Spatial Epidemiology (Track VII) - MPH
This combined degree is co-managed by the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health─the academic home of the School’s geoinformatics curricula─and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and is designed for students who wish to incorporate innovative spatial analytic techniques in their epidemiological practices and research. The track prepares students to apply GIS and other spatial technologies (such as remote GPS and remote sensing) to epidemiology, research, and public health. Acquiring dual skills in epidemiology and GIS enhances the preparation of public health professionals by increasing their decision-making methods and problem-solving ability. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the Health Geoinformatics Summer Institute offered from June to August to conveniently complete some or all required GIS courses in an intensive format.
Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will acquire the professional and scientific skills to analyze associations between location, environment, and disease. Graduates will have the skills and experience necessary to:
- 1. Use GIS tools and methods to conduct high-quality epidemiologic research and clinical trials.
- 2. Incorporate spatial techniques to conduct disease surveillance and facilitate identification of geographical areas and population groups that present a greater disease or health risk.
- 3. Apply knowledge of disease mechanisms and information from the biological disciplines to interpretation of statistical findings in biomedical research.
- 5. Facilitate identification of geographical areas and population groups that present a greater disease or health risk.
Indicators of Educational Effectiveness
Course-specific performance-based outcomes are obtained, at the discretion of the instructor, through the following:
- written and oral examinations
- class projects and papers
- culminating activity consisting of a written report and oral presentation
- professional portfolio (upon completion of the research)
- exit interview with the department chair (at the conclusion of the program)
- integrated capstone public health course
Students are also encouraged to participate in a qualifying test given annually by SkillsUSA, an organization that has partnered with the geospatial industry to develop a competition program that provides universities, colleges, and their students with a way to validate their geospatial programs and measure them against national standards.
Prerequisite
College algebra or equivalent (calculus preferred), biochemistry, behavioral science, and at least four of the following courses:
- *Human anatomy
- Cancer biology
- *Human physiology
- Embryology
- *Histology
- Genetics
- *Microbiology
- *Pathology
- Vertebrate anatomy
- Cell biology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Zoology
- Molecular biology
- Immunology
* recommended courses
In addition, candidates must demonstrate computer proficiency, although no previous experience with GIS is required. Advanced placement can be considered for students with previous GIS experience/training.
NOTE: In addition to units required for the degree, a limited number of the above courses may be taken during the first two quarters of the program.
Degree Requirements
Public health core courses (28 units)
- ENVH 509 Principles of Environmental Health (3)
- EPDM 509 Principles of Epidemiology I (3)
- HADM 509 Principles of Health Policy and Management (3)
- HPRO 509 Principles of Health Behavior (3)
- RELE 534 Ethical Issues in Public Health (3)
- PHCJ 605 Overview of Public Health (1)
- STAT 521 Biostatistics I (4)
- HPRO 536 Program Planning & Evaluation (2)
- GLBH 524 Issues in Health Disparities and cultural Competencies (2)
- NUTR 505 Public Health Biology (2)
- PHCJ 675 Integrated Public Health/Capstone (2)
Epidemiology core courses (21 units)
- EPDM 510 Principles of Epidemiology II (3)
- EPDM 512 Multivariate Modeling in Epidemiology (3)
- STAT 522 Biostatistics II (4)
- STAT 548 Analytical Applications of SAS (2)
- STAT 564 Survey and Advanced Research Methods (3)
- EPDM 555 Epidemiologic Methods in Outcomes Research (3)
- Or
- EPDM 515 Clinical Trials (3)
- STAT 557 Research Data Management (3)
Geoinformatics courses (14 units)
- ENVH 522 Principles of GIS (3)
- ENVH 524 GIS Software Applications and Methods (3)
- ENVH 535 Integration of Geospatial Data with GIS (2)
- ENVH 536 Spatial Analytical Techniques and GIS (3)
- ENVH 526 Seminar in Health GIS (1)
- ENVH 546 Introduction to Spatial Epidemiology (2)
Electives# (5 units)
- ENVH 521 Cartography and Map Design (2)
- ENVH 523 Practical Issues in GIS (3)
- ENVH 527 Geospatial Technologies for Emergency Preparedness and Management (3)
- ENVH 537 Health Care Geographics (2)
- ENVH 539 GIS Applications in Environmental Health (2)
- ENVH 547 GIS for Public Health Practice (2)
- ENVH 549 Remote Sensing Applications in the Health Services (3)
- STAT 515 Grant- and Contract-Proposal Writing (3)
- EPDM 515 Clinical Trials (3)
- EPDM 544 Epidemiology of Infectious Disease (3)
- EPDM 555 Epidemiologic Methods in Outcomes Research (3)
- EPDM 565 Epidemiology of Cancer (3)
- EPDM 566 Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Disease (3)
- EPDM 567 Epidemiology of Aging (3)
- EPDM 588 Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology (3)
Research project
- EPDM 699 Applied Research (2)
- and
- ENVH 699 Applied Research (2)
Minimum Units Required 68
+ 4 units applied research
Other requirements
In addition to the foregoing degree requirements, the student must also complete the following:
- Public health seminar. Department forums—a minimum of twenty forums in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and/or Center for Health Research are required in addition to attendance at the public health seminars.
- Field practicum / Research project. Each student completes a project in which an aspect of geospatial analysis is applied to a problem in epidemiology. The culminating activity consists of: research including a written report and oral presentation, professional portfolio (upon completion of the research), and an exit interview with the department chairs (at the conclusion of the program).
# Select at least one course each from both ENVH and EPDM in consultation with academic adviser.
