Public Health: Social Determinants of Health

Uses an epidemiological lens to examine the major social variables that affect the health of a population. Close analysis of how our social structures impact health disparities, examines theories and empirical data to examine how gaps in our social structures lead to health disparities and inequalities.

Open to graduate-level students; All other students require instructor permission; Must submit the request at: http://go.uvm.edu/phcourses; Students will be notified if permission is granted; Contact student Advisor, Pallas Ziporyn at: Pallas.Ziporyn@uvm.edu for any questions; Asynchronous online.

This course uses an epidemiological lens to examine the major social variables that affect the health of a population. Throughout the course we will take a close look at how our social structures impact health disparities, examining theories and empirical data to examine how gaps in our social structures lead to health disparities and inequalities. Students will gain an understanding of social epidemiology through a combination of readings, lectures, case studies, and assignments. By the end of the course, students should be able to explain theoretical frameworks underlying health disparities in populations, leverage principles of social epidemiology to understand and describe social structures and determinants of health among certain populations and describe the underpinnings of each social construct in affecting population health.

Students should expect to spend 8-10 hours per week on coursework, with additional time spent working on the final project due during the final week of class. Students will engage in weekly discussions, and independently research and analyze a social epidemiology topic of interest for the final written project.

Grades will be based on active participation in online discussions, weekly assignments (including quizzes and written assignments), and a final project.