Department of Public Health Sciences

ENV 102. Humans and the Environment. 3 Credits.

A study of the ability of humans to survive and maintain their life quality considering the limited resources and recycling capacity of planet Earth. Note: Only one of the following courses can be completed for credit: SCB 102, ENV 102, or ESS 102.

Gen Ed Attribute: Interdisciplinary Requirement, Sustainability Pathway

Distance education offering may be available.

Equivalent courses: ESS 102, SCB 102

ENV 199. Health Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.

Transfer Credits

Repeatable for credit.

ENV 230. Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. 3 Credits.

Provides students with the training required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency to work sites where hazardous wastes and/or materials may be stored, spilled, transported or used.

ENV 324. Environmental Sustainability. 3-4 Credits.

This course examines environmental sustainability through the interconnected lenses of social equity, economic vitality, and environmental protection. Students will identify solutions for unsustainable patterns and develop innovative thinking skills related to resource consumption, biodiversity conservation, human health and education, environmental justice, and the sustainable balance of all involved. Attention to these factors paves the way for humans and the environment and economy to thrive together rather than compete or merely survive.

Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis, Sustainability Pathway

ENV 435. Environmental Health Workshop. 1-6 Credits.

Special workshops on contemporary environmental health issues. Topics announced at time of offering.

Repeatable for credit.

ENV 445. Risk Assessment. 3 Credits.

An examination of human health and ecological risk assessment with emphasis on exposure estimation.

ENV 445 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENV 102 with minimum grade of D-.

ENV 447. Environmental Regulations. 3 Credits.

Prepares students for working with federal and Pennsylvania environmental regulations. Emphasizes use and development of Internet regulatory resources. Specific discussions and exercises related to various regulatory agencies are included.

ENV 447 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENV 102 with minimum grade of D-.

ENV 450. Hazardous and Solid Waste. 3 Credits.

Sources, characteristics, and amounts of solid and hazardous wastes and their implications for human health. Methods of collection, handling, disposal, and recycling.

ENV 450 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENV 102 with minimum grade of D-.

ENV 451. Environmental Toxicology. 3 Credits.

An investigation of the health problems caused by toxic substances in the workplace and in the general environment.

ENV 451 Prerequisite: Successful completion of BIO 204 and ENV 102, with minimum grades of D-. Corequisite: CHE 230.

ENV 452. Industrial Hygiene I. 3 Credits.

This course is an investigation of the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of airborne and dermal health hazards in the workplace. Hazard communication and regulatory compliance are also addressed.

ENV 452 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENV 102 with minimum grade of D-.

ENV 453. Occupational Safety. 3 Credits.

A study of the recognition, evaluation, and control of safety hazards in the work environment.

ENV 453 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENV 102 with minimum grade of D-.

ENV 455. Environmental Health Seminar. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide the opportunity to conduct a fundamental investigation of an environmental health issue and to allow for presentation of project results as a written manuscript and as a poster. Concepts of hypothesis formation, experimental design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of results are part of the in-depth investigation on topics of significance to the environmental health field. Topics will vary from year to year.

ENV 455 Prerequisite: senior standing; student must major in Environmental Health.

Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis (select both)

ENV 456. Environmental Health Internship. 3-12 Credits.

Field placement with an environmental health department in an industry, consulting firm, or government agency.

ENV 456 Prerequisite: senior standing; student must major in Environmental Health. Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA.

Repeatable for credit.

ENV 460. Industrial Hygiene II. 3 Credits.

This course is an investigation of the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of ergonomic problems, noise, thermal stress, and radiation in the workplace. Worker training strategies related to occupational health and safety are also addressed.

ENV 460 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENV 102 with minimum grade of D-.

ENV 462. Water Quality and Health. 3 Credits.

An examination of the quality and quantity requirements of surface and subsurface water resources used for drinking water supplies. Laboratory included.

ENV 462 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENV 102 with minimum grade of D-.

ENV 470. Emergency Preparedness. 3 Credits.

This course addresses emergency preparedness for schools, businesses, communities, and counties. Types of emergencies considered include natural disasters, failures of technology (spills, accidents and explosions) and acts or war or terrorism.

ENV 475. Bioterrorism, Bio-Crises, & Public Health. 3 Credits.

This course addresses the protection of the public's health and the health of workers such as first responders from biological agents that cause disease and/or death. Communication and coping strategies, group interaction, case studies, and the use of Internet resources will be integrated with response strategies, measurement techniques, personal protection and decontamination procedures.

HEA 100. Dimensions of Wellness. 3 Credits.

Fundamental concepts of health and wellness exploring several health-related areas with an opportunity for personal lifestyle change conducive to better health.

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 101. Principles of Health Education. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to introduce the core concepts of health education for students K-12. This course is designed to increase the student's knowledge about high- risk health behaviors that impact learning and academic success. In addition, students will develop school & community resources and prevention strategies designed to reduce risky behaviors among adolescent youth.

HEA 101 Prerequisite: field clearances.

HEA 103. Drugs and Society. 3 Credits.

Provide knowledge regarding the use and abuse of substances in our society and the impact on the individual, family, and community. Teaching strategies also will be incorporated.

HEA 104. Human Sexuality. 3 Credits.

Study of sexuality as it relates to self; the interrelationships with people.

HEA 106. Death and Dying. 3 Credits.

Current controversial issues concerning death and dying. How involved persons cope with death.

HEA 109. Health Issues of Women. 3 Credits.

The needs and concerns of women as consumers in our present health care system. Various biological, psychological, and social topics will be discussed.

Gen Ed Attribute: Diverse Community(select both)

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 110. Transcultural Health: Principles and Practice. 3 Credits.

This course examines the health beliefs and practices of a variety of subcultural groups in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the application of multicultural health beliefs and practices. It utilizes the cross-cultural approach in meeting the health needs of clients and families. It is open to all University students, regardless of major.

Gen Ed Attribute: Diverse Community(select both)

HEA 140. Health Care Delivery - Trends; Challenges. 3 Credits.

This course will provide an overview of the organization and financing of the current U.S. health care system, the need for reform, and initiatives to meet the health needs of all Americans.

HEA 199. Health Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.

Transfer Credits

Repeatable for credit.

HEA 200. Introduction to Global Health. 3 Credits.

The course will introduce the main concepts involved in global health and emphasize the connection between health, disease, policy, and social determinants of health. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, the course addresses a variety of contemporary global health topics including: health disparities, global burden of disease, health systems, child health, adolescent health, health status measurement, health and human rights, and global health partnerships. The course also examines challenges associated with global health issues and the global efforts and strategies underway to prevent and control them.

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 206. Human Development. 3 Credits.

A lifespan approach to the study of human development in the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains.

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 208. Leadership/Lifeskills for Student Athletes. 3 Credits.

This course will enable students to have a better understanding of skills necessary for effective leadership. It is also designed to provide opportunities for first year student athletes to receive instruction in goal-setting, decision-making, academic planning, and exploration to promote a healthy lifestyle.

HEA 210. Introduction to Allied Health. 3 Credits.

Study of Allied Health and the role Allied Health professionals play in the health care system. This course is open to non-Respiratory Care majors.

Gen Ed Attribute: Ethics Requirement

HEA 230. Health Issues of School-Aged Youth. 3 Credits.

This course investigates current health issues relevant to students K-12 such as drug, alcohol and tobacco use, diseases and mental emotional health.

HEA 240. Foundations of Health Education. 3 Credits.

Introductory course for undergraduate students in health promotion/education. Primary emphasis on the philosophical, historical, and theoretical foundations of the profession

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 242. Introduction to Public and Community Health. 3 Credits.

This course is intended to provide the student with an overview of public and community health concepts in the United States.

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 244. Communicating Public Health. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to various narrative forms in public health. Completion of this course enables students to meet the foundational competencies of a bachelor's degree in public health, including locating, using, synthesizing, and communicating public health information. Through a variety of writing assignments and an oral presentation, students will demonstrate the ability to communicate public health information to diverse audiences.

Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis (select both)

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 258. Introduction to Epidemiology. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to applications of epidemiologic methods and the procedures used in the study of the distribution and determinants of health and diseases, morbidity, injuries, disability, and mortality in populations. The use of epidemiologic methods for the control of conditions such as infectious and chronic diseases, mental disorders, community and environmental health hazards, and unintentional injuries will be discussed along with some quantitative aspects of epidemiology.

Gen Ed Attribute: Science Distributive

HEA 276. Achieving Health Equity. 3 Credits.

At the core of the interdisciplinary field of public health is a desire to achieve health equity and end preventable differences in the burden of disease known as health disparities. This is done through focusing on the conditions under which human beings are born, grow, live, work, and age, a concept broadly referred to as the social determinants of health. Guided by the social determinants of health framework, students in this class will learn how social factors, such as: economic stability, neighborhoods and the built environment, and social and community context shape health and health disparities. Given the focus on social factors, a sociological perspective will be employed. Topics covered include education, income, housing, incarceration, and racism. Students will learn about interventions and policies to address these social determinants of health and how to advocate for a health issue of interest.

Gen Ed Attribute: Behavioral & Social Science, Health Humanities Pathway

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 300. Profession/Ethics & Health Professions. 3 Credits.

This course examines ethical issues relevant to the professional roles of health professionals. Students will examine ethical principles and apply a model of ethical decision making to case studies. Other areas addressed include professional codes of ethics, ethical concerns in health behavior change, health communications, and health education research.

Gen Ed Attribute: Ethics Requirement

HEA 302. Health and Young Children. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to investigate current health issues relevant to children in preschool environments and primary grades and identity educational strategies to increase health knowledge, foster positive health attitudes and promote healthy behaviors such as nutrition and physical activity.

HEA 304. Family Life and Sex Education. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to prepare the health professional to develop and teach appropriate K-12 family life education curricula.

HEA 306. Curriculum and Instruction. 3 Credits.

This course provides the knowledge and skills for the development, implementation, and evaluation of K-12 comprehensive school health curriculums.

Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis (select both)

HEA 310. Love and Marriage. 3 Credits.

Defines love and marriage for the student and teaches the skills essential to fulfilling those needs.

Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis (select both)

HEA 315. Mind, Body, and Health. 3 Credits.

Theories and practice of health and healing through the mind/body connection. Emphasis on learning/practicing techniques for health promotion, especially the iconic, evidence-based Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program.

Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis (select both)

HEA 316. ATOD Prevention Education. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide health education students with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills for the development, implementation and evaluation of K - 12 Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) prevention education instruction and curricula.

HEA 316 Prerequisite: Health and Physical Education - Teacher Certification majors only, Other majors need department consent.

HEA 325. Stress Management. 3 Credits.

Comprehensive survey of stress concepts, theories, and management techniques. Emphasis is placed on personal application.

HEA 330. Health Behavior. 3 Credits.

Individual and group health behavior of children and adults at different levels of wellness and in various settings. Past and current theories of health behavior with methods of application by health professionals will be included.

HEA 333. Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 3 Credits.

Exploration of alternative, complementary, and/or integrative medical systems and healing practices, such as homeopathy, Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, therapeutic touch, from a consumer and personal viewpoint.

HEA 341. Chronic and Communicable Diseases. 3 Credits.

A study of the disease process, including causes, effects, and control of selected diseases with an emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion.

HEA 342. Program Planning and Evaluation. 3 Credits.

Provides an in-depth study of the program planning process and evaluation methods. Needed skills are developed and experience given in writing programs from assessment through evaluation with both hypothetical and real populations.

HEA 342 Prerequisite: HEA 242 and HEA 244, with minimum grades of D-; Prerequisite/Corequisite: HEA 330 and HEA 341.

Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis (select both)

HEA 345. Public Health and the Apocalypse. 3 Credits.

The "end of the world" scenarios like eco-disasters and the zombie apocalypse are exaggerated versions of real public health problems like infectious disease pandemics and climate change. Students will explore the core concepts of public health by engaging with various apocalyptic works of art, with the goal of understanding how public health professionals help society prepare for and manage threats. Reading a variety of professional and fiction sources will provide students with a foundation for strengthening their critical thinking and writing skills.

Gen Ed Attribute: Health Humanities Pathway, Writing Emphasis (select both)

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 346. Perspectives on Maternal Child Health. 3 Credits.

This course will provide an interdisciplinary perspective on maternal and child health (MCH). This class will ask students to synthesize perspectives from multiple disciplines to promote the health of families. Students will apply critical thinking skills to identify their positions on MCH issues as health consumers and/or health professionals and convey those positions using oral communication strategies. Multiple speaking assignments will enable students to practice and improve their oral communication skills.

Gen Ed Attribute: Interdisciplinary Requirement, Speaking Emphasis

HEA 348. Population Health. 3 Credits.

This course will introduce students to the concepts of population health and the basic processes and approaches that identify health-related concerns of populations across the globe. Emphasis will be placed on the role that fertility, mortality, and migration play in shaping the health-related needs of countries and communities and the development of policies and programs to address these needs.

HEA 348 Prerequisite: Successful completion of HEA 242 with minimum grade of D-.

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 360. Pre-Clinical Lab for Respiratory Care. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to prepare Respiratory Care students for pre-clinical competencies and clinical rotations. Students will have the opportunity outside previous lecture classes for additional "hands-on" with equipment, technology, and simulations in preparation for successful completion of clinical competencies prior to clinical rotations. In addition, students will discover how to use effective communication skills to obtain a thorough patient assessment, as well as how to effectively communicate within the healthcare team.

HEA 360 Prerequisite: student must major in Respiratory Care.

Gen Ed Attribute: Speaking Emphasis

HEA 370. Medical Terminology. 1 Credit.

An introduction to medical terminology using a programmed instruction, self-learning technique. Includes chart format, word parts, pulmonary terminology abbreviations, and an overview of respiratory anatomy. This course is open to non-Respiratory Care majors.

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 371. Aspects of Respiratory Therapy I. 2 Credits.

A discussion of topics essential to the provision of comprehensive respiratory therapy. Topics include patient care, CPR, and psychosocial issues.

HEA 372. Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology. 3 Credits.

An in-depth study of breathing mechanics, pulmonary circulation, ventilation/perfusion ratios, regulation of ventilation, and gas transport.

HEA 373. Bronchopulmonary Hygiene. 3 Credits.

An in-depth study of respiratory care modalities utilized in the maintenance of bronchopulmonary hygiene, including humidity and aerosol therapy, sustained maximal inspiration, IPPB therapy, chest physical therapy, and airway maintenance.

HEA 374. Oxygen Therapy. 2 Credits.

An overview of basic science relevant to respiratory therapy is followed by the study of the manufacture, storage, and transport of medical gases, regulators, and metering devices, oxygen therapy, and oxygen analysis.

HEA 375. Cardiopulmonary Disease. 3 Credits.

A comprehensive study of cardiopulmonary diseases and treatment. Includes pulmonary diagnostic procedures.

HEA 376. Aspects of Respiratory Therapy II. 2 Credits.

A continuation of HEA 371. Topics include rehabilitation, home care, administration and organization, respiratory pharmacology, and infection-control techniques.

HEA 377. Pharmacology. 2 Credits.

An in-depth study of various drug categories including drug-dose response and principles of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

HEA 378. Respiratory Technology. 3 Credits.

Study of the equipment utilized in the delivery of respiratory care.

HEA 379. Hemodynamics I. 3 Credits.

An in-depth study of monitoring and evaluation, techniques including modules on cardiopulmonary physiology, electrocardiographic monitoring, and hemodynamic monitoring. Interpretation and application data is emphasized. Appropriate lab experience is included.

HEA 380. Clinical Practice I. 6 Credits.

An introduction to clinical respiratory care consisting of rotations through patient care areas followed by discussion of experiences and correlation to didactic work.

HEA 400. Cardiopulmonary Concepts. 3 Credits.

The scope of this course is divided into four modules. The first module will include an overview of hemodynamic monitoring as it pertains to anatomy and physiology, the cardiac conduction system, and coronary artery disease. The second module will include an introduction to electrocardiogram interpretation. This module will introduce the student to different rhythm strips and will provide an opportunity to interpret different rhythms. The third module will cover basic hemodynamic monitoring, as it pertains to waveforms and pressures and their importance and relevance in the critical care setting. This module will also review invasive cardiac procedures and their place in the critical care setting. The fourth module will include a discussion about pacemakers and implantable cardioverter devices and an in-depth look at arterial lines, as well as a lab.

HEA 410. Mental Health. 3 Credits.

Designed to aid persons in improving their understanding of themselves and others. Emphasis on ways to recognize mental health problems.

HEA 418. Preparation for Internship and for Professional Practice Seminar. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the public health internship experience and implementation of a major project at the practice site. This preparation will include a comprehensive and integrated application of the BS-PH curriculum in the development of the major project plan that will be completed during the internship.

HEA 418 Prerequisite: student must major in Public Health; HEA 140, HEA 242, HEA 341, HEA 342, and HEA 419. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

HEA 419. Research Methods in Health. 3 Credits.

This course will give students an introduction to research issues in the health professions. Students will gain an understanding of the reasons for research, designing research studies, research techniques, principles of instrumentation, data interpretation, and data presentation.

HEA 420. Health Marketing and Communications. 3 Credits.

This course will emphasize the communications and marketing skills needed to develop, implement, and promote a wide variety of public health programs. Critical and analytical thinking skills are emphasized as students prepare a professional health communication campaign.

HEA 420 Prerequisite: Successful completion of HEA 242 with minimum grade of D-. Prerequisite/Corequisite: HEA 342.

Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis (select both)

Distance education offering may be available.

HEA 421. Public Health Internship. 3-12 Credits.

A practical, capstone, full-time or part-time work experience in a hospital, public health agency, or company, jointly supervised by an on-site supervisor and a public health faculty member.

HEA 421 Prerequisite: Successful completion of HEA 418 with minimum grade of D-; completion and signature on transcript review form; and approval of faculty advisor.

Repeatable for credit.

HEA 425. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Contact department for more information about this course.

Repeatable for credit.

HEA 433. Preparation For Internship. 1 Credit.

Contact department for more information about this course.

HEA 434. Health Law, Economics, Ethics, and Policy. 3 Credits.

This course explores major topics in the study of public health care policy, law, ethics, and economics in the United States. We will discuss the role of health care policy and law in public health. We will define and apply ethical principles in health care policy and law. We will describe economic and financial considerations in public health policy. We will examine the aforementioned themes using a multidisciplinary approach that employs sociological, political, economic and ethical perspectives on health and disease and the health care system.

HEA 434 Prerequisite: Successful completion of HEA 140 and HEA 242 with minimum grade of D-.

Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis (select both)

HEA 435. Health Workshop. 1-6 Credits.

Special workshops on contemporary health problems and issues. Topics announced at time of offering.

Repeatable for credit.

HEA 438. Understanding AIDS/HIV Infection. 3 Credits.

Students will learn basic information about the disease process, transmission and risk behaviors, treatment options, and legal and ethical issues surrounding HIV infection. Primary emphasis will address the impact of AIDS/HIV on those with the disease, as well as the psychosocial factors influencing partners, family members, and health care professionals. Societal responses to the AIDS/HIV epidemic also will be interwoven throughout the topics. Course format will include lecture and discussions, viewing of videos, interaction with guest speakers, and individual areas of interest. No prerequisites needed. Open to all majors.

HEA 440. School Health Programs. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of comprehensive school health programs. Specific focus is on program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis (select both)

HEA 445. Health Education Practicum. 3 Credits.

In this course students will a) examine best instructional practices, b) study developmentally appropriate content, c) analyze and reflect upon own and other's teaching and d) apply pedagogical content knowledge by planning, implementing, assessing and reflecting upon teaching experiences in the health education setting. The ultimate goal of this course is to effectively implement these strategies through the successful completion of planned instruction. This is one of two field-based health and physical education pedagogy courses.

HEA 445 Prerequisite: Successful completion of HEA 101, HEA 304, HEA 306, and HEA 316, with minimum grades of D-; field clearances; and Teacher Candidacy.

HEA 472. Mechanical Ventilation. 3 Credits.

A comprehensive study of mechanical ventilation, including the physiology of positive pressure breathing, techniques of ventilation, characteristics of commonly used ventilators, and monitoring of the ventilator-patient system.

Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis (select both)

HEA 473. Life Support Systems. 3 Credits.

An in-depth comprehensive study of mechanical ventilators and other life support systems.

HEA 474. Pulmonary Function Evaluation. 2 Credits.

A comprehensive study of various pulmonary function evaluation techniques. Includes bronchoscopy and arterial blood gas analysis.

HEA 475. Pediatric/Neonatal Respiratory Care. 2 Credits.

A comprehensive study of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care, including fetal lung development, pathophysiology of the neonate and pediatric patient, and related respiratory care procedures.

HEA 476. Respiratory Care Clinical II. 2 Credits.

An introduction to critical and specialized respiratory care areas followed by discussions and correlation to didactic work.

HEA 477. Hemodynamics II. 3 Credits.

An advanced continuation of HEA 379 Hemodynamics I

HEA 478. Respiratory Therapy Seminar I. 3 Credits.

Includes critical, written analysis, and discussion of pertinent respiratory care literature as well as elements of research relevant to the respiratory care profession. The students culminate their study of respiratory care by designing and implementing a miniresearch project.

Gen Ed Attribute: Writing Emphasis (select both)

HEA 479. Respiratory Care Clinical Practice III. 8 Credits.

An intensive exposure to critical care and specialized areas of respiratory care. Performance evaluation of therapies and procedures to include mechanical ventilator set-up, and evaluation, neonatal ventilator set-up, pulmonary function assessment, arterial line set-up, and arterial line blood withdrawal.