Center of Excellence in Higher Education
The First Private University in Bangladesh

Program : Executive Master of Public Health (EMPH)

Overview


The Executive Master of public Health (EMPH) degree is the most widely recognized professional credentials for leadership in public health. Based on the extensive experience in teaching, research and development, the North South University in academic collaboration with leading USA Universities and International organizations offers the Executive Master of Public Health (EMPH) International Program for medical and non-medical health professionals. The program emphasizes on the development skills and competency in management, research and communications of health programs.

The program has following areas of specializations:

  • Epidemiology
  • Biostatistics
  • Hospital Management
  • Health management & Development
  • Environmental & Occupational Health
  • Reproductive and Child Health
  • HIV/AIDS & Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Disaster Management

 

Objectives of the Program 

The objective of the EMPH International Program is to provide health professionals with the skills and competencies needed today for providing high standard public health care in order to improve the health status and quality of life in developing countries. 

Special Features of EMPH International Program

  • All Public Health Faculty members are highly educated & trained in North American accredited internationally reputed Universities
  • Internship in International Organizations USAID, ICDDRB, Save the Children, FHI, UNAIDS, UNFPA, WHO for career development opportunities
  • USAID Competitive Fellowship opportunity for EMPH fellows of NSU
  • Dissertation grants opportunity from John’s Hopkins University, Water Aid& Cares
  • Financial assistance up to 75% for deserving EMPH students
  • Part-time job opportunity for EMPH students
  • Course Waiver & Credit Transfer based on academic background and experience

 

Course Curriculum



Executive Master of Public Health (EMPH) Program:

To earn an EMPH degree, all students must satisfactorily com­plete 51 credits of coursework are required for the EMPH degree include core courses, specific area or track required courses, and dissertation.

Core Courses (Total 18 credits: to be completed by 2 semesters): Considering the global standard of public health learning in the internationally reputed universities, the core curriculum required for all EMPH can­didates is comprised of courses in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Research Methodology, Environmental Health, Behaviour Change Communication for Public Health and Public Health Management. These courses provide a common body of knowledge in basic concepts in public health and practice, and are required of all candidates for the EMPH degree regardless of previous training, professional interest ca­reer objectives, or program concentration.

After completing the study of the core courses (18 credits), an EMPH Fellow will have a proven skill in public health research, public health program management and Communication.

Area of concentration: These courses provide a series of educational experiences focusing on specific public health areas and offer students opportunities to concentrate on particular issues, skills, interests, or career goals. All candidates for the EMPH degree are expected to select one of the major area or track and to follow the prescribed program of study within that area. Students must apply for an area of concentration they would like to pursue after completion of the first semester or at the beginning of the study. Each of these areas of concen­tration has specific educational objectives, requirements, and methods of study. For an overview, see “Area of Concentration.”

Optional Courses: Optional courses may be selected from within a student’s area of concentration or from the other fields, and from courses offered within the programme or the department. Most optional credits are earned in formal courses; some may be earned on a tutorial (independent study) basis. The choice of optional course is made with the approval of the department.

Internship/Practicum [Total credit 3 hours: to be completed within a semester]: All EMPH degree candidates must need to complete Internship/Practical a practical experience requirement equivalent in time and effort to a minimum of one academic term. The practicum provides educational opportunities that are different from, and supplementary to, the more academic aspects of the program. The focus, content, approach, and timing of the practicum vary with the major courses and with the particular needs of each student. For example, it may take the form of field or agency observations; placement in an administrative, research, or clinical setting; participation in ongoing research or program activities; or independent study. It may be completed before or after the final term of academic work, or be integrated into the academic program. Students must consult with the course in-charges or practicum advisor to assure satisfying the requirement. A guideline is available in the department for the practicum course.

Dissertation (Total 10 credit hours: to be completed by one-two semester): All EMPH students will conduct a field research in their chosen public health field and will write a masters level dissertation. Planning for this work will be initiated during the elective period along with a faculty advisor. Fieldwork can be done in Bangladesh or in home country for international students. Synopsis of Research Topic must be approved by Dissertation committee of the EMPH programme before commencing the research work. A complete dissertation guideline is available in the department for the students.

Total credit hours:  51,          Duration: 1 to 3 years                  Semesters: 3-9

Course contents:

The Program offers 6 core courses and several elective/optional courses in the curriculum. The university encourages most of the core courses to be completed in the first two semesters. There is an arrangement for flexible options as per need of the respective learner.

Sl. No.

Type of Courses

 

Credit Hours

Duration

01.

Core Courses

:

18

2 semesters

02.

Required/Track Courses

:

12

2-3 semesters

03.

Optional Courses

:

11

Final semester

04.

Dissertation

:

10

Final semester

 

Total

 

51

 


Core Courses: 18 credit hours (Compulsory for all students):

Course Code

Course Title

Credit

 EMPH 601

 Introduction to Public Health, Professional
 communication & Computer application

3

 EMPH 642

 Fundamentals of Epidemiology

3

 EMPH 663

 Public Health Information, Education & Communication 
 (PHIEC)

3

 EMPH 611

 Fundamentals of Biostatistics

3

 EMPH 631

 Population & Environmental Health

3

 EMPH 712

 Research Methodology

3

 

 Total

18

 

Students have to choose one of the Major areas of concentration/Track. Each area requires completion of specified credit hours as described in the next pages. The University determines the courses required for specific Area of concentrations.

 

MAJOR AREAS OF CONCENTRATION:

The major tracks are:

a) Health Service & Hospital Management: The purpose of Majoring in Health Service & Hospital Management is to provide basic knowledge regarding all the major public health disciplines including Principles of public policy formulation, ethical functions, public health Laws and administration, Health economics, Medical audit and hospital management, which student will acquire during subsequent study unit. The evaluation of changes in the health care delivery system, either through programs specifically implemented to achieve such changes or through changes in health care delivery/financing policies are discussed in this course. Students enrolled in the program acquire a sound background in health data systems, organizational theory, computer systems in health care, health information systems analysis, management theory and application, quality assurance theory and application, finance and legal issues. This track provides training and education at the master's level for those desiring a career in the administrative aspects of health services or in the hospital management.

b) Epidemiology: Majoring in Epidemiology track provides the basic concepts of epidemiology, principles, aims and importance of epidemiology in public health, and various epidemiological designs (descriptive, analytic and applied epidemiology); Measurement of disease burden of community (Measures of disease frequency: Incidence, Prevalence; Measures of association: RR/ OR, Measures of potential Impact etc.) Epidemiological Triads, Infectious and non-infectious disease Epidemiology, Sources of epidemiological data and their uses inpublic health etc. Details of Epidemiological design, analytical and observational studies, epidemiologicalassociation and causation, relation between epidemiology and other public health areas or other related fields.

c) Disaster Management: The purpose of majoring in Disaster Management course is to provide comprehensive disaster management knowledge and skills to enhance the capabilities of executive managers who have key disaster management responsibilities. It is designed to enable professionals working in disaster management, development and donor agencies to effectively integrate disaster management into their development programs and policies. Participants will be encouraged to develop key skills and adopt proactive attitudes through participation in interactive lectures and reflection on a range of key issues raised during discussions and practical activities.

d) Reproductive, Maternal & Child health: The purpose of majoring this track covers conceptual and theoretical issues of reproductive Maternal & Child health. At the end of the courses the student will be able to identify the health needs of mothers and children of the country in general and prioritize the identified health needs for planning, organizing and managing reproductive health programs in order to provide effective promotive, preventive and essential curative care to the women and children of the country. The students will be able to design and conduct research studies relevant to the field of MCH/RH, assisted reproduction and other related areas, and describe how the results can be applied in improving Public Health. Reproductive Health and it’s various components, safe motherhood, family planning, infertility, adolescent care, prevention and control of RTI, HIV/AIDS, STD, neonatal care, maternal nutrition, Child Health, male involvement in RH Programs will be discussed.


TRACK-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF COURSES

 

Track related courses are:

a)  Health & Hospital Management Track (Required 12 credit including Internship)

Course Code

 Course Title

Credit

 EMPH 704

 Health service & Hospital Management

3

 EMPH 653

 Health Economics & Financing

3

 EMPH 706

 Human Resource Development & Management (HRD & HRM)

3

 EMPH 708

 Total Quality Management & Good Governance

3

 EMPH 716

 Health Management Information System

3

 EMPH 605

 Internship

3

Total

18

 

b) Epidemiology Track (Required 12 credit including Internship)

Course Code

Course Title

Credit

 EMPH 742

 Epidemiology II

3

 EMPH 711

 Data Management & Analysis

3

 EMPH 644

 Epidemiology of Communicable & Non-Communicable 
 Diseases

3

 EMPH 743

 Tropical Medicine

3

 EMPH 842

 Clinical Epidemiology

3

 EMPH 605

 Internship

3

 Total

18

 

c)   Disaster Management Track (Required 12 credit including Internship)

Course Code

Course Title

Credit

 EMPH 734

 Disaster Management

3

 EMPH 735

 Industrial Hygiene & Hazard Management

3

 EMPH 737

 Climate Change & Health Impact

3

 EMPH 731

 Occupational Health

3

 EMPH 605

 Internship

3

Total

15

 

d) Reproductive, Maternal & Child health Track (Required 12 credit including Internship)

Course Code

Course Title

Credit

 EMPH 671

 Reproductive Health

3

 EMPH 672

 Maternal & Child Health

3

 EMPH 771

 Adolescent Health

3

 EMPH 681

 Clinical aspect of Public Health Nutrition

3

 EMPH 605

 Internship

3

Total

15

 

Optional Courses are:

Need 11 credits for each track

Course Code

Course Title

Credit

 EMPH 602

 Bangladesh Study

3

 EMPH 609

 International Health

3

 EMPH 661

 Health Behaviour, Health Education & Health Promotion

3

 EMPH 678

 Health Policy Planning & Law

3

 EMPH 715

 Health Informatics and e-Governance

3

 EMPH 713

 Research Methodology II

3

 EMPH 714

 Application of Computer Software in Public Health

3

 EMPH 733

 Environmental risk assessment and management

3

 EMPH 802

 Health Rights Wale fares & Ethics- Social Context

3

 EMPH 741

 Public Health Aspects of HIV/ AIDS/STDs

3

 EMPH 703

 Public Health Problems and Community Diagnosis

3

 EMPH 645

 Public Health Aspect & Epidemiology Orodental Diseases

3

 EMPH 705

 Directed Studies or Regarding Course

2

Total

38

 

 Dissertation and Internship is a must for every track.

Dissertation

Course Code

Course Title

Credit

 EMPH 605

 Internship/Practicum (With Health Development Agency-
 Posting)

3

 EMPH 805 &

 EMPH 806

 Dissertation

 EMPH 805= Proposal and

 EMPH 806= Final Dissertation

(5+5)=10

Total

13

 

Course Description


 

Course Code

Course Title and Description

Credits

EMPH 601

Introduction to Public Health, Computer Application & Professional Communication

3

 

The basic concept of Public Health principles, functions, tools, strategies, application and advantages in public health practices in developing and develop countries. Computer application in the field of public health and introducing public health professional writing skills for program/project development following international format.

 

EMPH 602

Bangladesh Study

3

 

This course will provide information about its historical setting, society and environment, economy, government and politics, security system, education, population, religion and social system.

 

EMPH 605

Internship/Practicum

3

 

Students will be attached to some organization for practical works as soon as the first semester is over. They are expected to prepare a critical report on the basis of their respective field experience and observation. The students will work either in a health-care setting, in a development agency or at home, as chosen or available, in consultation with the faculty members of NSU.

 

EMPH 609

International Health

3

 

This course has been designed so that students will be familiar with international health problems both communicable and non-communicable. Students will be able to communicate and work effectively and at an appropriate level of sophistication with a variety of community groups whose social background may differ widely. This course is a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of public health in the international health and hygienic issues. Exploration of the concepts for global public health services, skill development to set as a public health professional to work with common society peoples and special skills or practice areas on current issues related to this field are the course materials here. The course also includes study of principles and methods of health care problems and programs in different countries, roles and responsibility of the public health professional in that particular country. Survey methods and epidemiological analysis of the international health or hygienic events and needs, study of principles and methods of epidemic control, family health, school health, demography, environmental sanitation, and public health policy aspects are also reviewed. The program focuses on community health and primary health care systems of the developed and developing world.

 

EMPH 611

Fundamentals of Bio-statistics

3

 

Biostatistics is the field of statistical methods related to biological research areas such as public health, medicine, dentistry and nursing.  The major area focuses on the application of existing statistical techniques to studies in these health related fields and development of new statistical techniques.

 

EMPH 631

Population and Environmental Health

3

 

Key concepts of Population, Environmental Health and health problems, diagnosis and solution. Water, sanitation and Hygiene with diarrhoeal and Infectious diseases, Air and water pollution, various threats to environment andoccupational health hazards. It will concentrate on the study of the effect on human health of the physical, biologic and chemical factors in the external environment.  Topics covered will include approaches to control the major environmental health problems in industrialized and developing countries. Students will learn where to obtain publicly available population data on health-related events from a variety of surveillance activities and special surveys. The effect of Air pollution including indoors air pollution, Water pollution and Soil pollution and their effect on human Health will also be discussed. This course puts emphasis on the methodological, biological and practical issues involved in the design, conduct, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological studies in the occupational and industrial environments.

 

EMPH 642

Fundamentals of Epidemiology

3

 

Epidemiology is the fundamental science and key tools of public health. It deals with the natural and man-made disasters that point to the importance of epidemiologic principles and training, and the need for translation of epidemiologic skills in global settings. The Epidemiologists are recognized as most widely professional for leadership in public health. The training in this field will position the student with the highly effective tools for disease prevention, health promotion and rehabilitation in any country of the world.

 

EMPH 643

Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Diseases

3

 

Infectious disease epidemiology monitors the occurrence of infectious diseases and develops strategies for preventing and controlling disease.  In addition to knowing basic epidemiologic methods, infectious disease epidemiologists need to be familiar with the features of important infectious diseases as well as laboratory techniques for the identification and quantification of infectious agents.  This course is designed to provide an introduction to infectious disease epidemiology.  It will focus on the etiology, distribution, determinants, prevention and control of infectious diseases of major public health importance. 

 

EMPH 644

Epidemiology of Communicable & Non Communicable Diseases

3

 

This class will review the epidemiology of chronic diseases like Cancer, heart diseases, neuralgic, metabolic disorders, etc. and their control measures.  The students are introduced to the application of epidemiologic methods for the study of cancer, injury, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, sensory, GI, and others. Consideration of traditional intervention programs and alternative intervention strategies is stressed. The course is so designed that students can eNorth South Universityre access of all populations to appropriate and cost-effective care, including health promotion and disease prevention services, and evaluation of the effectiveness of that care.

 

EMPH 645

Public Health aspects and Epidemiology of Orodental Diseases

3

 

This course provides a study of oral health and the prevention of oral disease in the community. Emphasis is on assessment of community groups and dental health needs, planning, implementation, and evaluation of community programs. The purpose or goal of this course is to introduce the  dental student: to the information relative to the pattern of dental diseases in populations; to familiarize students with the main problems of dental diseases, in populations; to illustrate how the logic of epidemiology was and is used in developing methods of controlling and preventing dental diseases; to review the rational basis of current methods or practices of preventing and controlling dental disease; to provide students with valuable information that can be used in communicating with the patients. This course is designed to convey a basic understanding of the various preventive implications involved in routine dental care as envisioned within various sectors of the community.

 

 EMPH 653

Health Economics and Financing

3

 

This course will provide an overview of qualitative and quantitative decision making with a dominant focus on quantitative techniques for decision-making using clinical and economic end points and their role in clinical strategies of health care and health policy. Topics include competition in health care, cost-effectiveness or benefit analysis, cost measurement and control. Demand model, economics and public health overview, input-output model and measurement of activities of daily living (ADL), burden of disease measurements (YPLL, DALY, QALY etc.) are discussed in this course with practical assignments. The program also deals with managed care concept, pharmaco-economics, definition of primary health care and nationalization, privatization and rationing of health care including screening, measurement theory, quality of life measurements and stress measurement. Taxation in public health and economics of vector controls are also discussed.

 

EMPH 661

Health Behavior, Health Education and Health Promotion

3

 

Knowledge of sociology and psychology will help students to understand public health practice and peoples’ reaction to good health and ill health. Studies in stress, culture and human development will provide students with an understanding of people, society and human relations not only of the client but also of the public health professional-client/professional interactions. Application of the behavioural and social sciences to improving health outcomes includes measurement of behaviour change, theoretical notions behind changing health behaviors, and review of specific examples where lifestyle and behavior changes have been targeted. This course outlines main approaches commonly taken to health promotion, indicating the key strengths and weaknesses of each approaches. The course also focuses on theories and principles, which underline health promotion and health education. The elements of diverse but complementary procedures for health promotion will be explored and discussed. Key concepts, Clarity, meaning, definition, and objectives of public health, Public health practices, issues and problems in Bangladesh and in the regions, Health education and communication in centralized vs. decentralized structures,  Role of medias and messages in public health, Several behavior change psychosocial theories and models.

 

EMPH 663

Public Health Information, Education & Communication (PHIEC)

3

 

This course is designed to provide skills in planning and developing health education interventions for behaviour change at the individual, family or social network levels of practice. EMPHasis is placed on applying program design principles to the development of educational interventions. It is structured in a lecture-discussion format. Given its skill development focus, the course includes weekly homework assignments and the development of a health education program plan.

 

EMPH 671

Reproductive Health

3

 

The course also covers conceptual and theoretical issues of reproductive health. At the end of the course the student will be able to identify the health needs of mothers and children of the country in general and prioritize the identified health needs for planning, organizing and managing Reproductive health programs in order to provide effective promotive, preventive and essential curative care to the women and children of the country. The students will be able to design and conduct research studies relevant to the field of MCH/RH, assisted reproduction and other related areas, and describe how the results can be applied in improving Public Health. Reproductive Health and it’s various components, safe motherhood, family planning, infertility, adolescent care, prevention and control of RTI, HIV/AIDS, STD, neonatal care, maternal nutrition, Child Health, male involvement in RH Programs will be discussed.

 

EMPH 672

Maternal and Child Health

3

 

The following areas will be covered: MCH in the global perspectives, prenatal care, risk behaviour in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and maternal and infant mortality, violence, abuse and neglect of women and children. This is an interactive course in which we will consider, develop, challenge, and evaluate ideas and views across the scientific, clinical, economic, political, and ethical/legal aspects of each issue. Critical thinking is essential. Each student's views and attitudes are an integral part of the course and each student is expected to engage actively in each class.

 

EMPH 678

Health Policy, Planning and Laws

3

 

Basic concept of policy, plans, program and project of their applications, Need for using population data and other data. For policy planning etc. This course encompasses criteria and planning principles for institutional and community personal health care services. Rationale and methods used in developing short and long range plans. The role of the individual health facility, inter-hospital affiliations, city and government health agencies, and professional organizations in the community planning process. This course examines the issues pertinent to the role of the planning and marketing functions in a health organization. Principles of planning, the relationship between health planning and the development of a marketing plan, and action planning are explored as a means to provide coordination in meeting health needs and providing health services.

 

EMPH 681

Clinical aspect of Public Health Nutrition

3

 

The course guides learners to clearly understand scientific principles of nutrition, basic nutritional needs for different age or clinical group settings, the sources of food, methods of food preservation, proper preparation and cooking to provide with maximum nutrition support to human body. After completion of this course learners will be able to define and discuss nutrition sciences, characteristics of different food components, dietary sources, assessment of nutritional state problems and solution with planning of advice regarding healthy good composition habits. The course guides the students to identify risks of nutrition related problems and suggest appropriate interventions, work independently as public health nutrition specialists, describe and analyze the food and nutrition system in a community.The course is so designed to focus primarily on the major national and international public health nutrition issues including the current concepts to deal with the nutrition problems of Bangladesh in particular and of other developing countries.

 

EMPH 703

Public Health Problems and Community Diagnosis

3

 

This course deals with the aspects of diagnosis of Community Health Problem. The class will identify disease prevalence, prepare disease profile, identify Community leaders and opinion makers in resolving community health problems. It critically reviews the community Participation and involvement in Health Care System in context of different countries. The course evaluates and recommends updated forms of Public Health work-approach to solve public health problems, Critique on available health services in the Community and disseminates the possible solutions on How to build Community North South Universitys for Public Health Problems solution. The students will be equipped with knowledge of working in the community as a leader of social change in the health aspects of the country.

 

EMPH 704

Health Service & Hospital Management

3

 

The course will be introduced to the students with the basic concepts of hospital management focusing on total quality management of hospital and health-care services. The course includes hospital manpower, logistic and resource planning and management, hospital need assessment for resources, manpower, services based on demand-supply index,  procurement, human motivation, health counselling, hospital service networking and coordination, leadership development, decision-making, service quality control, and crisis management. The course will also include supervision, monitoring and performance appraisal.

 

PBH 705

Directed studies in Public Health

2

 

Each matriculate has to present studies of relevant case preferably related to their dissertation. This will be organized into a 30-minute presentation with a background and significance. Methods, results, ethical aspects and public health/research implications will also be covered. Students must obtain approval of their thesis committee prior to presenting. An independent study of the professional problems in MPH both in theoretical and practical aspects, in order to gather information for analysis and discussion is also encouraged. Ideas will be exchanged to obtain prescriptions to permit personal and professional development.

 

EMPH 706

Human Resource Development and Management (HRD & HRM) for Health Services

3

 

The course will focus on introduction to health manpower planning, production, utilization including human resource management for health. This course is about human resource practice. It is intended to provide a basic overview and foundation for managing for success. Effective human resource management is a priority strategic objective of successful organizations. When organizations don’t achieve high performance results, the problem often can be attributed to mismanagement or “under-management” of human resources. Successful health services administrators and public service managers are knowledgeable about HR trends and implications and are equipped to engage them strategically.

 

EMPH 708

Total Quality Management and Clinical Governance

3

 

The course will introduce the EEMPH Students with the concepts of total quality management consisting of quality planning, quality preparation, quality production. This course is designed to introduce the student to principals of clinical quality management and performance improvement in the health-care industry. Focus is on standards and implementation of quality programs and principals and concepts of performance improvement. The course also covers additional areas such as utilization management, risk management, and tools and techniques used in performance improvement and quality management.

This course focuses on the effects of sophisticated quality and health outcome measures as used by individuals, employers and North South University to compare the results of various providers. The course will cover the forces of the smarter external customers and internal pressures to justify costs, continuous quality improvement, risk management, and changes demanding creative health care marketing techniques. Course content will include JCAHO an NCQA accreditation standards and processes, life safety and fire code requirements, and handling of biohazards such as blood borne pathogens.

 

EMPH 711

Data Management and analysis

3

 

The course introduces students with advanced biostatistics required in public health. Modern multivariate analyses, based on the concept of generalized linear models, regression analysis including classical regression (linear) logistic, Poisson, and proportional hazards models are discussed in this course in details with illustrations. Categorical data analysis, clinical trials including design, conduct, and data analysis of clinical trials, EMPH practical use of methods, nested designs for superiority, non-inferiority, clinical equivalence and bioequivalence trials will also be discussed. Other topics include role of clinical trials in drug approval process, meta-analysis, and management of clinical trial data. Survival analysis is also taught in this course. Course EMPH underlying similarity of these methods, choice of the right method for specific problems, common aspects of model construction, testing linearity and other assumptions, and modifications needed for clustered data.

This course will use computer software like SPSS, Excel, Epi-Info, GIS, etc.

 

EMPH 712

Research Methodology

3

 

Study of this course provides a guide for quantitative and qualitative research strategies aiming at developing learner’s understanding and critical awareness about the research process. It promotes public health professionals to develop ability to critique research issues, general principles and concepts in public health research with EMPH on critical appraisal of issues. At the end of the course the learners will be able to gain awareness about the historical global perspective, define and discuss research terminology, identify research components and attain skill to critically analyse published public health Research materials. The learners will also be able to understand the statistical processes for applying findings to public health practice identify measurement scales for interpreting data and gain an understanding of the current status of public health research. Presents issue in the responsible conduct of research, including ethics, data management, research fraud, academic misconduct, and conflict of interest.

 

EMPH 713

Research Methodology II

3

 

This is an advanced course of research Methodology. The course covers institutional guidelines regarding research in human subjects. Topics include vulnerable populations in research, confidentiality, the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Provides the student with the basic concepts and methodologies needed to undertake evaluation research. Major applications of evaluation research are covered: program planning, monitoring, impact and efficiency assessment. Students will design an evaluation study based on intervention projects being undertaken by School of Health sciences faculty or projects of special interest to the students.

 

EMPH 714

Application of Computer Software in Public Health

3

 

This class will teach the students the use of different statistical packages in data processing and management, and also use of the internet for public health use. After completion of the course the learners will be able to understand basics about hardware and software in a computer. Application programs available and needed for public health purpose will be included in time. Windows (MS-word, Excel, Power point), SPSS, Epi-Info will be taught. Essential education regarding networking components, Internet browsing, usage of E-mail and other utility programs will be included in the list of instructions.

 

PBH 715

Health Informatics and e-Governance

3

 

National governments of most of the countries have started to create the environment and infrastructure for promoting healthcare delivery systems through an electronic mode to their citizens. However, reports the experiences with e-health as chaotic and unmanageable. The purpose of this course is to provide the students with comprehensive inter-organizational systems that are currently available for helping e-health development. A four-stage framework and three main e-public health information system are discussed. These will provide the health managers to build skills on the multi-perspective transformation within traditional healthcare structures and functions as they make transitions to e-health through each stage, barriers and challenges for each stage accompany these descriptions.

 

EMPH 716

Health Management Information System

3

 

This course is aimed to provide the learners with the skills of various aspects use of information technology of National governments of most of the countries have started to create the environment and infrastructure for promoting healthcare delivery systems through an electronic mode to their citizens.

 

EMPH 731

Occupational Health

3

 

This course provides students with a comprehensive idea about different aspects of microorganisms, parasites and insects that are important for the health of the community. Public health professionals will find the elements of this course comfortable while working in their day-to-day life and in practical work area after completion of it. This offers students a general introduction, public health importance and recent advances in Microbiology, introduction to medical parasitology, common parasitic diseases of public health importance in Bangladesh and their interventions. Identification, biology, bionomics, ecology and public health importance and control of vectors, their general principles, methods and practical issues are also discussed.

 

EMPH 732

Environmental Toxicology

3

 

The course introduces students with the foundations of how environmental pollutants affect biological health. A discussion of major environmental pollutants, their sources, interactions with atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic systems, exposure of people, animals and other biota, and their dose-response relationships.  Some of the physical and chemical changes induced in the environment by pollutants, contaminant fate and transport, and bioremediation are also discussed. Topics include source and exposure routes of pollutants, basics of quantitative toxicology, and effects of exposure, risk perception, and environmental regulations as they relate to toxicology.

 

EMPH 733

Environmental risk assessment and management

3

 

The course will cover topics relating to characterizing source areas, linking fate and transport mechanisms, evaluating exposure pathways and applying toxicology data to evaluate environmental risk in a variety of differing contexts. This course will provide students with knowledge related to (1) the broad field of environmental risk assessment, (2) the important processes that affect the risk associated with a chemical or radionuclide, (3) general steps involved in the risk assessment process, including statistical characterization of observed data, and (4) several tools that can be used in defining environmental risks, particularly as related to human health. Students should also develop an appreciation for the limitations and associated uncertainties associated with environmental risk assessment.

 

EMPH 734

Disaster Management

3

 

This course is designed to provide opportunities for learning of skills that can be applied to all hazards & disaster. Initially the focus will be on "natural" hazards - hazards related to the behaviour of natural systems affecting people and facilities. The students will be able to contribute constructively to the practice and development of hazard and disaster management procedures with potential to take a leading role in due course. Environmental problems both regional and global caused by pollution, destruction of human habitats and biodiversity and the failure to use natural resources in a sustainable manner require multi disciplinary approaches for better understanding and successful solution. The course will provide training in many of these approaches so that students gain an overview appropriate for managing environmental issues vis-à-vis sustainable use of natural resources and be capable of identifying appropriate and specialized solutions needed to address particular problems.

 

EMPH 735

Industrial Hygiene and hazard management

3

 

Chemical, physical and other hazards and stresses found in the work environment.  Recognizing potential hazards by understanding industrial processes, toxicity of environmental contaminants and occupational disease processes. Students will gain knowledge of the OSHA and EPA regulations related to health and safety issues and will learn about personal safety equipment and techniques, administrative controls, and hazardous waste sampling. Step-by-Step analysis of case reports covering occupational health problems in representative industrial situations.

 

EMPH 736

Disaster Risk Analysis and Management

3

 

Using the rubric of risk analysis the course engages its participants to consider the risk of natural, biological, chemical or other disasters. Course participants will also gain an understanding of the process of developing actionable intelligence that can be used by the public health, medical and public safety communities to reduce risk and enhance the security planning, prevention, response, mitigation and recovery process.

 

EMPH 737

Climate Change & Health Impact

3

 

Examines emerging public health challenges related to climate change posed by incidents including chemicals, radiation and biological agents.  Students are provided with the opportunity to undertake guided research on current topics in the field and discuss their findings with graduate students and faculty members.

 

PBH 741

Public Health Aspects of HIV/ AIDS/STDs

3

 

This course provides an overview of the theories and behavioural interventions used to reduce risk of HIV transmission and examines their impact in a variety of populations. Current research findings of these major theoretical models in various “at risk” populations will be critiqued. This course is designed to assist the student in planning and implementing HIV prevention programs. Course content is delivered through lectures, group discussion, and assigned readings.

 

EMPH 742

Epidemiology II

3

 

This course is designed to provide practical skills on various epidemiological design namely, Descriptive, Analytic and Experimental studies. Important epidemiological issues like, Random errors, Bias, Confounding and effect modifications, screening tests, investigation of epidemics, epidemic surveillance ,causal inference interpretation and critical appraisal of epidemiological methods. EMPH will be given on practical epidemiological data management techniques and interpretation of the epidemiological findings .Learners will develop proven skills in minimizing various epidemiological errors (Systematic errors and Random errors, Confounding Bias etc.) and dealing with interactions and effect modification effect. Also develop clear concept on sensitivity and specificity, validity and reliability of the diagnostic test. Finally students have to develop epidemiological study project with practical data to exercise data management, interpretation and report preparation of the study including presentation under the guidelines of the course teacher.

 

EMPH 743

Tropical Medicine

3

 

At the end of this course learners will be oriented about health and hygienic conditions in the tropical countries. The course will reveal very neatly the disease cycles, disease pattern, morbidity and mortality profiles in tropical zones. Disease agent’s types or variation, host defence criteria or factors related to host of the tropical diseases will be discussed in this course. Pathogenesis, disease propagation mode, vector patterns, and reservoir status of the particular disease will be discussed particularly in the real environment settings. Assignment on case studies about propagation, harbouring, and disease manifestations will be encouraged. This is a really cost effective course for those who prefers to work clinically or for researchers in the tropical zones to have a practical idea about the disease spectrum very peculiar to this particular zone. 

 

EMPH 745

Non-Communicable Disease Control

3

 

This course will include topics in non-communicable diseases of public health importance including epidemiology, monitor disease activity, and methods of prevention and control. Important chronic diseases in both the industrialized and developing world will be considered and may include some of the instructor’s favourites as well as those of interest to enrolled students e.g. cancer, heart diseases, genetic disorders, environmental diseases, etc., compare their impact on populations, practice approaches used to monitor diseases and examine local and global efforts to control. Formulating public policies, in collaboration with community and government leaders, designed to solve identified local and national health problems and priorities.

 

EMPH 748

Orodental Diseases and Hygiene

3

 

This course will focus on the key concepts of various oro-dental diseases and hygiene. Special EMPH will be given to major dental health problems like dental carries, gingivitis, perio-dontitis, etc. and the impact of personal oral hygiene for prevention, promotion and rehabilitation of dental health problems. The students will be assigned to identify the practical dental health problems on the basis of practical field visits to the dental hospitals and clinics for collecting information. With the help of those information the students will be able to identify dental health problems and recommend specific intervention.

 

 

EMPH 771

Adolescent Health

3

 

This course deals with the health issues concerning growing children at puberty. These include issues regarding food, nutrition, hygiene, sexual and reproductive health, drugs and addiction issues. Problems of coping with family and society at this period of growth are also well discussed here especially with developing country settings. The adolescents in our country lack necessary information about safe reproductive health practices and they do not know how to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy and diseases like STDs/HIV/AIDS. The limited reproductive health services that exist in the community are often non-responsive to the broader needs of the adolescents. The course also introduces child abuse, violence towards children and other related issues.

 

EMPH 781

Clinical Nutrition

3

 

This course provides an understanding of the principles of nutrition assessment and the development of the nutrition care plan as a component of health care for individuals. Provides students with insights into the principles and practice of clinical nutrition It is an introduction to nutrition related diseases in terms of cause and treatment, EMPH homeostasis and regulation and includes nutritional requirements and dietary allowances, energy and protein balance, metabolic roles of vitamins and minerals, and the metabolic effects of dietary components, such as fiber. Includes nutritional requirements in infancy and early childhood, inborn errors of metabolism, hyperlipidemic syndromes, nutrition and malnutrition, intestinal malabsorption syndromes, metabolic bone disease, nutrition and cancer, obesity, malnutrition in the hospital and nutrition in the elderly patient. Students are familiarized with the application of dietary modification by diet writing/menu marking.

 

PBH 802

Health Rights, Welfare and Ethics-social context

3

 

The course comprises the socio-economic aspect of Public Health in the context of Bangladesh and also other international communities. The course also includes important ethical issues in epidemiology and public health including confidentiality and privacy protection, informed consent, and the balancing of risks and benefits. Students will learn how to identify and resolve ethical problems and conflicts using methods of bioethics. Medical and public health ethics, patient and doctor’s rights, relationship of various health and social services, health needs of the community and community responsible for health are also discussed here. Cross-cultural differences will be highlighted as well as issues arising in studies of vulnerable populations. Emerging issues such as the communication responsibilities of public health professionals and conflicts of interest will also be discussed. After completion of the course learners will be able to describe the process of issue conceptualization, strategic planning for public health professionals for their own status in the society, justify roles of national and international qualifications for professional development as well as the ethical base of the profession.

 

EMPH 805/EMPH 806

Dissertation 

10 (5+5)

 

This course is basically the most vital part of the EMPH program. Students have to meet departmental standards while presenting this dissertation work.  Each of the students has to take and submit a dissertation according to the prescribed universal format of the University. Co-ordination with the research committee will be the key way to perform a dissertation successfully. Conceptualization of current or past issues to apply specific areas of specialization, strategic planning and sequencing of events in the concurrent community are the topics to be dealt with in this course.

To develop the thesis project, the student works with his or her advisor to formulate the topic and to devise an approach to the chosen problem.  The thesis itself should include the background, methods, results, and discussion in a concise, systematic format.  Students are encouraged to spend sufficient time on their thesis project for data collection, analysis and report writing and defence.

 

The total course is divided in two parts:

EMPH 805 & EMPH 806 – Dissertation proposal development and Final Dissertation & Defence: 10 credits

 

EMPH 842

Clinical Epidemiology

3

 

This course will help students to learn or refine the skills of Epidemiology, defined as the study and management of illness in individuals as well as populations using different epidemiological methods. Students will learn the epidemiologic process,  how to design and assess studies of prognosis or outcomes of illness, treatments, diagnostic tests and screening programs, as well as the basic requirements for randomized clinical trials, drug development trials, community experimental trials, preventive trials, therapeutic trials, comparison of the efficacy of the experimental agents, etc. This course is designed for clinical researchers to project social indicators and determinants in respect of systemic analysis with epidemiological vectors.

 

Course Outline
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