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Lasell University
Lasell University

2021 - 2022 Academic Catalog

Public and Community Health Minor

Public Health and Community Health Professionals provide plans for and support the dissemination of health information that is used to facilitate positive health outcomes. The level of expertise that these professionals contribute to the field of healthcare is integral to reducing disease burden, eliminating health disparities, and providing optimal educational programming that focuses on clinically related topics.  These professionals are employed by agencies who work in close partnership with a wide range of public, private, and voluntary organizations.   

Course Code Course Title Credits
Core Courses
PHLT205 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention 3
PHLT303 Epidemiology 3
SOC212 Wellness & Society 3
Choose 2 from the following:
BIO101 Principles of Biology I (KP) 4
BIO211 Microbiology 4
BUSS224 Org Behavior in the Global Workplace 3
EXSC209 Performance Nutrition 3
HS101 Human Services: Systems & Skills 3
PSYC201 Psychology of Drugs & Behavior 3
PSYC205 Human Sexuality 3

Credit Requirements for minor: 18 credits

PHLT205 - Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

This course will serve as an introduction to the discipline and profession of health education for disease prevention and health promotion. Students will examine the concepts of health & wellness, the determinants of health behavior, national health status, the history of health education and health promotion. Students will be provided with the necessary skills for the development, delivery, and evaluation of health programs to targeted populations.

PHLT303 - Epidemiology

This course introduces and provides a platform for application of the concepts and methods of population-based epidemiology. As students study the patterns and determinants of disease in different populations, they will address topics such as the behavior of disease, measurement of disease frequency, uses of statistical methods to describe the health of populations, study design in epidemiology, bias in disease investigation, and associations between risk factors & disease outcomes. Pre-requisite: MATH208 (with C or better)

SOC212 - Wellness & Society

Wellness is seen as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.”* This course explores the social dimension to wellness (or health and illness). Both health and illness vary across times and cultures – and are related to how we define “normal”.? Wellness is also closely related to our position in society; social identities such as socio-economic status, race and ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation impact our life chances, lifestyles, access to care, and attitudes towards health and illness. In other words, this course approaches health and illness from a sociological (rather than philosophical or ethical) perspective.??*?Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948. The definition has not been amended since 1948.

BIO101 - Principles of Biology I (KP)

This is an introductory lecture and laboratory course in biology to develop an appreciation for the patterns and functions that characterize living organisms. Emphasis is placed on cellular biology. Topics include: the chemistry of life, cell structure, and cell metabolism (respiration, photosynthesis, protein synthesis.) Co-requisites: BIO101L.

BIO211 - Microbiology

This lecture and laboratory introduces the microbial world and the laboratory techniques required for its study. Topics include the basic characteristics of fungi, algae, bacteria, and viruses. Topics and applications that relate to humans are emphasized. Prerequisite: BIO101. Corequisite: BIO211L

BUSS224 - Org Behavior in the Global Workplace

In this course, students study individuals and their interactions within group settings as they affect efficiencies in diverse business organizations. Group dynamics and intergroup dynamics are emphasized in relation to productivity and work satisfaction along with the examination of specific aspects of organizations that influence behavior on a global scale. Areas covered include structure, leadership, and change as they affect a multitude of cultures. Teaching modalities include case studies and role-playing. This is a writing intensive course.

EXSC209 - Performance Nutrition

This course studies the effects, benefits, and sources of major nutrients. It includes an overview of nutritional issues involved in disease processes and nutritional needs for an active population. Special focus on patient assessment and development of dietary plans based on energy expenditure. Prerequisites: BIO 205, BIO 206.

HS101 - Human Services: Systems & Skills

This course encourages an examination of one’s own value system, motivations and interests in relation to the wish to pursue a career working with people. Students are introduced to the history and development of the field: the concept of the social welfare system; resources and services offered by a range of community agencies; a model to understand social and psychological problems; and interventions to address social needs interventions range from individual case management and counseling to community organizing and planning. The course highlights a social justice basis for human service work. A 10-hour service learning requirement enables students to examine their interests and apply the concepts learned in class.

PSYC201 - Psychology of Drugs & Behavior

The course examines the relationship between drugs and behavior, including evidence about the effects of drugs on the brain. Several classes of drugs, including chemically or psychologically addictive substances, psychoactive and therapeutic agents, as well as recreational drugs, are examined. Drug use is related to psychological variables such as personality structure and interpersonal relationships, and theories of addictive processes and factors influencing drug use are examined, as are treatment strategies. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.

PSYC205 - Human Sexuality

This course is designed to introduce factual information about gender identity and gender role theories, sexual preference and sexual orientation, and psychosexual development. The course examines issues related to research on human sexuality and behavior, as well as sexual education, sexual disorders, and societal impacts on sexuality. Students are challenged to think critically about many issues surrounding human sexuality and all of its manifestations. Prerequisite: PSYC 101.