University of West Florida
computer applications in public health 

Course Topics & Dates


Weekly Course Outline (tentative and subject to change)


WEEK
DATE
TOPIC
LINKS
1
Aug 25
 A. Course orientation and expectations
  • Review computer lab features and eLearning environment; Review term project requirements
B. Introduction to computer applications in public health
  • Intro and basic definitions; Online resources
C. Lab: Beginner's Guide to Online Resources 		Opening Agenda
2
Sep 1
 A. Take/review the WOW! quiz in eLearning.uwf.edu
  • More on online resources
B. Introduction to designing your course Website
  • Using an FTP program; Developing a Webpage: inserting headings, links and images
C. Transferring data between programs and environments (Part I)
  • Downloading/uploading an Excel spreadsheet; Doing preliminary data analysis
C. Lab: Beginner's Guide to Website Development and Data Transfer
3
Sept 8
 A. Computer-based patient care, physician monitoring, disease management
  • Excel case study #1, "Disease Management (Diabetes)": Bootcamp; Using Worksheets, comments color, and charts
  • Excel case study #2, "Risk Assessment (High Blood Pressure)": More on analysis
B. Transferring graphical data between programs and environments (Part I)
C. Lab: Beginner's Guide to Data Analysis with Excel
4
Sep 15
 A. Introduction to SPSS
B. Data collection and reporting strategies
C. Lab: Beginner's Guide to Data Analysis with SPSS
5
Sep 22
 A. Computer-based safety and environmental assessment systems
6
Sep 29
 A. Review of biostatistical methods in epidemiology; spreadsheet/statistics package basics
B. Term Project: Milestones #1 due
7
Oct 6
 A. Review of biostatistical methods in epidemiology; spreadsheet/statistics package basics
8
Oct 13
 A. Database management systems; roles for modeling, simulation, and case studies
9
Oct 20
 A. Database management systems; roles for modeling, simulation, and case studies
10
Oct 27
 A. Database management systems; roles for modeling, simulation, and case studies
B. Term Project: Milestones #2 due
11
Nov 3
 A. Transferring data between programs
12
Nov 10
 A. GIS in public health: environmental health protection, disease surveillance, social and demographic analyses
13
Nov 17
 A. GIS in public health: environmental health protection, disease surveillance, social and demographic analyses
14
Nov 24
 NO CLASS: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
15
Dec 1
 A. Using the Web to improve public health awareness and accountability
16
Dec 8
 A. End-of-Semester Dinner & Discussion
B. Term Project: Milestones #3 due
C. Project management; legal and ethical issues: documentation, security, confidentiality and regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPPA)
D. Course wrap-up, critique, and evaluations 		Main dishes based on class vote!
 
 
 
 


Supplemental Tutorials: [recommended by students; all are optional]

Additional Helpful Links About Optional Software For This Class: