computer applications in public health

• Course Materials:
  Topics covered in class will come from a variety of sources. Course materials will include links to a set of PowerPoint presentations and electronic versions of other documents.
• Course Website:
  The on-line course WWW site supplements the reading materials, with relevant links to labs, hands-on assignments and other companies or agencies engaged in the field of computer applications in public health. Keeping current on the Web material throughout the semester is an important part of the course.
• Global Websites: Links to university/government/job-related public health centers/sites, provided on the Division's:
  • Medical Informatics Resource Site.
• UWF Library: Additional supplemental readings may be provided via on-line reserve at the UWF library.

The following prerequisites are recognized for this course:
• Working knowledge of medical terminology
• Working knowledge of how to use personal computers, including knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet packages and Internet searching
• Training in a health care-related field at the Associate's or Bachelor's level

Please note: Students lacking any of the above prerequisites but still interested in the Medical Informatics Certificate Program should contact Dr. Melanie A. Sutton (msutton@uwf.edu) for possible alternative substitute courses or training.

Computer phobic? Think again ...

Students will be taught computing basics in the course and will also have the opportunity to attend tutorial sessions for additional skill development.

The course has been designed with the following major course modules:

• Lectures

  Traditional lecture-style instruction will account for approximately 2.0 contact hours/week. We will also have 1-2 invited speakers discussing various areas of computer applications in public health.

• Tutorials:

  Several tutorials will be scheduled during the first few weeks of class for those students with limited computer backgrounds. These tutorials will cover how to log in and use your computer account and any other areas you suggest.
  
  

• Laboratories/Discussion

  Laboratory exercises and discussion group meetings will account for an additional 1.0-1.5 contact hours/week. These assignments provide the hands-on component to the course and will be completed utilizing the Division's computer lab or other labs on the UWF main campus. In some of these assignments, you will be investigating case studies related to modern public health applications. Furthermore, projects involving globally accessible databases or source code will (hopefully) help you to develop a better understanding of "good" design and project development which can impact larger needs in public health research.

• Research and Website Project

  Part of your course grade will be based on the development, implementation, and presentation of a research project. A list of possible topics in computer applications in public health will be provided, and project brainstorming and milestone discussions will be scheduled throughout the semester. All final projects will be presented as Websites in an end-of-the-semester dinner forum (open to classmates, as well as other students and faculty). The layout of your Website will include typical areas specified in posters used at professional conferences. Part of your grade for this component of the course will include participating as a Website judge and providing professional feedback to your classmates. Additional guidelines for this course requirement will be posted during the first week of class. Products associated with the research project (title and abstract) and the URL for the final project Website you develop will be submitted electronically utilizing UWF's elearning.uwf.edu environment.

• Tests

  Tests will be based on lecture material, supplemental handouts, laboratory exercises, and the provided on-line resources. The test materials will include multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, and essay questions that take into account the varied background and knowledge of enrolled students. All tests will be completed online utilizing UWF's elearning.uwf.edu environment.