The course will especially focus on those risk factors that have been studied most extensively in the transmission of communicable and infectious diseases. Special emphasis will be given to the explication of methodological and research design issues and problems in definition and assessment. Detailed attention will also be paid to the biological and environmental pathways that link psychosocial factors and human biological functions. This course engages students in the development of a research proposal and a thesis that represents a summary expression of the knowledge they have achieved and integrated from their previous learning experiences in the program. Students must complete the core curriculum and PUBH 6430, Social and Behavioral Research Methods, before enrolling in this course.
Students pursue an in-depth exploration of a topic of interest in community health.
They develop a proposal and normally explore their selected area of interest through library research. Skills gained in locating and using diverse information technology resources from their previous learning experiences in the program are critical to achieving success in this course. The paradigms, theories, concepts, and methods of inquiry and professional practice examined by students must be logically and critically presented in a comprehensive paper. Students must complete the core curriculum and PUBH 6430, Social and Behavioral Research Methods, before enrolling in this course. This course provides an opportunity for a student-arranged practicum in a community health setting that complements their academic and professional goals.