This course provides an introduction to the foundational concepts of public health including the definition and history of public health, as well as the role of and strategies utilized by the public health workforce when confronting population-based health issues.

A general survey of human diseases using a body systems approach with an emphasis on disease etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and prognosis. Also included are a basic overview of immunology, oncology, endocrinology, and pathophysiology. Upon completion of this course, students will have a foundational knowledge of many diseases that afflict humanity, so they can be better prepared, through additional coursework and experience, to develop prevention, screening, and early intervention strategies when possible. It is highly recommended that students have at least taken high school Biology prior to taking this course.

This course explores various aspects of public health and health care systems in different cultures / countries around the world, with an emphasis on the role that culture, traditions, religious beliefs, and other social determinants of health have on disease and injury prevention strategies and access to health care services. We will discuss the key components of a healthcare system and discuss how those components function in our country of interest. We will travel to that country for an immersive educational and research experience during either spring break or immediately following the end of the semester. The location of our travels will influence the timing choice of the trip. The RIT Study Abroad office will publicize the international destination and all additional travel expenses beyond standard tuition costs prior to the class registration process. Each student will have a research topic they will triangulate through pre-travel literature reviews and remote discussions with our hosts in the country of focus, as well as in-country interviews and observations during an immersive research experience. Students will also participate in delivering an educational program to children in our host country that will be developed in cooperation with local hosts to ensure the students have the proper cultural competence and humility. The course will involve an extensive pre-travel orientation process to ensure students understand how to function in a culturally sensitive and appropriate fashion.