All courses, arranged by program, are listed in the catalog. If you cannot locate a specific course, try the Advanced Search. Current class schedules, with posted days and times, can be found on the NOW/Student Dashboard or by logging in to SiS.
An overview course to be taken in the first semester in the Master's program. Case studies are used to introduce students first to the hazard analysis methods, and second, to the prevention methods of each of the department's sub-disciplines. Interconnections between exposures and illness/accident development are reviewed at three levels: individual, work organization and society.
This course provides a foundation for the analysis of social and behavioral influences on public health. Planning, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives designed to improve public health are discussed. The course reviews prominent concepts in the social and behavioral sciences and provides examples of their impact on public health. Psychosocial theories of health promotion and how they inform public health practice are analyzed. Public health competencies in social and behavioral sciences provide a foundation for the course content.
This course reviews the organizational structure of healthcare facilities and the behavior of individuals within them. Students analyze the role of administration, human resources, providers and other support staff and apply organizational, behavioral, and social science practice and theory, to the operations of the healthcare organization. Comparison is made between healthcare and non-health care types of industry to highlight the unique characteristics of healthcare workers. An emphasis is also made on leadership styles, organizational culture, and change management within the healthcare organization.
The course provides students with a foundation of public health policy and related institutional knowledge required within public health. This course will survey and analyze the health care system in the United States, emphasizing the major issues and trends.
The course introduces students to the basic principles and mechanisms of toxicology with a focus on occupational and environmental health. Concepts of dose, dose rate, dose-response analysis, and test systems are presented in the context of the toxicology of major organ systems and toxic agents. The course covers toxicology of major organ systems (respiratory, dermal, immunologic, cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive systems, and cancers), major classes of contaminants (airborne particles, respirable fibers, vapors/gases, heavy metals, organic solvents, pesticides, sensitizers, emerging contaminants), and their mechanisms of action. A review of the necessary human biology and biochemistry of life is also provided.
This course explores and examines non-quantitative methodologies in the social sciences and political economy. The course will discuss hypothesis generation, survey design, research problem design, case studies, ethnographic methods, participatory research methods, content analysis, interviewing techniques and key informant interviews. Doctoral students in work environment policy are particularly urged to take this course. The course will be offered in collaboration with the Department of Regional Economic and Social Development as course 57.592.
This course explores analytic methods that can be used to improve the decision making of management, clinicians and others within the healthcare industry. Students learn the conceptual foundations of quantitative analysis and common methods used in supporting decision-making; developing evidence-based practices; analyzing data and testing hypotheses. Students also learn how to use industry-standard data analysis software applications, statistical packages and common applications for the development and reporting of analytic findings.
This course will survey the field of environmental health and the links between environmental stressors and impacts on public health. The course will explore human and industrial activities that impact on environmental health such as population, food production, air and water pollution, waste, the built environment, toxic substances, pests, and global climate change. The course will also examine the types of diseases and illnesses that result from environmental impacts.
This course provides and introduction and overview to leadership, management, and organizational behavior in health care, reflecting the uniqueness of this sector. The course integrates theory with practice through readings, lectures, written assignments, and guest presentations from different organizational perspectives. Assessment, practice and development of leadership, managerial and organizational skills will be accomplished through team exercises and small group work. You will be encouraged to analyze your own leadership style and skills within the context of healthcare as well as interview and learn from other leaders in the healthcare setting.
This course is designed to provide an overview of hazard recognition, evaluation and control of potentially hazardous biological materials. This introduction to the field will cover the potential risks of working with biological materials, the use of engineering, work practices and administrative measures for hazard control and regulations governing the area of biosafety. Requires working knowledge of Microbiology, and permission of Instructor.
This course provides an overview of key topics in the field of occupational health and safety including physical agents and biological and chemical hazards. The measurement and control of various physical agents are covered, including noise, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, heat stress and extreme environments. Students will understand the health risks from biological hazards and blood borne pathogens, as well as the regulations and methods of prevention. They will also gain knowledge of hazard communication regulations, material safety data sheet and how to research chemical hazards.
Provides broad exposure to the concepts and practices of healthcare finance and healthcare financial management. Teaches a practical understanding of basic healthcare financial issues, financial reporting and analysis, and provider payment structures. The course enables students to read, analyze and use healthcare financial information in today's healthcare environment.
This course focuses on a multi-disciplinary approach to operations analysis, process redesign and quality improvement in health care. Focus is placed on the tools, methods and processes used for improving work flow processes, patient safety and performance in a variety of health care settings. Students study the history, development and principles of quality improvement in healthcare.
Pre-Req: Graduate level or Instructor permission.
This course provides a framework for addressing common issues faced by management within a healthcare organization. Students are provided with an overview of how healthcare institutions are organized and governed, the unique roles of management, clinical staff, support staff, and human resources in the healthcare setting. Students also learn the management systems designed for efficient and effective operations.
Basic properties of airborne particles, with particular regard to properties important to health. Includes basic properties of gas-borne particles, uniform particle motion, particle collection mechanisms, filtration, particle sampling, respiratory deposition, particle statistics, electrical properties, and optical properties. Course includes lectures and laboratory.
Students explore the economic dimensions of healthcare by considering the input, output, production and costs of producing quality healthcare which meets demand and evaluates the behavior of supply. Students consider provider payer systems and aspects relative to private and public health insurance in determining market power and competitive markets. Common economic evaluation methods are introduced to measure health service feasibility, and promote value judgment in the realm of healthcare reform and regulatory compliance.
This course is designed to provide an overview of hazard recognition, evaluation and control in laboratory environments. This introduction to the field will cover the potential risks of working with chemicals, radioactive materials, animals and biological materials. It will also introduce the use of engineering, workpractices and administrative measures for hazard control and regulations governing the area of laboratory safety.
There is currently no description available for this course.
A survey course covering introductory topics in ergonomics and industrial hygiene. Ergonomics topics include work measurement, anthropometry, biomechanics, psychosocial stress and work reorganization, special emphasis is placed on the recognition and control of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Industrial hygiene topics will cover the identification, measurement, and control of chemical and physical hazards in the work environment including principles of air sampling and analysis, ventilation and other control technologies, and the use of personal protective equipment with special attention to respiratory and hearing protection.
Students learn the fundamentals of planning and marketing and how they are applied to the health care system. Students use common tools and techniques to conduct environmental scanning, and feasibility analysis to determine if marketing goals for a new product or service meet the mission, vision and strategic plan of the healthcare organization. SMART Goals are introduced along with other campaign foundations in the development of a marketing summary and strategy for the healthcare organization.
An overview of the scientific basis for design of the workplace to optimize physical and mental interaction of workers with machines, tools, and work methods. Topics include work measurement, anthropometry, biomechanics, work physiology, cumulative trauma disorder and information presentation and processing.
This course introduces healthcare professionals to the power of data and the importance of analysis. Students learn how population informatics, consumer health informatics, translational bioinformatics, and clinical research informatics are essential components in selecting the techniques and systems used for transforming clinical data into information, knowledge and improved decision-making. The past, current and future role of healthcare IT is also discussed.
The anatomical and physiological basis of human motor capabilities. Quantitative models are developed to explain muscle strength performance, motion control, physical fatigue, and acute and chronic musculoskeletal trauma, particularly static link models of lifting and other manual activities. Application to the evaluation and design of various tasks and occupations.
A laboratory presentation of the biomechanical basis for understanding and predicting human motor capabilities using bioinstrumentation. Computerized data acquisition, electromyography and load cells for strength measurement are examples of the equipment used in this lab. Particular emphasis is placed on the evaluation of occupational activities.
This course covers the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions to reduce risk factors for poor health and related outcomes. Topics include the use of casual diagrams to identify possible intervention points; logic models for program evaluation; and design of formal evaluation research studies. Selected scientific articles will be used to illustrate topics covered in the lectures. Each student will select a public health problem of interest and develop a case study over the course of the semester.
Pre-req: PUBH 5750 Introduction to Biostatistics and Epidemiology or Other introductory course on epidemiology or research methods, such as: 32.604, 33.704, DPTH 6120, or PSYC 5120.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the principles of safety hazards in the work environment. This course is primarily designed to emphasize the safety aspects of the hazards at work. It begins with the historical development of occupational safety and health and progressively examines the fundamentals of recognition, measurement, evaluation, and control of occupational safety hazards.
The functional processes of human systems in the workplace that affect psychosocial health and productivity. Review of associations between work design principles and effects on human well-being, learning, and performance. Human perceptive, cognitive, metabolic, and social-psychologic limitations. Human-machine interactions affecting "stress" and learning at the level of individuals and of groups. Introduction to "healthy" job redesign, "conducive production", and measurement strategies. Principles applied through practical design problems.
Housing is fundamental to the quality of life in communities, and housing policies shape the availability of this fundamental good. This course will examine the economic, environmental, social, and cultural factors that shape housing and its sustainability. Overall housing and land use policy in the United States will be summarized, with students learning of the ways in which housing policy impacts communities, states, and regions. The course will then give students a detailed understanding of the process through which housing is developed and the role the market, government, funders, workers, and housing consumers play in influencing the creation and development of housing. The course will highlight the ways in which current housing development policy and practices are not sustainable, and will examine more recent efforts to establish standards and practices that enhance sustainability. Students will learn how to take a housing project through the various stages, such as project conceptualization, market analysis, design, site acquisition, financing, construction, and occupancy. While the course focuses on the U.S. context, students will learn of international efforts to achieve greater sustainability in housing. The course will provide students with both practical and theoretical knowledge of housing and land use policy and development practices. Case studies of actual projects will be presented.
The large body of law, which has developed since the early 1960's, is examined in considerable detail. Federal laws relating to the environment, particularly with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Acts. State and local laws and ordinances are discussed where pertinent.
Human social and productive activities often harm the natural environment. Environmentally related health problems will become more prominent and put additional stress on industrial, as well as transitional and developing nations. A sustainable world is one that provides not only for environmental viability but also economic health, social justice and political participation. This course is designed to explore the dynamics and interactions of social, economic and political factors that aid or impede a community's ability to contribute to global environmental sustainability. The course will be offered in collaboration with the Department of Regional Economic and Social Development as course 57.518.
Toxic Use Reduction (TUR) is a new approach to hazardous waste management and environmental protection. Rather than addressing chemical contamination as waste (after its generation), to be managed through permits and emission regulations, TUR focuses on chemicals while still in production. In Massachusetts, firms are required to prepare plans demonstrating how they will reduce or eliminate the use of toxic chemicals. The course is organized as a set of discussions and case studies from the real-life program.
This course gives students an understanding of the main issues and solutions involved in community level conflict resolution; e.g., in neighborhoods, workplaces, and other institutions. It develops students' skills in practicing conflict resolution and/or evaluating programs in the field of dispute resolution.It is important to understand why conflict happens and how to resolve conflict.
This course introduces students to the critical role of water and water sanitation in protection of public health. The course will provide an overview of the basics of water treatment systems and the role of local public health professionals in water preservation. Students will be introduced to the importance of water and the global water crisis; the basic principles of water hydrology and the connection between surface and ground water; water chemistry, microbiology and common contaminants in water supplies (nutrients, pathogens, and chemicals); water and waste water treatment and protection systems (including storm-water runoff, pools and beaches), their functioning, regulation, and testing; and the emerging issues in water protection, such as hydrofracking. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Critical Thinking & Problem Solving (CTPS).
Pre-req: HSCI 1021 Introduction to Public Health, and PUBH 2080 (formally 33.313) Principles of Environmental Health Science.
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in human populations, and the risk factors associated with diseases. This course provides an introduction to epidemiology and the associated biostatistical methods that constitute the principal quantitative methods for disease prevention. Topics include: measures of disease frequency, measures of central tendency and spread, rates and risks, precision and validity, bias, simple linear regression, and the important study designs (population surveys, cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies).
This course is designed to provide familiarity with several types of statistical software commonly used in public health research. The course covers topics including: reading raw data and existing data sets; modifying data; combining data sets; applying basic statistical procedures; and sorting, summarizing, and printing data.
This is a practical course in biostatistical methods for health research. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the use and interpretation of standard biostatistical methods. Topics include probability and sampling distributions, regression and ANOVA, methods for analyzing rates and proportions, power and sample size calculations. Students will gain experience in using a statistical software package to apply and expand their data analysis skills.
This course will address the epidemiology of disability outcomes through a mix of didactic presentation and critical discussion of the literature, covering both observational and intervention studies. Qualitative research methods will also be highlighted in terms of how they can enrich the study hypotheses, construct measures, etc. The first half of the course will cover observational studies of individual and environmental risk factors for disability outcomes, including features of both the workplace and the community. Then we will describe the key design features of clinical trials to evaluate interventions, again at both the individual and the organizational levels. Interspersed with lecture material, selected observational and intervention studies from the peer-reviewed scientific literature will be evaluated with respect to study design, methodologic rigor, and adequacy of statistical analysis.
Pre-Req: 34.510 or any research methods course, such as 19.575, or equivalent.
Practical training course for students to perform CPT.
This is the first course in a two-semester sequence that provides the opportunity to apply practical skills through a culminating practice experience for students in the Master's programs in Work Environment and Public Health. The course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to examine an interdisciplinary problem in depth and propose a solution to the problem by applying technical knowledge and skills obtained in their program to a real world issue. The product will be a report and a public presentation of the project.
This is a second course in a two-semester sequence that provides the opportunity to apply practical skills through a culminating practice experience for students in the Master's programs in Work Environment and Public Health. The course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to examine and interdisciplinary problem in depth and propose a solution to the problem by applying technical knowledge and skills obtained in their program to a real world issue. The product will be a report and a public presentation of the project.
This course discusses global health efforts in relationship to human health and quality of life. Using a case methodology, this course will enable students to analyze complex health and development challenges in the less-developed world, and propose and evaluate interventions that address challenges. Topics include maternal and child health, nutrition, infectious and noninfectious diseases, natural disasters, sanitation and health inequality. Access to health care in developing and developed countries will be analyzed. The concept of positive deviance will also be explored
Geographic information systems (GIS) are of growing importance for analyzing health and environmental data. GIS is a spatial analysis system for the organization, storage, retrieval, and analysis of public health and many other types of data The course will provide an overview of spatial analysis of data of importance to environmental and public health issues and students will analyze implications of spatial data analysis for public health.
Pre-req: MATH 2830 Introduction to Statistics, and Co-req: PUBH 6040L Geographic Info. Systems (GIS) for Health Lab.
Pre-req: MATH 2830 Introduction to Statistics, and Co-req: PUBH 6040 Geographic Info.Systems (GIS) for Health.
An advanced seminar focused on developing research skills needed for understanding the causes of health and safety hazards in the work environment as well as their solutions. The seminar topics will vary each semester, depending on the research fields of the students enrolled as well as the expertise of the participating faculty members. The goal is to provide depth in theory, background literature, state of the art measurement tools, and research methods at a level appropriate to students undertaking independent research. All doctoral students are required to take tow semesters of this seminar.
This course provides a broad-range overview of the healthcare information systems industry, its history, recent developments and continuing challenges, as well as a practical understanding of healthcare information systems acquisition and implementation. Topics include EMR, Data, CMS Quality Programs, Clinical Integration and health information exchange.
This seminar course provides a forum for doctoral students (and advanced master's students) to discuss their research with their peers and the faculty in a supportive interdisciplinary community. Doctoral trainees from all Work Environment fields are required to present their work in progress to their peers. Although all doctoral students must register for this seminar for credit in one semester during their career, they are expected to attend and present regularly while they are in the research and writing phase of their doctorate.
Concepts of quantification of occupational exposures (chemical and physical hazards) for purpose of correlating health effects with exposures. Topics discussed include reasons for conducting exposure assessment, sampling methods, sampling strategies (for epidemiology, compliance, control), and statistical considerations. Principles are illustrated through a series of case studies.
A seminar covering aspects of aerosol science not discussed in 19.514 but necessary for the completion of research projects involving aerosols. Topics covered include the electrical, thermal, and optical properties of aerosols, particle agglomeration, evaporation and condensation, and the generation and measurement of test aerosols. Course will consist of lectures and laboratory sessions.
An advanced seminar covering statistical considerations for exposure sampling and data analysis. Topics include sampling data distributions; the effects of averaging time, autocorrelation, multiple task jobs and limit of detection samples on the sampling distribution; the use of linear models to examine between and within worker variability in exposure; the determination of homogeneous exposure groups; the development of multiple regression models to predict exposure levels and evaluate exposure determinants; and methods of model development, interpretation and validation.
An advanced course in modern epidemiologic methods as applied to physical and chemical hazards in the environment. Students read and critique some of the classic studies that have led to recognition of the effects of the environment on health, as well as some current topics of intense and active research. Major topics covered include: air pollution and lung disease, water pollution and infectious disease, ionizing radiation and cancer, outbreak investigation for foodborne infectious agents, lead poisoning, and endocrine disruption. Through reading the literature, students strengthen their skills in study design and analysis, while learning about important aspects of environmental health.
A seminar intended for students pursuing research involving industrial ventilation system design and evaluation. It covers material not included in 19.518, such as recent theoretical models which describe system performance, design of systems for high-temperature operation, trouble-shooting techniques, and advanced instrumentation techniques. Course consists of lectures and laboratory sessions.
This course provides the work environment professional with a systematic method of evaluating chemical, ergonomics and work organizational hazards in the field. Basic industrial processes and their potential hazards are reviewed. Approaches for evaluation of indoor air quality are covered. Worksite surveys of hazards and control technologies and the evaluation of existing health and safety programs are implemented through a series of workplace walkthrough visits in a variety of industries. Team work skills are developed and utilized to produce professional final reports and presentations that cover rankings of worksite hazards and recommendations.
Techniques for controlling exposure to airborne contaminants. Basic controls include substitution, ventilation, isolation, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. Special focus is placed on Toxic Use Reduction (TUR) and Pollution Prevention strategies.
This course presents and overview of legal and ethical issues facing managers and providers in health care. It provides students with a foundation of health law and ethics and reviews health care legal and ethical situations and dilemmas. The goals are to provide students with practical knowledge of health law and ethics and their application to the real world of health care.
This course covers quantitative and qualitative approaches to the development of sampling strategies. Statistical considerations in the quantification of occupational exposures are covered. Assessment of dermal exposures and the use of biomarkers for exposure assessment are also a focus of this class. An introduction to the methods of risk assessment will also be covered.
Basic properties of airborne particles, with particular regard to properties important to health. Sampling and analysis methods used in the evaluation of occupational exposures to aerosols, gases, vapors. Direct reading instrumentation, calibration and data processing. Integrated sampling methods and chemical analysis of organic and inorganic compounds will be covered in class and lab.
An advanced seminar covering exposure assessment for studies of acute and chronic respiratory disease, pharmacologic modeling for exposure assessment and the design of models to evaluate the role of production process factors in determining workplace airborne exposures. The course assumes a prior background in epidemiology and biostatistics as well as industrial hygiene and toxicology.
This course presents a comprehensive overview of environmental health and safety issues of nanotechnology, with focus on biologically based exposure assessment and control. Methods based on biology, toxicology, and knowledge of disease mechanisms are presented for identifying and quantifying nanoscale materials exposures found in occupational/environmental setting and consumer products and for designing exposure assessments for the study of health effects. This course is needed to fill a gap in the current curriculum offerings and to assist the various researchers in understanding possible risks associated with diverse nanotechnologies. The course will include introductory lectures, paper critiques, and laboratory sessions.
Pre-Reqs: PUBH 5030 Toxicology and Health and PUBH 5141 Aerosol Science.
This new course, the only of its kind in the occupational & environmental hygiene program in the country, will discuss the significance of occupational environmental and household skin exposure to chemicals, skin exposure assessment and regulatory aspects. The course will address important topics, such as physiology and metabolism of normal skin, skin absorption of a variety of chemicals, including solids and nanomaterials, factors affecting skin permeation, permeability of compromised skin barrier integrity, skin sampling methods, skin-lung interactions and prevention of skin exposure, through a mix of didactic presentations and critical discussion of the scientific peer-reviewed literature. Each session will start with a presentation on the topic, followed by guided discussions of realistic, but provocative, scenarios. As laboratory space and instrumentation becomes available in the near future, a laboratory component will be added to the course to emphasize major sampling techniques and illustrate/visualize skin permeation of chemicals.
Pre-Reqs: PUBH 6100 Exposure Assessment, PUBH 5030 Toxicology and Health.
This course provides students with a basic framework for health policy analysis and examines major aspects of U.S. health policy. Detailed consideration and discussion focus on the relationship of national policy to the planning, implementation and funding of healthcare services. The course covers topics such as the healthcare policy environment in the U.S, government-funded healthcare through Medicaid and Medicare, and the Massachusetts healthcare reform.
The purpose of this course is to encourage students to carefully analyze their leadership style and skills within the context of health care. The course includes the study and application of leadership theories, concepts, and skills. Students will also assess their own leadership potential through the completion of readings, personal and leadership self-assessments, values exploration, and leadership skill exercises.
The course explores the relationship between social and economic justice and public health. Focusing primarily on the U.S., the forces that either establish and exacerbate or prevent socioeconomic inequities will be analyzed to understand the intricate links between social, behavioral, physical, and biological determinants of health. Several theoretical orientations will be reviewed in order to better understand how each frames research and public health strategies that have been used to address health inequalities. Students will be able to competently articulate the relationships between social and health inequalities. They will be able to explain the strengths and limitations of different theoretical orientations to these issues and frame the policy needs to positively reduce health disparities.
A graduate-level course introducing healthcare professionals to healthcare information system life-cycles. The course will take a detailed look at the process of systems planning, analysis, design and implementation within the healthcare environment. The concepts are taught in a manner that allows the skills learned to be applied to any discipline with the organization. The course is designed to give healthcare professional a practical understanding of the steps to successful systems delivery and its importance to a successful organization. Skills learned in this course will enable the student to work effectively with and support the information systems planning effort in order to ensure better system that align with the IS, clinical and business objectives.
A course in advanced biomechanical modeling methods, covering three dimensional static models, optimization methods and dynamic models. Special emphasis will be placed on biomechanical models of the hand. Time will also be dedicated to reviewing current developments in the scientific literature.
A practical approach to the design, and development of a relational database with an emphasis on healthcare. Analyzing the requirements of the database proceeds to the design of the structure of the relational database, which is then developed in a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Microsoft Access is used as the RDBMS platform.
This is a graduate level course providing a comprehensive foundation for project management as it applies to healthcare. Students will be introduced to the theory and concepts of project management and the tools to manage projects with a focus on healthcare. At the end of this course, students should be able to develop, execute, and control a basic project plan that is capable of supporting organizational objectives linked to measures of success for a single project.
A graduate-level course introducing healthcare professionals to strategic planning for the information systems organization. The concepts are taught in a manner that allows the skills learned to be applied to any discipline with the organization. The course is designed to give healthcare professional a practical understanding of strategic planning and its importance to a successful organization. Skills learned in this course will enable the student to work effectively with and support the information systems planning effort in order to ensure better IS, clinical and business alignment.
Criteria for selection of an approach to ergonomic job analysis depend on the combination of exposures (micro- and macro-level ergonomic stressors) observed to be present as well as the analytical goal. Many ergonomic analysis techniques are based on traditional industrial engineering approaches (time-motion study and work sampling), applied to the identification and evaluation of potential risks to workers' health. A variety of methods, both observational and instrumentational, will be discussed; laboratory sessions will permit hands-on application of several of these for critical evaluation.
The course addresses Electronic Health Records (EHR) integration with patient care flow, clinical decision making and patient engagement, as well as clinical quality reporting. The students also learn core EHR functions. The course uses industry-leading EHR software as a learning tool to demonstrate how electronic health record technologies are used in a clinical setting.
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Macroergonomics field. Macroergoniomics, also known as the third generation of ergonomics, is a top-down sociotechnical systems approach to the design of organizations, work systems, and jobs. The goal of macroergonomics is a fully harmonized work system at both the macro- and micro-ergonomic level which results in improved productivity, job satisfaction, health and safety, and employee commitment.
Pre-Req: 19.525 Industrial Hygiene & Ergonomics.
Rationales for prevention; determinant of job change feasibility, classic and alternative work organization theories, alternative productivity conceptions, health and growth assessment strategies, conducive work processes, work-group based re-design processes, communicative and network-oriented processes, organization-level change process, product redesign, occupational and political strategic issues.
This course provides an overview of occupational safety and health policy in the U.S. It focuses on the legal context, especially on OSHA, but also provides an analytical framework for examining the role of social, economic and political factors in the recognition and control of occupational hazards.
This course examines the broader issues of the impact of technology on the work environment and on workers. Topics include technology and craft work, Taylorism and the development of mass production methods, labor in the "factory of the future", skill-based automation, shop floor programming, and other issues in technology policy. The course is offered in collaboration with the Department of Regional Economic and Social Development as 57.503.
This course introduces students to the economic and policy aspects of environmental quality and natural resource issues. The course also incorporates relevant work-environment related issues. Simple and complex models are used to blend economic theory with environmental facts. Students will learn to derive policy insights form theoretical constructs. The primary objective is to show how the basic principles in economics can play a valuable role in analyzing and evaluating critical environmental issues and help in determining policy guidelines. Standard benefit cost of efficiency criteria will be applied to a wide variety of environmental, work-environment and natural resource problems. In attempting to do so we shall also emphasize how difficult it is to model actual environmental problems in the real world, We shall draw upon the basic tools of environmental and health economics to discuss current policy issues and questions that policy makers confront in practice. Graduate students in work environment will be required to do an economic analysis of an occupational health and safety intervention.
This advanced seminar will provide an introduction to clean product design and management which includes the use of lifecycle thinking, eco-design concepts, materials analysis, inherent product safety, recycling and reuse, produce take back, and design for the environment. As background, the seminar will cover renewable resources, bio-based materials and green chemistry solutions and conclude with a consideration of new forms of sustainable consumption.
This course will explore the rapidly expanding developments in cleaner production methods and policies. The course will focus on new directions in environmentally conscious manufacturing and product design in Europe. The subject will cover topics ranging from European demonstration projects, environmental auditing, cleaner technology assessment, eco-efficiency models, water and energy conservation, sustainable product design, eco-design and life cycle assessment, product take-back and extended product life, full cost accounting, industrial ecology, environmental management systems and ISO 14000. Special emphasis will be given to new information data sources and an introduction to new cleaner production methods software.
This practicum requires students to apply theories and principles from coursework in a public health setting. The practicum is a planned, supervised and evaluated practice experience under the supervision of a qualified preceptor. Students meet regularly on campus in a seminar with a faculty member who oversees the practicum experience.
Pre-Req: PUBH.6670 Integrated Practical Learning
This course is designed as a culminating experience for students in the MPH program. Students will demonstrate the mastery of a body of public health knowledge and achievement of the MPH competencies through a high-quality written product.
The course explores the relationship between social and economic justice and public health. Focusing primarily on the U.S., the forces that either establish and exacerbate or prevent social inequities will be analyzed to understand the intricate links between social, behavioral, physical, and biological determinants of health. Several theoretical orientations will be reviewed in order to better understand how each frames research and public health strategies that have been used to address health inequalities. Students will be able to competently articulate the relationships between social and health inequalities. They will be able to explain the strengths and limitations of different theoretical orientations to these issues and frame the policy needs to positively reduce health disparities. Permission of instructor.
This course will focus on the study of aging as a social process affecting individuals, society, and social institutions and the impact of social structure and institutions on older adults. The course will use a life course perspective of aging to examine the social construction of old age influenced by race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic disparities, and income and educational opportunities. Changing context of family, work and religion impacting the aging population in contemporary society will be analyzed. Effective public health policies and programs to address the well-being of the aging population will be discussed.
This course focuses on concepts, principles, and methods of epidemiological research in the study of population aging. Interpretation of the relevance of epidemiological findings to the public health of older populations will be examined. Theoretical and methodological issues in conducting epidemiological research with an aging population will be analyzed.
Pre-Req: PUBH.5750 Intro Biostat & Epidemiology.
An advanced course in modern epidemiologic methods as applied to occupational health risks and interventions. Students read and critique numerous studies in the field, and learn the particular methods and difficulties of conducting epidemiologic studies in the work environment. Major topics covered include: causal inference in epidemiology, point and interval estimation for cohort and case control studies, exposure assessment for epidemiology, multivariate linear and logistic models for control of confounding.
This course will provide an overview of the relevance of global aging to public health in high-income, emerging economies, and low -income countries. The course will examine the global perspective of public policy issues related to the aging of the world population. Topics include: demographic trends, global burden of disease, health systems design and caregiving models, social insurance programs, age-friendly cities, cross-cultural perspectives on aging, social change and aging, and public policy responses driven by a global aging population.
This seminar will cover the basics of how to structure and write an article for a peer-reviewed journal. Participants will bring at least one article from their own field that can serve as a model, as well as a sample of their own writing (can be a course paper or other draft manuscript). Both peer and instructor feedback will help to inform revisions of the draft.
This seminar will cover the basics of how to write a thesis proposal or grant application. Participants will bring at an idea for a project and, if possible, an outline or draft of a proposal to be developed further with peer and instructor feedback.
This course will explore the relationships between mental health and psychiatric diseases and working life. Both the impacts of mental illness on work, as well as the effects of work and the work environment on mental health will be covered. By the end of the semester, students will understand: basic psychiatric terminology, and the different psychiatric syndromes in relation to their clinical symptomatology and long term prognoses; how to assess those syndromes using epidemiologic screening tools;p and the current state of the art on the impact of working conditions on mental diseases and mental health, and the impact of these on working life.
This course is designed for researchers who will be doing data analysis using SAS. No prior programming experience is necessary, though familiarity with and general experience in use of a PC (DOS and Windows) is required. The course covers topics including: basics of SAS, reading raw data and existing SAS data sets, modifying data, combining data sets, basic statistical procedures, sorting, summarizing, and printing data. .
A second level course in modern epidemiologic methods. This course is designed for those planning to work in public health or healthcare. Emphasis is placed on the design and conduct of field studies. Students read the current literature, and learn the particular methods and difficulties of conducting epidemiologic studies in the work environment. Major topics covered include: casual inference in epidemiology, point and interval estimation for cohort and case control studies, exposure assessment for epidemiology, control of confounding, cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs.
This course will review both the methods and policy implications of risk assessment in the development of occupational and environmental standards. Students will conduct risk assessments on real problems, and study important cases in which these methods have been used in setting public policy.
The course reviews the importance of two key life-style behaviors, nutrition and physical activity, in older adults. Methods of nutritional and physical activity assessment, inter-relationships between nutrition, physical activity, and health, and public health policy impacting nutrition, activity and health will be discussed. Physiological, psychological and socio-economic issues affecting nutrition and physical activity among older adults will be analyzed. The impact of nutrition and physical activity in health, longevity, and quality of life in aging populations will be analyzed.
An advanced course on methods and content of research on work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Reviews pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevalence, latency and surveillance issues. The key literature is examined with attention to study design, quality of exposure assessment, control of bias and adequacy of statistical analysis. .
The focus of this course is to provide students with advanced skills necessary to collect quantitative and qualitative data for public health research and practice. Students will learn quantitative methods including questionnaire development, survey planning, data collection, data coding and data management. The course will prepare students to design, conduct, analyze and interpret qualitative research. Strategies for mixed methods research in social and behavioral sciences will be discussed.
This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to systematically develop, implement and sustain public health programs and interventions. The course utilizes implementation science, evidence based approaches and theoretical frameworks, to promote the adoption and integration of evidence-based practices, interventions and policies in community, health care and other public health settings.
Emphasis in this course is placed on understanding the underlying assumptions of quantitative models and on gaining an intuitive understanding of the most common modeling procedures. The types of models covered will be those frequently used in the analysis of health and environmental data, for applications such as analysis of survey research, quantitative risk assessment, and pharmacokinetics. Methods to be studied include ordinary least squares, the method of maximum likelihood, Monte Carlo methods, systems of ordinary difference equations, and basic simulation techniques. There will be a diverse set of readings, frequent computer exercises to be worked either individually or in groups, and a final project.
Students will explore the theories and practice of communication in public health, with a particular emphasis on the role of technology in sharing public health information. The impact of social and environmental factors on the success of health messages, and the relevance of social media and other technology to positively impact issues in population health will be analyzed. The strategic and ethical use of media in developing and implementing effective public health communications is a focus of the course. The targeting of health communication campaigns to populations for the purpose of influencing behaviors and health policy will be examined.
This course will cover introductions to several regression methods used in epidemiology to model exposure-response relationships. Topics include simple and multivariate linear regression, logistic regression, Poisson regression, and survival analysis (Cox model). We will introduce other advanced methods such as mixed models, propensity scores and principal component analysis as time allows.
Pre-req: PUBH.5750 Intro to Epidemiology, or PUBH.5770 Biostats for Health Data, or NURS.7070 Epidemiology of Health Promotion, or permission of instructor.
Course designed to explore the practical applications of epidemiologic methods to the setting of actual standards. Students gain experience in distinguishing minor from major design and analysis flaws. Course is presented as a seminar with four case studies and problem analysis.
This course surveys the basis of chemical engineering process design and fundamentals of unit operations. The student will be able to understand the basics of chemical engineering design methods for the purpose of enhancing sustainability of chemical production processes.
Advanced topics in industrial hygiene, exposure assessment or exposure control not offered in the regular curriculum. Topics may vary from year to year.
Advanced topics in biomechanics, work physiology, occupational safety or human factors not covered in the regular curriculum. Content may vary from year to year.
Advanced topics in occupational epidemiology, design and confounding, exposure-response modeling, or surveillance not covered in the regular curriculum. Content may vary from year to year.
Advanced topics in work environment policy, risk perception, risk communication and management, regulatory affairs or labor-management programs not covered in the regular curriculum. Content may vary from year to year.
Advanced topics in clean production, pollution prevention, and environmental protection efforts. Not offered in the regular curriculum. Topics may vary from year to year.
An advanced seminar in epidemiologic theory. The goal of the course is to develop each student's own theoretical perspective on the field to ground practical problems of study design and analysis. Students read a major text in modern chronic disease epidemiology as well as relevant papers, and discuss and evaluate the perspectives of different authors. Topics include: causality, study designs, measures of disease frequency, measures of association, statistical inference, biases, and confounding.
Near the end of one's Master's Degree program, students register for Capstone Project and complete a real world case study report and presentation. The Capstone Project applies concepts and skills learned in the program. It involves research and development, and culminates in a substantial business-type report. 3 credits, Requires Instructor Permission.
Advanced research project required of all master's degree candidates in the ergonomics, industrial hygiene, occupational epidemiology and work environment policy concentrations.
Minimum of 18 semester hours of graduate courses at an acceptable level; approval of a written proposal outlining the extent and nature of proposed research work.
1-Credit Continued Graduate Research course is for students with less than one year to defend or complete program. Part of reduce course load program for international students.
An internship, practicum or other type of employment that is either required by the students academic program or an experience for which a student receives academic credit. To be eligible the student must be in legal F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for one academic year. CPT work experience must be in the students field of study and contain a curricular component.
This course will allow doctorate students to remain active while they are taking courses/research at the other UMASS campuses.