SPH 535 - Using and Creating Evidence in Public Health Practice

3 units (fi 6)(VAR, 3-0-0)

This is the first of two consecutive courses that provide an overview of evidence used by communities, governments, health systems, and academics to inform public health actions. This course covers practical contexts within which public health evidence is used, philosophical and disciplinary assumptions shaping views on what evidence is relevant for decision-making, and ethical and equity dimensions of evidence creation and use. Fundamental biostatistical, epidemiologic, and measurement concepts are introduced in the context of descriptive, analytic, and causal research questions, and study designs used to answer them. SPH 535 is a required course for the degree of Master of Public Health in General Public Health. Prerequisite: SPH 530. Corequisites: SPH 536, SPH 541, and SPH 562, or consent of instructor.

SPH 555 - Foundations of Public Health Research

3 units (fi 6)(EITHER, 3-0-0)

The aim of this course is for students to gain competencies in three areas: determinants of health and strategies to address these; ontologies, epistemologies and research designs relevant to public health research; knowledge mobilization and engaged scholarship. Sessions will usually comprise introductory interactive presentations and small/large group discussions. Class time and assignments are aimed at enhancing students' understanding, critical analysis and application of key concepts and selected issues related to Public Health, research methods used in Public Health and Knowledge translation.