MPH/MS in Epidemiology Fall Courses

MPH0001 Introduction to Public Health

Credits: 1 Offered: Fall

This introductory course will provide a broad overview of public health. We cover fundamental public health concepts to guide your studies and careers. A principal goal of the course is to give students an understanding of the function of public health as a powerful set of tools to improve the health and achievement of populations. Guest speakers include a diverse array of professionals from various disciplines to provide students with a sense of the breadth and depth of public health as well as a sense of the extraordinary range of career opportunities that exist in this dynamic field.

MPH0003 Current Topics Clinical Preventive Med

Credits: 2 Offered: Fall

This course builds on the fundamental aspects of clinical prevention and the United States Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines. Designed for the healthcare professional, the course will include discussions about new evidence-based approaches that guide clinicians regarding the appropriateness and utility of new preventive services, screening tests, guidance for counseling patients, and an examination of current interventions at the community level, in addition to current controversies and research in the prevention field.

Open to medical students, trainees and other health professionals. Please request permission from Course Director prior to enrolling in this course

MPH0007 Social Justice in Public Health and Medicine

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

Justice is a major concern in theoretical ethics and political philosophy and a huge literature is devoted to trying to explain just what it entails. In this course our aim will be to examine a broad spectrum of issues in medicine, medical research, and public health that raise questions about justice. In light of these critical examples, we shall review and critique an array of philosophical views on justice. Throughout the seminar we shall be engaged in two activities: (1) using clinical dilemmas and health policies as touchstones for developing a clear understanding of justice, and (2) developing an understanding of how theories of justice apply in different public health and medical contexts. By going from practice to theory and from theory back again to practice we shall advance our understanding of the theoretical literature as well as the requirements of justice in public health, medicine and other areas of the social world. This course will begin with an examination of the allocation of medical resources that raise questions about justice. It will then move on to examine contemporary work on justice and review of some theoretical work by authors who focus their attention on justice in medicine (e.g., Norman Daniels and Paul Menzel). As the seminar progresses, we shall develop an understanding of how the U.S. happens to have developed the mechanisms that we now have for the delivery of health care. We shall examine how medical resources are actually distributed here, elsewhere, and globally, and in various contexts. We shall consider ways in which those allocations do and do not express justice. We shall also explore some of the problems that become apparent when you attend to the special needs of social groups (e.g., the poor, children, women, the elderly, African-Americans) and examine dilemmas and conflicts that are raised by issues such as the treatment of premature and compromised neonates and resource allocations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MPH0012 Public Health Lab: How to Solve Problems in Public Health

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

This course will apply fundamental concepts in public health practice to develop strategic plans for students' chosen topics. Students will develop project, program or policy interventions that are likely to succeed.

Key themes include engagement of populations, partnerships among stakeholders and sustainability. We emphasize evidence-based design: use what works, avoid what doesn't (and adapt when necessary). We will pair theory with practice in coupling seminar-style lectures with guest speakers representing expertise in various fields: community-based organizations (CBOs), foundations, government agencies and more.

Students in this course are expected to develop their own strategic plans. Although students are not expected to execute their projects during this course, they should have viable plans that predict success.

Pre-requisite: Completion of 1-2 terms in the Program.

MPH0014 Program Planning

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

Students will learn to design an evidence-based and culturally appropriate public health program, in both US and developing country contexts. Specifically, students will gain competence in analyzing local needs and resources; developing an evidence-based and technically and programmatically sound causal pathway; articulating program objectives; designing relevant program partnerships and technical components; and designing the program’s monitoring and evaluation plan, implementation plan and budget. Prerequisite: Completion of 1-2 terms in the Program.

MPH0018 Current Topics in Public Health

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

This course focuses on how mathematical models can be used to help inform public health decisions. Over the course of the semester, we will examine how the SAR-CoV-2 spread around the world. We will also explore what happened in the US, how our current disease monitoring structure is set up, and how it shapes our policies and decisions making on the local, state and federal in US. This is will be done with a goal of developing a mathematical model to make inference in high uncertainty situations. Prerequisite: MPH 0300 Introduction to Biostatistics

MPH0021 Seminar in Applied Preventive Medicine

Credits: 1 Offered: Fall

This weekly seminar focuses on current local, national, and international issues in public health and preventive medicine. Discussions center on critical review of new published literature in public health and include topics related to health policy, economic and legal issues, and the impact of these issues on the health of populations. There will be didactics on public health ethics, risk communications and preventive medicine research as well as critical review of enrolled student research or theses. On a rotating basis, each student is responsible for setting the agenda and chairing seminar discussions. Pre-requisites: MPH0400 Introduction to Epidemiology MPH0300 Introduction to Biostatistics Students who are not Residents in the Department of Preventive Medicine must receive permission from Course Director prior to enrolling in this course.

MPH0023 Culminating Experience Seminar

Credits: 1 Offered: Fall

Students must have their Culminating Experience Statement of Support and Project Outline submitted to the Program Office before starting this course. This seminar is designed for second year students who will be completing a Culminating Experience (thesis, manuscript or capstone). These words are more than a paper - They are major independent projects that requires you to design, implement, and present professional work of public health significance. This course will help you design your Culminating Experience, start writing, and give and receive feedback from peers. The course is heavily interactive. We will work with materials provided primarily by the students. By the end of the term, you should be ready to complete your Culminating Experience. Pre-requisites: MPH0320 Research Methods

MPH0029 Leadership & Professionalism in Public Health

Credits: 1 Offered: Fall

The training explores key concepts and principles of public health leadership, team work, and professionalism, including but not limited to effective communication, working effectively in interprofessionals teams, cultural competency, problem solving, negotiation and mediation skills. The purpose of the training is to practice the skills necessary to be effective leaders and advocate for public health solutions to complex problems in varying organizations and settings.

MPH0092 Applied Practice Experience

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

The Applied Practice Experience provides an MPH student with an opportunity to translate theory into practice within a public health setting. The Applied Practice Experience Proposal must be submitted to the Office of Public Health Practice for approval prior to the beginning the experience. Prerequisites: 1). Applied Practice Experience Proposal, 2). Students should complete at least 15 credits of MPH coursework before starting the Applied Practice Experience

MPH0095 Independent Study for Public Health

Credits: 1-3 Offered: Fall

An Independent Study is an elective option, providing the student with an opportunity to delve more thoroughly into an area of public health of specific interest to him/her. An Independent Study Proposal should be submitted at least six weeks prior to the anticipated start of the proposed project/course of study. This is to ensure that the goals meet the overall objectives of the Master of Public Health Program before a student commits any time and energy. Approval, when granted, is conditional upon the student completing all of the outlined requirements. The student must submit a Postscript Report and request that the faculty sponsoring the Independent Study complete the Evaluation Form. Final credits are awarded at the end of the project by approval of the Program Director. Three credits are the maximum number of credits that may be awarded to any Independent Study. One credit represents approximately 45 hours of work. Please note that students will not receive any more than three credits for one project/course of study. Each student may complete no more than two independent study projects. An Independent Study must be a unique experience. Material covered during an independent study project should be highly targeted and not simply a review of the regularly offered coursework. Independent study projects should not be attempts to take MPH courses that are offered routinely during the academic year. Students should not expect an Independent Study project to exempt them from required courses without approval by the Specialty Track Advisor and the Program Director. Please see the Student Handbook for the full policy and procedures associated with the Independent Study option.

MPH0097 Culminating Experience

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

The Culminating Experience provides the student with an opportunity to synthesize, integrate and apply the skills and competencies they have acquired to a public health problem. Students may choose to complete a Thesis, First Author Manuscript or Capstone to satisfy the Culminating Experience. Students who are completing a First Author Manuscript or Capstone should register for MPH0097 Culminating Experience (students who are completing a Master's Thesis should register for MPH0099 only).

Please refer to the MPH or MS in Epidemiology Culminating Experience Guide as a resource for the steps that need to be taken to fulfill the Culminating Experience requirement.

MPH0098 Project Continuation

Credits: 0 Offered: Fall

Students who have previously registered for the required credits for the MPH Culminating Experience, and who are approved by the Program to complete the MPH Culminating Experience in a full time manner in a term of their attendance at ISMMS may register for 0 credits of MPH 0098 Project Continuation. Registration is granted to students upon review of academic progress and approval by the Graduate Program in Public Health.

Please refer to the MPH Culminating Experience Guide as a resource for the steps that need to be taken to fulfill the Culminating Experience requirement.

MPH0099 Thesis: Masters in Public Health

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

Students who are completing a Master’s Thesis should register for MPH 0099 in their last term before degree conferral, while preparing to submit their Thesis. Please refer to the MPH Culminating Experience Guide as a resource for the steps that need to be taken to fulfill the Culminating Experience requirement.

MPH0108 Comparative Health Systems

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

The recent introduction of the Affordable Health Care Act and further proposed reforms under the American Health Care Act has had and will continue to have a major impact on the delivery of healthcare in the USA. The course will review major trends in health care in the US and use a comparative health systems approach to explore reform options based on what has worked well and not so well in both the USA and other OECD countries like the UK, France Germany, Canada, and Australia. The course will explore each country’s geography and culture, the history of its health system, followed by a detailed analysis of evaluation of cost, quality, access and innovation. The courses is designed to be accessible by students of health administration, public health, nursing and other allied health professions. A major course output will be a guided, semester-long exercises in analyzing a health system. Students select a term project for expanding coverage for poor and vulnerable populations in a sample country of their choice. The course will use a health systems approach to strengthen more general competencies in the application of systems analysis, using political, financial, technical and organizational skills. The course will be particularly useful for students that may want to transition to a high level policy career or executive leadership and management role within health system.

MPH0121 Capstone Seminar in Health Care Management

Credits: 1 Offered: Fall

This course is will assist students in designing and implementing their capstone project. Students will examine the formulation and implementation of business strategies in health organizations, models of strategic management and change, and the role of stakeholders in the strategic management process. They will also review specific analytical tools used in strategy formulation and presentation. Prerequisite: Completion of first year in the Health Care Management track. This course is limited to students entering their second year in the Health Care Management track.

MPH0201 Introduction to Socio-Behavioral Health

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

This core course provides an overview of the social and behavioral sciences and their importance in the interdisciplinary field of public health. A primary emphasis is on the social determinants of health, the social ecological model, its application to public health issues, and its use in the development of policies, strategies, interventions and programs. The course content will introduce students to several relevant social and behavioral theories as well as a range of community health assessment and planning models used by public health professionals in both domestic and international venues. In addition, some lectures will focus on social networks, social support and community capacity building. Finally, a few lectures are reserved to provide students with insight into public health policy and health outcomes. Through a series of assignments, students will enhance their knowledge and awareness of the role of social and behavioral sciences in public health and its relevance to their specific discipline.

MPH0215 Emerging Iss. Women Sex & Reproductive Health and Rights

Credits: 2 Offered: Fall

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of women are integral to their overall health and wellbeing. According to the United Nations Population Fund (2021),”a woman who has control over her body is more likely to be empowered in other spheres of her life. A woman - or adolescent girl‚ - with little bodily autonomy is less likely to have control over her home life, her health and her future, and less likely to enjoy her rights.” Multiple theoretical frameworks will be presented to explore pertinent SRHR issues including body autonomy, gender identity and gender roles, LGBTQ health, women and Covid-19, gender-based violence and abortion. Special emphasis will be placed on discussing the impact of poverty, ethnicity, class and institutional racism experienced by many marginalized populations which may deprive them from seeking and obtaining adequate health information, access to quality health services and free to fully participate in the expression of their sexuality

This core course provides an overview of the social and behavioral sciences and their importance in the interdisciplinary field of public health. The course content will introduce students to several relevant social and behavioral theories of health, their application to public health issues, and their use in the development of policies, strategies, interventions and programs. Students will also learn how social hierarchies and disparities based on class, race/ethnicity, and gender intersect and influence the health and well-being of individuals and populations. In addition, some lectures will focus on social networks, social support and community capacity building. Through a series of assignments, students will enhance their knowledge and awareness of the role of social and behavioral sciences in public health and its relevance to their specific discipline.

MPH0217 Health, Equality, Literacy, and Communications

Credits: 1 Offered: Fall

This course provides an overview of the linkage between health equity efforts and health literacy and communication. The course content will focus on the social determinants of health and how municipal, state, and federal policies influence downstream health. The course will familiarize GPM residents with NYC and East Harlem structural features and the community-based organizations that promote resilience. Students will appraise the role of health literacy in conveying health risk and participate in a workshop to create patient facing materials. In addition, some lectures will focus on incorporating community voices and different ways in addressing racism through clinical care. As part of the curriculum, residents will collaborate with the Mount Sinai Department of Health Education's Public Health and Racial Justice Program, an innovative education and empowerment program for youth of color aged 16-24 years. GPM residents will lead small group discussions with youth participants on training and careers in public health.

MPH0300 Introduction to Biostatistics

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

This course provides an introduction to the principles underlying biostatistical methods and their application to problems in epidemiology, public health and clinical research. Students will learn about basic probability distributions, descriptive statistics, presentation of data, hypothesis testing principles, and the specific hypothesis tests and analytic methods for a variety of data types. These analytic methods will include t tests, chi-square tests, nonparametric tests, correlation, regression, and basic survival analysis methods. Students will have the opportunity to apply these methods to sample data both via direct calculation and using SAS statistical software. Each week, a one-hour laboratory session will reinforce material from lecture with additional examples and instruction in use of the SAS software. Methods for determining sample size and power for a variety of commonly used study designs will also be presented, as will measures of the accuracy of diagnostic and screening tests.

MPH0300 Online Intro to Biostatistics

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

This is the online version of MPH 0300 Introduction to Biostatistics. This course is most appropriate for students with strong quantitative skills, those who are independent learners, and those who have previously taken a statistics course. No prior knowledge about statistics is assumed, however, and the online option is open to all.

This course provides an introduction to the principles underlying biostatistical methods and their application to problems in epidemiology, public health and clinical research. Students will learn about basic probability distributions, descriptive statistics, presentation of data, hypothesis testing principles, and the specific hypothesis tests and analytic methods for a variety of data types. These analytic methods will include t tests, chi-square tests, nonparametric tests, correlation, regression, and basic survival analysis methods. Students will have the opportunity to apply these methods to sample data both via direct calculation and using SAS® statistical software. Each week, a one-hour laboratory session will reinforce material from lecture with additional examples and instruction in use of the SAS® software. Methods for determining sample size and power for a variety of commonly used study designs will also be presented, as will measures of the accuracy of diagnostic and screening tests.

MPH0400 Introduction to Epidemiology

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

This course meets on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. This introductory course focuses on the fundamental concepts of epidemiology and its application to the field of public health. The course will provide students with an insight to epidemiologic methods and how they can be used to study health outcomes in human populations. Students will learn the elements of epidemiology, such as causation, study design, measures of effect, and potential biases. Practical and theoretical training will include lectures, small group discussions, and readings.

MPH0411 Journal Club for Health Professionals

Credits: 1 Offered: Fall

This intermediate level Journal Club builds upon the Introductory Journal Club, training students in the presentation of articles relevant to the public health specialties of environmental, occupational and preventive medicine. Each student will be assigned a week to be responsible for selecting and presenting an article relevant to their area of specialization. The student may decide to invite a Mount Sinai faculty expert in the particular topic to provide additional commentary on the article. Prior to class, all students are required to read the article and complete a short critique form. All students are expected to participate in class discussions. Pre-requisites: MPH0400 Introduction to Epidemiology MPH0300 Introduction to Biostatistics Students must be currently licensed health professionals, however if they are not currently licensed they must obtain the approval of the Course Director to enroll. The Club meets once a month for the academic year. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

MPH0416 Epidemiology of Cancer & Chronic Diseases

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

The course will cover substantive and methodological issues in the epidemiology of chronic diseases, including cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging. Students will be presented with examples of descriptive and analytical epidemiology studies in each of these areas; aspects such as disease registration and its contribution to epidemiology research, estimates of attributable fractions, and preventive strategies will be also addressed. The course will complement the series of methodological courses offered within the epidemiology track, by providing a framework to incorporate research in chronic disease etiology and control.

Pre-requisite: MPH 0400 Introduction to Epidemiology, Pre-requisite/co-requisite: MPH0412 Epidemiology II

MPH0421 Research Seminar in Epidemiology

Credits: 2 Offered: Fall

This course is designed for second year MPH students in the Epidemiology track to provide direction and support for the development of their research proposal in preparation for the submission of the capstone project. To participate in this course, students must have identified a capstone advisor and a general area for their capstone project. Class activities will include: student-directed discussions of peer-reviewed journal articles in their capstone-related area of interest; presentations by MPH program graduates on his or her experience completing the capstone process; and student-prepared presentations of their capstone research proposal. Discussions about how to lead a productive journal club, issues related to preparing a good research proposal, and how to prepare effective PowerPoint presentations and other data-reporting formats will be part of the course experience. Outside readings will be assigned as appropriate for the in-class discussions/presentations. This course meets in the Fall and Spring I term. Fall registration only. Prerequisite: This course is restricted to second-year students in the Epidemiology Track.

MPH0425 Epidemiology IV

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

The course will cover substantive and methodological issues in the epidemiology of cancer. Students will be presented with examples of descriptive and analytical epidemiology studies of the main types of cancer; aspects such as cancer registration and its contribution to epidemiology research, estimates of attributable fractions, the global burden of cancer, and preventive strategies will be also addressed. The course will complement the series of methodological courses offered within the epidemiology track, by providing an introduction to research in cancer epidemiology and control.

Pre-requisite: MPH 0400 Introduction to Epidemiology

Pre-requisite/co-requisite: MPH0412 Epidemiology II

MPH0516 Environmental Exposures, Risk and Public Health

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

Humans come into contact with chemicals every day. The computer on which you’re reading this contains phthalates and brominated flame retardants - chemicals associated with endocrine disruption that are potentially carcinogenic. The fruits and vegetables we consume hold residual pesticides. Does this make them dangerous? How do public health professionals determine risk and how to best manage risk? Further, how do public health professionals communicate these risks in an evidence-based way to not falsely reassure or unnecessarily alarm people? This course introduces the major concepts in environmental exposure assessment and risk assessment - key topics for public health practitioners. Students will learn how common environmental exposures at home and in the workplace are identified and measured in different media (air, water, soil, consumer products) and how those data are used to characterize and quantify risk. The course will also cover basic risk management and communication, as well as strategies of effective risk communication with various stakeholders. The course will have traditional lectures, coupled with class discussions and activities to enhance learning of the topic and build practical skills for public health practice. Public health practitioners will be invited as guest lecturers to discuss how they conduct exposure assessments and/or risk assessments in their work as public health professionals. Students will complete several short assignments that integrate topics discussed in class through hands-on learning and online resources. The course will also include a final exam.

MPH0522 Summer Course: Clinical Occupational & Environmental Medicine

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

Environmental and occupational exposures known to cause human disease are examined from the public health framework of exposures and etiology, clinical diagnosis, and prevention. Regulatory and other approaches to prevent and reduce exposure will be discussed. Important public health and policy implications of workplace and environmental exposures will be examined. This course can fulfill the MPH 0500 Introduction to Environmental Health course requirement. The course is targeted toward those training or working in health care, and is limited to residents, physicians and medical students, except with the permission of the Course Director.

MPH0700 Introduction to Global Health

Credits: 1 Offered: Fall

This course provides an introduction to the major concepts and principles of global public health with particular emphasis on neglected populations. The course provides students with an understanding of the principles of health within the context of development, human rights, and globalization, and provides an appreciation of the pertinent challenges and controversies. Students will learn about the establishment of global health priorities, develop an appreciation for issues related to underserved populations, and learn about the major players in the global arena, including the challenges of financing. The course decolonizes global health education by rethinking institutional global public health partnerships and approaches. A multidisciplinary approach is used to discuss the major determinants of health and disease with particular emphasis on the relationship between health and socioeconomic development. Students will meet some experts in the field and are encouraged to engage in discussions of the most current and important global public health topics. By the end of the course, students will have been introduced to the most important players, challenges and variables of global health and their interactions. They will be prepared to advance to more specific and in-depth courses of the Global Health Track.

MPH0703 Global Mental Health

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

“There is no health without mental health.” While millions of people struggle with mental disorders, sufferers in resource-limited areas receive little or no treatment. This course will describe how to strategically approach global mental health planning and implementation for scaling up mental health services within a public health framework. It will rely on a model known as the Wheel of Global Mental Health, which encompasses seven interdependent elements that together encompass the goals, resources, and dynamics integral to scaling up. Questions raised by the COVID-19 pandemic can also be expected to shape this year’s course.

MPH0713 Human Rights Ethical Dilemmas in Health Care

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

Human rights abuses are pervasive and have both obvious and subtle health consequences. They also need to be understood from different angles: how they affect individual health (including psychological health) as well as population and community health; how human rights abuses involve ethical, scientific, political, social, and cultural considerations; and how the field of public health can address human rights abuses in multiple ways, including advocacy and testimony, influencing health-related practices, education, documentation and accumulation of data. This course is designed to raise students' awareness of human rights abuses and their effects on health; to describe how human rights abuses adversely impact health; to introduce the epidemiology of human rights abuses; and to consider how disciplines within Public Health can address (and sometimes participate in) human rights abuses. The course covers the ethical and political foundations of Human Rights, how we know human rights abuses are occurring (especially the epidemiology of human rights abuses), and specific health ramifications of pandemics, torture, forced migration and disparities. In addition, public health implications of human rights abuses will be discussed around special topics: pandemic response, children, gender, human rights law, and the role of health care providers in human rights abuses (from overt examples of participation in torture and genocide to more complex realms where public health imperatives may conflict with human rights, as with some forms of public health surveillance).

MPH0801 Introduction to Probability

Credits: 3 Offered: Fall

This course provides an introduction to probability models emphasizing applications in medicine and biology. In addition to presenting basic probability theory and models, a variety of topics important in statistics will be covered, including: random variables; discrete and continuous probability distributions; conditional probability, joint probability, expectation and variance; independence; sampling distributions, combinatorics, and permutations.

MPH0802 Statistical Computing with SAS

Credits: 2 Offered: Fall

This course provides students with the skills needed to utilize SAS systems for data management in order to prepare datasets for statistical analysis. In addition, procedures that are used to conduct basic statistical analyses and produce graphical output will be covered. Students will be given hands-on training using sample data provided by the instructor as well as (optionally) data from their own work. Recommended Co-requisite or Pre-requisite: MPH0300 Introduction to Biostatistics

MPH8001 Maintenance of Matriculation

Credits: 0 Offered: Fall

Matriculated students must either register for at least one credit-bearing course or register for "Maintenance of Matriculation" for every term, up until graduation. Maintenance of Matriculation allows students continued access to essential academic and student services, such as access to the ISMMS network and email; however, students on Maintenance of Matriculation status will not be eligible for financial aid. Students with compelling circumstance who wish not to maintain their matriculation status but need to discontinue their studies for a period of time can apply for a Leave of Absence from the program (see Leave of Absence and Withdrawal section). The Maintenance of Matriculation fee is $500 per academic semester or $333 per term for students in programs on trimesters