinking in Epidemiology

    Week 7 Objectivity in Science and Epidemiology: Construction of Scientific Knowledge

    Week 8 Contemporary Epidemiology: Setting Research Agendas

    Week 9 Epidemiologic Disease Transitions: Transformation of Disease in Populations

    Week 10 Biomedical vs. Population Approaches to Public Health: The Cause of the Causes

    Week 11 Systems Thinking in Epidemiology

    Week 12 Conflicted Science: Conflicts of Interest in Epidemiology

    Week 13 Peer Review and Authorship: The Theory and Practice of Creating Science in Epidemiology

    Week 14 Epidemiology, Policy and Advocacy: Epidemiology in Practice

    Week 15 Student Presentations

    Week 16 Current Events Paper Due

  36. Attendance Policy: Course Attendance at First Class Meeting – Policy for Graduate Students: For structured courses, 6000 and above, the College/Campus Dean will set the first-day class attendance requirement. Check with the College for specific information. This policy is not applicable to courses in the following categories: Educational Outreach, Open University (TV), FEEDS Program, Community Experiential Learning (CEL), Cooperative Education Training, and courses that do not have regularly scheduled meeting days/times (such as, directed reading/research or study, individual research, thesis, dissertation, internship, practica, etc.). Students are responsible for dropping undesired courses in these categories by the 5th day of classes to avoid fee liability and academic penalty. (See USF Regulation – Registration - 4.0101,

    http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/ogc%20web/currentreg.htm)

    Attendance Policy for the Observance of Religious Days by Students: In accordance with Sections 1006.53 and 1001.74(10)(g) Florida Statutes and Board of Governors Regulation 6C-6.0115, the University of South Florida (University/USF) has established the following policy regarding religious observances: (http://usfweb2.usf.edu/usfgc/gc_pp/acadaf/gc10-045.htm)

    In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Blackboard, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It’s the responsibility of the student to monitor Blackboard site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information.

  37. Policy on Make-up Work: Students with a documented personal or family illness (surgery, hospitalization, etc.) or personal or family emergency (e.g., death, car accident, etc) will be permitted to make-up missed assignments. Students should contact the course instructor as soon possible to make arrangements. Students will not be permitted to make-up the missed assignment(s) until proper documentation is provided. Students without proper documentation will not be permitted to make-up missed assignments. Students should consult the USF policy on Academic Integrity for additional information.
  38. Program This Course Supports: PhD in Public Health with a concetration in Epidemiology
  39. Course Concurrence Information: None


- if you have questions about any of these fields, please contact chinescobb@grad.usf.edu or joe@grad.usf.edu.