IUPUI Campus Bulletin 2017-2018

The environment influences many aspects of human health and well-being. Many diseases are initiated, promoted, sustained, or stimulated by environmental factors. For these reasons, the interactions people have with their environments are an important component of public health. Environmental health focuses on the relationship between the environment and human health.

A survey course covering the chemistry, transport, and fate of air pollutants related to current issues of air quality, such as photochemical smog, ozone depletion, particulate matter, and indoor air quality. Topics include the types, sources, health and environmental effects, measurement, evaluation, control, regulation, and modeling of air pollution concentrations. This course is appropriate for students who have the following background: Chemistry 105 (or equivalent) and Algebra 153 (or equivalent) . 

This course is designed to teach public health students the fundamentals of water quality and treatment of water, wastewater and solid waste along with associated aspects of the water cycle, ecosystems, water resources and regulations.

This course covers the major developments in the history of epidemiology. The course is not meant to be comprehensive, but rather to provide an opportunity to follow the development of the discipline. You will be required to read 5-7 seminal articles each week and be prepared to discuss them in class. Due to the shortened nature of the summer semester, you must read the first week's material before the class has started. All of the articles have been scanned and placed in Oncourse under the resource tab. Copies of the powerpoint presentations to help direct your readings also have been provided. We will be discussing the first weeks articles the first night so you must read them prior to class time. In order to focus your reading and discussion, there are several questions posed for each week's readings; you should be familiar with the major contribution of each article or historical figure. You should familiarize yourself with the context of their work - you should know what the purpose of their work was, external drivers that either facilitated or hindered their research, underlying political pressures, and assess the utility of their research in regards to how the field is practiced today.

This course provides students with a focus on the policy-making process and the many variables that comprise the dynamic framework for environmental policy formulation.  The course explores the roles of politics, economics, science, health, values and ethics in setting policy through a consideration of key historical and contemporary issues.

This course provides students with a technical foundation in areas of solid and hazardous waste management that can be applied to the examination of policy options. Topics include characterization of the waste stream, regulations, health and environmental risks, liability issues, management techniques, and treatment and disposal options.

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to establish or improve an environmental management system that is compatible with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 14001, an international, voluntary standard that is emerging as a best-management practice for environment.

Chemistry for Environmental Health Professionals provides a review of chemistry fundamentals and application of fundamentals to environmental health issues. Our focus is on the organic and inorganic chemistry of topics including hazardous materials and wastes; industrial processes, toxicology, and sustainability; water and water pollution and treatment; the atmosphere and air pollution; soil; and other related topics.

This class will give students a solid introduction to toxicology and the ways in which environmental exposures can contribute to human disease.  The course will also introduce the regulatory settings in which environmental toxicology is key.

Water quality and management of water and wastewater are critical issues for the sustenance of every society and public health. A rational approach to deal with these issues requires understanding of basic principles about water and the surrounding ecosystem that both provides this resource and receives the waste from its use and misuse. This course is designed to teach public health students the fundamentals of water quality and treatment of water, wastewater and solid waste along with associated aspects of the water cycle, ecosystems, water resources and regulations. Although this is mostly a descriptive course with no lab component, few sessions will take place in a lab to reinforce some key concepts with lab experiments. 

This course presents integrated product stewardship and business strategy framework, interacting with leadership at all levels throughout the organization. It explores how businesses set and attain overarching goals by integrating risk assessments, regulatory, and other considerations. Responsibility and performance required of product stewardship programs and the expectations of product stewardship professionals is emphasized.

Examines product hazards against probable and misuse exposure scenarios that translate into a risk assessment. Explores a framework to asses risk throughout the product supply chain to determine and document appropriate and effective systems for ongoing assessment and management of product and business risk.

Presents best practices in product design, focusing on materials selection, packaging and sustainability.  Examines alternatives in the product development cycle where improvement opportunities exist to reduce potential impact on human and environmental health while providing comparable or superior efficacy, and competitive advantage to business.  Explore sustainability concepts and their impact on product development and design.

Introduction to regulatory, customer, and societal issues that affect consumer and intermediate products and how to incorporate solutions into business strategy using appropriate tools, concepts, and systems.  Examines the product supply chain, from the sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing of materials into products, transportation, retail, and use, to their end-of-life.

B530 is a graduate level course designed for students in biostatistics, statistics, bioinformatics, and other related areas. The course covers a broad range of statistical methods used in many areas of bioinformatics research, including sequence alignment, genome sequencing and gene finding, gene expression microarray analysis, transcriptional regulation and sequence motif finding, comparative genomics, and proteomics. This course is designed to train student's skills in data analyses and communications through real life bioinformatics projects. The courses primary audiences include are graduate students in biostatistics, bioinformatics, and researchers from pharmaceutical industry.

This course covers applied statistical methods for the analysis of categorical data with special emphasis on data collected from epidemiologic studies and general biomedical studies. The topics delivered in this course will focus on methods of categorical analysis commonly used in practice of the health sciences. The course will cover two areas: the relevant statistical theory and methods; and analysis of real-life problems using the SAS statistical software package.

P: STAT512 & STAT525   This course covers modern methods for the analysis of repeated measures, correlated outcomes and longitudinal data, including the unbalanced and incomplete data frequently encountered in biomedical research. Topics include an introduction to the analysis of correlated data, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), random-effects and growth-curve models, generalized linear models for correlated data, including generalized estimating equations (GEE), and generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs).

Class presentations and homework assignments will focus on data analysis in SAS using PROC GLM, PROC MIXED, PROC GENMOD, and PROC NLMIXED. Also, an introduction to fitting linear mixed models in R using fucntions lme() and gls() from the library(nlme) will be given.

Prerequisites: Students are assumed to have completed an undergraduate level statistics course and are familiar with the basic concepts of statistical inference. Students who are uncertain about their levels of preparation are encouraged to contact the instructors

Nonlinear mixed models are heavily utilized in drug development. Population pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics models are the most important applications. Because this topic has a heavy interdisciplinary flavor, it requires a mixed content that has pharmacology background, statistical theory, and computational implementations. The course’s primary audiences include graduate students in biostatistics, pharmacology, bioinformatics and researchers from pharmaceutical industry.

The most important feature of the course is the intended balance among pharmacology background, statistical theory and software implementation. At the end of this course, we expect that the students can understand the pharmacokinetic models, fit the nonlinear mixed model through the required software package, conduct the diagnosis of model fitting, perform hypothesis tests, and provide interpretation of the data. The course is part of the Biostatistics PhD curriculum.

This is a standard course that prepares Biostatisticians for support of clinical trial projects. The course will cover fundamental aspects of the appropriate design and conduct of medical experiments involving human subjects (clinical research/trials) including ethics, design, sample size calculation, randomization, monitoring, data collection, analysis and reporting of the results.

There will be three homework projects assigned with about four weeks allowed for completion of each, plus two tests and a final exam. The relative weights of these in the final grade are given below.

This is an introductory statistical method course on generalized linear models and longitudinal data analysis for students in various public health disciplines. The course focuses on the basic concepts and implementation of four extensions to classical linear regression models: (1) generalized linear models (including logistic and log-linear regression); (2) mixed effects models; (3) generalized linear mixed models; and (4) population average models based on generalized estimating equations (GEE).  

B652 is an advanced biostatistics course designed for students with an interest in the health sciences. Students are expected to have completed at least one semester course of basic biostatistics. Knowledge of probability and probability distributions, concepts of estimation and hypothesis testing are assumed. Topics covered in this course include multiple linear regression, analysis of covariance, logistic regression, and survival analyses. Upon completion of the course, students are expected to understand the appropriate statistical models for various outcomes and be able to interpret results using statistical techniques covered in this course. Students are also expected to conduct simple analyses using SPSS on personal computers

This is a course into the application of experimental design to biomedical experiments, such as randomization, blocking, factorial designs and stratification. The course addresses both clinical and pre-clinical investigation as well as design of experiments to evaluate medical devices, which will likely be encountered by biomedical researchers. It is addressed to second-year graduate students in biostatistics or epidemiology with a solid understanding of analysis of variance, regression and working knowledge of survial analysis.The course will be taught in two sessions, a lecture, where the relevant theory and methods will be presented, and a practicum or laboratory session, involving hands-on analysis of real-life problems using the SAS statistical software package.

Nonlinear mixed models are heavily utilized in drug development. Population pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics models are the most important applications. Because this topic has a heavy interdisciplinary flavor, it requires a mixed content that has pharmacology background, statistical theory, and computational implementations. The course’s primary audiences include graduate students in biostatistics, pharmacology, bioinformatics and researchers from pharmaceutical industry.

The most important feature of the course is the intended balance among pharmacology background, statistical theory and software implementation. At the end of this course, we expect that the students can understand the pharmacokinetic models, fit the nonlinear mixed model through the required software package, conduct the diagnosis of model fitting, perform hypothesis tests, and provide interpretation of the data. The course is part of the Biostatistics PhD curriculum.

This course is designed to provide solid training in statistical theory used in genetic analyses.

Research required by the graduate students for the sole purpose of writing a PhD Dissertation.

(Source: Course Catalog)

This courses aims to develop the student’s knowledge and ability in strategic management in health services organizations.  Based on an introduction to the general process model of strategic management, the course will engage in detailed discussions of a series of topics in strategic management.  These topics include the identification of the organization’s mission, vision, and values, the analysis of the external and internal environment of the organization, the identification of strategic challenges and opportunities, the development of strategies, the evaluation of strategies, the communication of strategies, and the development and evaluation of an action plan.

The course emphasizes the unique strategic challenges facing health services organizations and their leadership, and aims to develop accordingly the student’s ability to identify, analyze and address these challenges.

The course utilizes real-world cases to facilitate the understanding of basic course content.  The conceptual model of strategic management will be illustrated through the analysis of selected health care cases.  The student will also be required to independently analyze a strategic case most relevant to their field of work or study applying the conceptual strategic planning process.

This course will provide an introduction to the public health concentration Health Policy and Management. This online course begins with a broad overview of public health. Additional modules will be completed that illustrate key concepts in health policy.

Introduction to critical issues in law, ethics, and global public health. We compare and contrast the American perspective with those of other countries and governance structures.

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction and overview of critical issues relating to law, ethics, and global public health. While a goal of democratic governments is to protect and support the health of the public, implementation of health policies may infringe on the rights and liberties of individuals, including businesses.  This conflict is sometimes characterized as “private interest versus public good.”  This course examines legal foundations of public health systems and resulting ethical dilemmas that must be reconciled when the interests of the larger community are at odds with those of individuals. Discussions will compare and contrast the American perspective with those of other countries and varying governance structures around the world.

Health law and ethics are inextricably linked. Throughout the course, discussion will center on conceptual foundations of health law, ethics and human rights and issues relating to these fields.  From there, we will explore ways in which democratic government actions on behalf of the public’s health may conflict with the Constitutional rights of individuals and businesses as considered from the American perspective.  This includes recognition of the scope and limitations of authority of health organizations, regulation of professions and tort litigation for the public’s health. We will discuss current controversies in public health law and practice, including such topics as surveillance and privacy rights, and issues relating to health promotion, regulation of commercial speech, and First Amendment rights to freedom of expression.  The course concludes by examining future issues and emerging problems in public health, including those related to infectious diseases, bioterrorism, and public health genetics. Though the point of reference in this course is the U.S., we will bring a global frame to discussions. 

This course critically examines current issues in global health systems and prepares students to confront organizational and policy challenges. Health leadership here covers the entire “value chain” from the inception of public health policies to health services delivery.  Health leadership is therefore examined in terms of a comprehensive world view of public health issues and options. The course looks at health systems in selected countries outside the U.S. including examples in high-, middle- and low-income countries. We will examine trends in global health reforms and their governing structures. Health leadership, in the context of a professional career or an altruistic mission, requires knowledge, skills and commitment. The course will look at how leadership expectations are voiced by a diversity of stakeholders, inside and outside institutions, and how they may be met with critical thinking, analysis and application.

The course will focus on how development assistance for health (DAH) is changing and implications for the public’s health. Students will discuss global health related financial goals and priorities.  They will become acquainted with principles of political economy and the structures and governance of financing institutions related to DAH worldwide.

Global health is the defined as the health of populations in the global context. It pertains to worldwide health improvement, reduction of disparities, and protection against global threats that disregard national borders.  Every year, development assistance for health (DAH) is provided to lower and middle income countries.  In 2013 the amount was estimated to have been the equivalent of USD 31.1 billion (IHME)[1]. Global health leaders must understand where and how these funds originate and how they are being spent.  The course will focus on current day discourse about the way DAH is changing and implications for the public’s health.  Dominated in the past by bi-lateral agreements and the UN system (WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA), non-state and non-UN actors are now taking on greater prominence[2].  This development creates challenges for securing long-term solutions to global health challenges.  Controversies include, for example, ethical and legal considerations when NGOs and other independent institutions/corporations leverage DAH contributions in their tax expenditure strategies. Students will familiarize themselves with issues surrounding finance and global health goals and priorities.  Students will become acquainted with principles of political economy and the structures and governance of financing institutions related to DAH worldwide.

[1] Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

[2] Some of the major ones are The Global Fund, GAVI Alliance, World Bank, Gates Foundation and non-governmental organizations (NGO´s).

Review frameworks for global policy processes then take an in-depth look at one approach and its basic steps, applying it to select cases. The course considers key concepts in development of an advocacy agenda using strategies tailored to the policy environment and designed to move policies in the desired direction.

 Health policymaking is a complex process that varies around the world. It is affected by such factors as governance structures and systems, the relative influence of stakeholder groups, and the policy context including political, economic, social and organizational conditions. Making sense of the complex interplay of these elements requires skill, and there is no single correct way to approach such an analysis. In this course, we briefly review theories and frameworks for the policy process then take an in-depth look at one approach and its basic steps, applying them to select cases. The course concludes by considering key concepts in development of an advocacy agenda using strategies tailored to the particular policy environment and designed to move policies in the desired direction. 

A combination of experiential (learn by doing) and lecture formatted learning aimed at introducing students to the concept of Lean thinking and leadership in healthcare organizations. Within the course students will be introduced to: the history of Lean and its rise in healthcare, identification and quantification of the value of waste removal in process oriented work systems, Lean thinking, facilitation, tools and leadership.  Students will work independently and in small groups.

To further develop the student’s knowledge of financial management of public health organizations.   Topics will include: 

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the structure and processes that characterize Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).  The course covers current Health Care transformation related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

This course on Law and Public Health addresses the law and policy that inform the practice of public health primarily in the United States. The course proceeds with a examination of the field of public health and various definitions of public health. The course also examines law governing the practice of public health by state, local, and federal agencies, as well as health care professionals and institutions. Specific topics addressed include the constitutional foundations for public health practice and regulation, models and issues in public health regulation, and the relationship and tension between public health and private interests.  

This course is an introduction to the role of ethics in population health-related programs, policymaking, professions and research.

This course focuses on quantitative research methods applied to healthcare finance.  The goal is to equip students with a solid methodological basis for research design and secondary data analysis. The course presents different methodological applications using a combination of readings and problem sets that cover a selection of topics in healthcare finance.

This course is designed to prepare students for the H742: Practicum in Health Policy and Management. Students will be assigned to work in small groups of two or three students with health policy makers in local or state government or in private or non-profit health care organizations on a policy issue chosen by the agency. Over the course of the semester, students will conduct background research on the topic and examine prior relevant policies. This background work will be shared and discussed with the sponsoring agency.

This course is designed to prepare students for the H742: Practicum in Health Policy and Management. Students will be assigned to work in small groups of two or three students with health policy makers in local or state government or in private or non-profit health care organizations on a policy issue chosen by the agency. Over the course of the semester, students will conduct background research on the topic and examine prior relevant policies. This background work will be shared and discussed with the sponsoring agency.

Critical examination of current issues in global health systems prepares students to confront organizational and policy challenges. Examine trends in global health reforms and governing structures. Explore leadership expectations of diverse stakeholders, inside and outside government, and how they may be met with critical thinking, analysis and application.

This course critically examines current issues in global health systems and prepares students to confront organizational and policy challenges. Health leadership here covers the entire “value chain” from the inception of public health policies to health services delivery.  Health leadership is therefore examined in terms of a comprehensive world view of public health issues and options. The course looks at health systems in selected countries outside the U.S. including examples in high-, middle- and low-income countries. We will examine trends in global health reforms and their governing structures. Health leadership, in the context of a professional career or an altruistic mission, requires knowledge, skills and commitment. The course will look at how leadership expectations are voiced by a diversity of stakeholders, inside and outside institutions, and how they may be met with critical thinking, analysis and application.

Review basic research techniques used in health services research, including qualitative and quantitative methods.  Special emphasis is placed on applying these skills in “real world” settings where data may not be perfect and conditions may make it necessary to compromise in applying research techniques used in more controlled settings.

We review basic research techniques used in health services research, including qualitative and quantitative methods.  Special emphasis is placed on applying these skills in “real world” settings where data may not be perfect and conditions may make it necessary to compromise in applying research techniques used in more controlled settings. The course prepares students to move from research question to preliminary ideas about research methods that would be appropriately applied in their dissertations. The course covers basic research designs, measurement scales and coding nomenclatures, analytical techniques for qualitative data, research techniques for primary data collection and use of secondary data. Emphasis is placed on qualitative methods in this course. Given the nature of the dissertations completed in this program, the vast majority of students will use primarily qualitative methods in executive of their research. 

This course introduces methods for identifying, exploring and evaluating literature relevant to students’ proposed dissertation topics in a scholarly and systematic way. The course also prepares students to effectively review research for decision-making and other applications in their roles as senior leaders in organizations.  

This course provides students with an introduction to the topic of implementation science including immediately applicable problem solving and analytical skills relevant to those working in global public health settings. The course introduces a suite of tools for each step of the implementation framework, allowing students to understand the suitability of different tools for different applications. 

The primary objective of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the topic of implementation science including immediately applicable problem solving and analytical skills relevant to those working in global public health settings.. Reflecting the trans-disciplinary nature of global health, the course draws on and integrates qualitative and quantitative tools from a broad array of fields. For example, tools for understanding local contexts, needs and activities have been developed in the social sciences (ethnography), engineering design (contextual inquiry), business (Voice of the Customer)  and organizational behavior (appreciative inquiry). The course introduces a suite of tools for each step of the implementation framework, allowing students to understand the  suitability of different tools for different applications. 

This course provides students with insights into timely issues relating to global health informatics.  The course helps students understand current global challenges and opportunities in health informatics and equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively identify and address information needs in organizations. 

This course provides students with insights into timely issues relating to global health informatics.  The course helps students understand current global challenges and opportunities in health informatics and equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively identify and address information needs in organizations.   Health informatics initiatives have implications for stakeholders such as consumers, patients, practitioners, administrators, and policy makers. Students will consider informatics initiatives from varied stakeholder perspectives and evaluate them in the context of organizational strategies and operations. 

The course will focus on how development assistance for health (DAH) is changing and implications for the public’s health. Students will discuss global health related financial goals and priorities.  They will become acquainted with principles of political economy and the structures and governance of financing institutions related to DAH worldwide.

Global health is the defined as the health of populations in the global context. It pertains to worldwide health improvement, reduction of disparities, and protection against global threats that disregard national borders.  Every year, development assistance for health (DAH) is provided to lower and middle income countries.  In 2013 the amount was estimated to have been the equivalent of USD 31.1 billion (IHME)[1]. Global health leaders must understand where and how these funds originate and how they are being spent.  The course will focus on current day discourse about the way DAH is changing and implications for the public’s health.  Dominated in the past by bi-lateral agreements and the UN system (WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA), non-state and non-UN actors are now taking on greater prominence[2].  This development creates challenges for securing long-term solutions to global health challenges.  Controversies include, for example, ethical and legal considerations when NGOs and other independent institutions/corporations leverage DAH contributions in their tax expenditure strategies. Students will familiarize themselves with issues surrounding finance and global health goals and priorities.  Students will become acquainted with principles of political economy and the structures and governance of financing institutions related to DAH worldwide.

[1] Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

[2] Some of the major ones are The Global Fund, GAVI Alliance, World Bank, Gates Foundation and non-governmental organizations (NGO´s).

Communication within the field of health services and global public health requires special knowledge, abilities and skills. Executives must understand the value and role of organizational communication teams that manage and direct internal and external communication efforts. In addition, executives work with expert communicators to respond effectively during times of crisis. Media for communication include traditional outlets as well as new and emerging electronic media. Sensitivity to timing, context, culture, and best practices can maximize the effectiveness of executive communication within and outside their own organizations. This course introduces topics in executive communication necessary for senior leaders to be effective. 

Review frameworks for global policy processes then take an in-depth look at one approach and its basic steps, applying it to select cases. The course considers key concepts in development of an advocacy agenda using strategies tailored to the policy environment and designed to move policies in the desired direction.

Health policymaking is a complex process that varies around the world. It is affected by such factors as governance structures and systems, the relative influence of stakeholder groups, and the policy context including political, economic, social and organizational conditions. Making sense of the complex interplay of these elements requires skill, and there is no single correct way to approach such an analysis. In this course, we briefly review theories and frameworks for the policy process then take an in-depth look at one approach and its basic steps, applying them to select cases. The course concludes by considering key concepts in development of an advocacy agenda using strategies tailored to the particular policy environment and designed to move policies in the desired direction. 

This course focuses on theories and principles of strategic leadership of organizations with a mandate to provide health care services. Coursework will address such strategic leadership issues as a basis for ensuring resource efficiency and effective operations. The course also addresses strategic challenges relevant in a global context. 

This course focuses on the theories and principles of strategic leadership of organizations with a mandate to provide health care services, whether public or private. The complexity of strategic leadership may arise from the composition of staff employed, organizational structures and/or from the characteristics of an organization´s environment.  Strategy development in an organization requires exploration of internal and external premises for conducting strategy processes.  Coursework will address such strategic leadership issues as a basis for ensuring resource efficiency and effective operations. An expanding set of organizational stakeholders enters into the complex equation of strategy analysis.  Students will identify them and draw on their findings in shaping strategy proposals. The course also addresses strategic challenges relevant in a global context, including frequent reforms and changing regulations in complex settings with pressures from a broad variety of stakeholders.

Senior leaders must be aware of key concepts in marketing and PR. Fundraising efforts must be supported by organizational leaders to advance the interests of the organization and serve the public good. This course provides insights into executive competencies related to external relationships influenced through marketing, PR and organizational development. 

Senior leaders in organizations that serve the public’s health must be aware of key concepts in marketing and PR to effectively understand how experts manage internal and external images and stakeholder attitudes and perceptions. Fundraising efforts, while typically under the purview of organizational experts, must be supported by organizational leaders to advance the interests of the organization and serve the public good. This course provides students with insights into executive competencies related to external relationships influenced through marketing, PR and organizational development

Review key evaluation theories and frameworks, selection of evaluation questions, evaluation design and data collection strategies, reporting evaluation results, and the political, ethical, and interpersonal considerations in evaluation. Some topics, including research design and data collection strategies, reinforce previous course content.

This course is designed to expose a PhD student to published material on a specific topic or technique related to their field of study in Health Policy and Management.  The material to be studied will be determined primarily by the PhD student under the direction of a faculty member with input from the student’s concentration advisor.  The PhD student is expected to work closely with the faculty member to develop a strategy to identify the material to study, plan a time frame for completion of the study and to determine the nature of the study product.  Generally the product will be a summary and interpretation of the material studied in a literature review format.  The PhD student and faculty member will complete a written agreement, which outlines the scope of work for the semester.  The concentration advisor will also sign this agreement.

This course guides students through the steps necessary to produce the outline of a dissertation proposal.  In collaboration with faculty, students will assess the current state of their research questions and literature reviews and generate work plans for revisions, additional refinements and the addition of preliminary ideas about methodology. 

This course guides students through the steps necessary to produce the outline – and to the extent possible, a first draft – of a dissertation proposal.  In collaboration with faculty, students will assess the current state of their research questions and literature reviews and generate work plans for revisions, additional refinements and the addition of preliminary ideas about methodology, culminating in brief oral presentations of dissertation proposal outlines in person in August. Emphasis is on making independent progress on components of a proposal draft, with support and guidance from faculty and peers over six class sessions during the summer.

This is the second in a two-part series to guide students through the steps necessary to produce a draft dissertation proposal.  In close collaboration with course faculty and the students’ dissertation committee chairs and committee members, students will refine their proposals in preparation for oral defense. 

This doctoral-level course exposes PhD students to research designs commonly used in the health policy and management (HPM) literature.  Topics covered will include overview of the research process, types of study designs including their benefits and drawbacks with a strong focus on causal inference designs developed in the field of economics and policy analysis.  At the end of the semester, students should come away with an improved grasp of the interdisciplinary language of HPM research and a deeper appreciation of the importance of research design.

The goal of this course is for the student to understand how to apply quantitative methods to theory-based, hypothesis-driven research.   While the course will review quantitative methods useful to health services research, the emphasis will be on the practical application of such methods, including issues related to data management, the use of different software packages to implement such methods, and the effective presentation of quantitative findings to a variety of audiences. The final course deliverable will be an empirical analysis using national survey data to inform an issue of interest to the student.

This is a qualitative research methods course for doctoral students. Emphasis will be placed on ethnographic field methods as they apply to understanding the organization, implementation, and evaluation of health services. Students will: learn qualitative research design; collect, manage, and analyze qualitative data; and report qualitative findings.

Students work independently, in collaboration with dissertation committee chairs and committee members, to complete dissertations. The DrPH dissertation is the ultimate academic test of a student’s competency.  It requires application of key aspects of the curriculum to improving the understanding of an important public health-related administrative or policy issue.

Students work independently, in close collaboration with their dissertation committee chairs and committee members, to complete their dissertations. The DrPH dissertation is the ultimate academic test of a student’s competency.  It requires application of key aspects of the curriculum to improving the understanding of or resolving an important public health-related administrative or policy issue. The dissertation should demonstrate the candidate’s mastery of the skills and knowledge required to lead an important health-related program or organization, to create a substantial change in policy for the public’s health, or to develop new methods that accomplish either of these two goals.  The dissertation should be of publishable quality in either the scholarly literature or applied literature in health care delivery or global public health.

This course is designed to expose the student to different readings in public health.  The course will allow the student to apply skills learned in the public health core courses by collecting data and applying techniques.  The student will be required to read critically published papers and identify research topics.

This course is designed to introduce students to the social and behavioral science principles that provide the foundation for health program planning and disease prevention with an emphasis on population-based public health approaches. Students will explore topics that promote a broader and better understanding of determinants of health; the multiple factors contributing to health and illness behaviors; and the fundamentals, theories and principles that shed light on health and illness behaviors. Students will be introduced to the important complementary and inter-related relationships between behavioral and social determinants of health.

This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the important role that health education, health promotion, and disease prevention play in the overall plan to improve the Nation’s health. This course is designed to prepare students in the science and art of helping people change their lifestyle – stopping smoking, getting exercise, eating nutritious food -- so that they can begin to move toward a state of optimal health and avoid the chronic diseases that are causes of premature death and disability in Indiana, the United States, and around the world. Students will learn to identify factors (social, economic, biological, and cultural) that underlie individual disease risk, understand what barriers prevent behavior change, and the factors that influence individual decision making. They also will study effective preventive interventions directed at individuals (and their personal risk factors) and populations (community level approaches). With this background, the students should be able to better design their own programs as well as critique public health intervention recommendations for at risk populations. Practical use and application of these principles will be gained through class exercises, case study analysis, class discussion, and class assignments.

This course is designed to expose the student to published material on a specific topic or technique in the field of Public Health.  The material to be studied will be determined primarily by the student under the direction of a faculty member with input from the student’s concentration advisor.  The student is expected to work closely with the faculty member to develop a strategy to identify the material to study, plan a time frame for completion of the study and to determine the nature of the study product.  Generally the product will be a summary and interpretation of the material studied in a literature review format.  The student and faculty member will complete a written agreement, which outlines the scope of work for the semester.  This agreement will also be signed by the concentration advisor.