Public Health: Social Determinants of Health (OL1)

About PH 6160 OL1

Uses an epidemiological lens to examine the major social variables that affect the health of a population. Close analysis of how our social structures impact health disparities, examines theories and empirical data to examine how gaps in our social structures lead to health disparities and inequalities.

Notes

Open to graduate-level students; All other students require instructor permission; Must submit the request at: http://go.uvm.edu/phcourses; Students will be notified if permission is granted; Contact student Advisor, Pallas Ziporyn at: Pallas.Ziporyn@uvm.edu for any questions; Asynchronous online.

Section Description

This course examines how social, economic, environmental, cultural, and political factors shape health outcomes and contribute to health inequities within and across populations. Using principles of social epidemiology, students critically explore the mechanisms through which factors such as socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, gender, education, employment, neighborhood conditions, social cohesion, culture, and healthcare access influence health across the lifespan.

The course integrates contemporary research, case studies, multimedia resources, and collaborative discussions to help students understand the complex relationships between social structures and population health. Students engage in critical analysis of health disparities and evaluate strategies for promoting health equity through policy, community-based interventions, and interprofessional collaboration.
Emphasis is placed on applied learning and the translation of theory into practice. Through reflective discussions, written analyses, a visual PhotoVoice project, and a student-directed final presentation, learners examine real-world public health challenges and investigate topics aligned with their professional interests and personal passions. The final project requires students to analyze a health issue of their choosing, identify relevant social determinants, assess affected populations, and propose evidence-informed approaches to reducing inequities and improving population health outcomes.

By the end of the course, students will be able to apply social epidemiologic frameworks to public health problems, critically evaluate the root causes of health disparities, and develop strategies to advance health equity at the community, systems, and policy levels.

Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Explain theoretical frameworks underlying health disparities in populations.
• Leverage principles of social epidemiology to understand and describe social structures and determinants of health among certain populations.
• Describe the underpinnings of each social construct in affecting population health.

Section Expectation

• Credit Hours: 3
• Asynchronous course, fully on-line
• There are no course pre-requisites
• All learners must have devices with speakers, headphones, camera, or cell phone to hear audio recordings and to create and post their audio/video recordings .

Evaluation

Grades will be based on completion of weekly quizzes, participation in YellowDig discussions, short written assignments, a PhotoVoice Reflection exercise, and an asynchronous presentation assignment on a topic of interest.

Important Dates

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

• Parking
• PACE Course Pricing
• Textbooks
• Summer University Pricing
• Summer Housing