Courses for Semester I
MPH301: Foundations of Public Health
Course Title: Foundations of Public Health
Course Number: MPH301
Course Credit: 1
Introduction:
Public Health Science is a multidisciplinary discipline that has changed over the years. However, its main
purpose has not changed, i.e. identifying and solving public health problems.
Learning Goal:
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the various facets of public health concepts, the
problem solving paradigm and prepare them for a multi-disciplinary approach toward public health.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course participants should be able to:
1.
Examine public health through its historical context and use this information in the evaluation of
current public health issues
2.
Analyze a public health problem and evaluate interventions and policy alternatives using the problem-
solving methodology
Contents:
The following areas will be covered during the course:
1.
Definition of public health in a historical perspective
2.
Recent developments in public health and future directions of public health
3.
Problem-solving methodology applied to public health
Defining the problem
Measuring the magnitude of the problem
Developing a conceptual framework for understanding the key determinants
Identifying and developing strategies (policies and interventions)
Setting priorities and recommending intervention or policies
Implementing interventions or policies and evaluation plan
Developing a communication strategy
4.
Research in public health and importance of evidenced-based decision making
5.
Overview of public health programmes in Pakistan
