Main Content

Course Descriptions

• PHS 700. Essentials of Population Health. Introduction to how the multiple determinants of health (e.g., health care, socioeconomic status, genetics, the physical environment and health behavior, and their interactions) have implications for the health outcomes of populations. Characteristics of populations defined by geography, diagnosis, and/or point of care will be discussed. Avenues in which health care systems, public health agencies, community-based organizations, retail health organizations work together to improve local, national, and global communities. Students will also learn how to view problems from a population health and population health management perspective. Descriptions of how clinical and non-clinical data is used to measure health-related outcomes, analyze patterns, communicate results, and develop evidence-based intervention practices to manage of health of populations will be explored. Traditional Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 702. Statistical Methods in Research. This course provides an introduction to selected important topics in statistical concepts and reasoning. This course represents an introduction to the field and provides a survey of data types and analysis techniques. Specific topics include applications of statistical techniques such as point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing (tests of significance), correlation and regression, relative risks and odds ratios, sample size/power calculations and study designs. While the course emphasizes interpretation and concepts, there are also formulae and computational elements such that upon completion, class participants have gained real world applied skills. Online, Internet, or Web-based Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 703. Epidemiology I. This course will introduce students to the principles and methods of epidemiology in human populations, including study design (randomized trials, case-control studies, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies), risk estimation, and methods of causal inference. Online, Internet, or Web-based Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 704. Epidemiology II. This course will present and illustrate advanced concepts in epidemiologic methods with an emphasis on observational studies. Topics include causal inference in epidemiology, measures of disease frequency, measures of association, application of statistical methods commonly used in epidemiologic studies (e.g., stratified and logistic regression analysis), calculation of sample size and statistical power, precision and validity in epidemiologic studies, quantification of bias (e.g., information and selection bias), assessing confounding and effect modification, interpretation and critique of results from various epidemiologic studies including meta-analysis Traditional Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 705. Value-based Healthcare Del & Pay Models. Health care systems in the US and around the world are pursuing value-based health care (VBHC) reforms that seek to achieve the triple aim of better care for individuals, better health for populations, and lower cost of care per capita. In VBHC, health care payers and purchasers hold health care providers accountable for delivering high-quality care and spending health care dollars more wisely. VBHC delivery models include Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and non-ACO models. ACOs are networks of hospitals, doctors, and other health care providers that share financial and clinical responsibility for providing coordinated care to patient populations in hopes of limiting unnecessary spending. Both ACO and non-ACO value-based payment models will be covered in this course. Traditional Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 709. Population Health Management. This course will introduce students to the applied field of population health management through the use of case studies and key elements of population health management such as development of accountable care processes and infrastructure, payer relationships, care coordination, health and financial management systems, and leadership. Descriptions of how clinical and non-clinical evidence is used to measure health-related outcomes, analyze patterns, communicate results, and identify best practices and implement effective interventions to manage the health of clinical populations. The importance and challenges of the translation of data and information into intelligence for clinical and health policy decision-making will be emphasized. Online, Internet, or Web-based Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 710. Lifestyle Medicine and Health Coaching. The purpose of this course is to increase the knowledge and skills of clinicians in coaching patients to make lasting lifestyle management changes utilizing evidence-based lifestyle medicine strategies. It is envisaged that undertaking this subject will contribute to the professional development, knowledge base, and performance of those involved in health promotion and chronic disease management. Given the evolution of the U.S. health care system, health care providers are incentivized to produce better patient outcomes and to reduce recurring patient visits. Employers are prioritizing health and wellness in the workplace, aiming to cut costs and increase productivity. Given these changes, it is important for clinicians to increase their skill set in the provision of lifestyle modifications, as well as enhance their knowledge of evidence-based approaches for motivating behavior change, and understanding of how to incorporate lifestyle medicine into clinical practice. Online Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 711. Healthcare Quality and Safety. This course provides an overview of health care quality and safety. Students will learn fundamental quality improvement concepts and techniques. Quality measurement, assessment, and improvement frameworks will be explored as they apply to clinical, safety, and patient satisfaction outcomes. Traditional Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 712. Science Communication & Dissemination I. This is a foundation course in science communication theory, research, and practice in the context of health promotion and health care. This course is based on the premise that scientists, and increasingly, other practitioners and educators, are agents of change in creating research impact, promoting research utilization, and ensuring that research findings reach appropriate audiences. This course is designed to increase practical knowledge, competencies and skill set necessary for translating scientific knowledge to various communities and populations. Online, Internet, or Web-based Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 717. Health Behavior Theory. This course will provide an overview of social and behavioral science theories and frameworks that are currently used to: 1) understand health related behaviors; and 2) guide development of interventions and policies designed to prevent, reduce or eliminate major public health problems. Population health is an interdisciplinary field built upon other disciplines such as sociology, psychology, economics, demography, and public health. As a result, this course will cover classic theories in psychology and sociology; the leading health behavior theories in public health, and emerging theories used in population health interventions. Traditional Independent Study (3 hours)

• PHS 720. Population Health Informatics. This course will focus on the concepts, theories, and practices of the evolving discipline of health informatics. Differentiation between approaches used in this field versus health information technology will be highlighted. Health informatics is defined as the method of acquiring, storing, retrieving, and using healthcare information to foster better collaboration among patients and health care providers. This evolving specialization links information technology, communication, and health care to improve the quality and safety of patient care. Online, Internet, or Web-based Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 731. Social Determinants of Health. This course analyzes the social factors, such as inequalities in income and opportunities, and racial/ethnic disparities that influence the health of populations. The course examines the effect of economic, social, cultural, and environmental factors on population health. The course looks at how systematic variation in these factors lead to health disparities, and explores how economic, social and cultural conditions interact with other determinants of health such as human behavior and biology. The course also reviews the methods used in health disparities research and assesses relevant economic and social policies. Online, Internet, or Web-based Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 742. Multivariate Regression. This course introduces the basic concepts and steps associated with multivariable statistical modeling. It integrates methods with performing the steps using data analysis tools such as Stata. Presents use of generalized linear models for quantitative analysis of data encountered in public health and medicine. Specific models include analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, multiple linear regression, logistic regression, and Cox regression. Applied linear regression involving hands-on data analysis will be emphasized. Students enrolling for this course should have taken at least one other graduate level statistics course and should be conversant with the basic fundamentals of statistical testing and estimation. Traditional Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 750. Population Health Research Methods I. This course will introduce the major components in research methods including: qualitative and quantitative study designs, selection of study populations, formulation of research questions, hypothesis formulation, levels of measurement, sampling, measurement, instrumentation, and study interpretation issues. Emphasis will be placed on research methods from social science origins, including an introduction to qualitative research theory and design. Online, Internet, or Web-based Lecture (3 hours)

• PHS 797. Population Health Capstone. This course will guide students through the conduct of a practice transformation practicum, which is a planned and evaluated work experience that compliments the classroom education, and allows them the opportunity to apply the lessons learned in their course work. The practicum experience is designed to enhance students’ experience in the field of population health, and is key to a comprehensive understanding of population health practice in various settings. Success is defined by the exposure to valuable work experience, improvement in subject matter knowledge, and achievement of course objectives. Traditional Practicum/Internship (1-6 hours)

PHS-approved electives course descriptions may be found in the current version of the UMMC Catalog.