Essentials of Public Health

SPH PH 510

  • Critical Thinking
  • Ethical Reasoning
  • Social Inquiry II

Students will gain an understanding of public health as a broad, collective enterprise that seeks to extend the benefits of current biomedical, environmental, social, and behavioral knowledge in ways that maximize its impact on the health status of a population. The course will provide an overview of the public health approach including epidemiology, disease surveillance, sustainable solutions, social determinants of health, and disease prevention. Through active learning, students will learn skills in identifying and addressing an ever-expanding list of health problems that call for collective action to protect, promote and improve our nation's health, primarily through preventive strategies. Specific topics will include: food safety, toxics reduction, HIV/AIDS & COVID-19, vaccines, and tobacco control and prevention. PH510 is a requirement for obtaining an undergraduate minor in public health. It is appropriate for undergraduates and others who are not in an SPH degree program. It does not carry degree credit for MPH students. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Ethical Reasoning, Social Inquiry II, Critical Thinking.

FALL 2024 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
A1 Godley WED 130 TR 12:30 pm-1:45 pm For undergrads Soph or above. Taught at CRC.
This course is full and has an active waitlist. New waitlist entries are no longer accepted as of 8/24/24. Any seats that open up will go to students on the waitlist.

SPRG 2025 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
A1 Lipson SAR 103 TR 9:30 am-10:45 am For Undergrads Soph. or above. Taught at CRC.

SPRG 2025 Schedule

Section Instructor Location Schedule Notes
B1 Godley SAR 103 TR 12:30 pm-1:45 pm For Undergrads Soph or above. Taught at CRC.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.