HLHSCI-140 - Introduction to Public Health - Jeanae Ruddell, EdM, PH, RN
| Course: | Introduction to Public Health |
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| Professor: | Jeanae Ruddell, EdM, PH, RN |
| Email: | jeanae.ruddell@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Hello my name is Professor Jeanae Ruddell (PR)...I look forward to working with you and sharing my love for Public Health. My education obtained- Bachelors in Nursing /Public Health and a Masters in Science of Nursing/Education. I have traveled and worked as a Nurse in Public Health with different levels of organizations in America and overseas- such as the WHO/CDC- mostly non-profit with the emphasis of helping adult/children/youth. My love for working with these diverse & underprivileged populated groups all over the world needs to be shared in this class.
Currently, as we all know, there is a lot of information about this topic. My job is to share what is most current regarding this topic and what is going on around us. As you will find, your textbook does not have all the new information about COVID but it does allow you to learn about the fundamental concepts of Public Health.
Let's share our information and have fun! Looking forward to working with all of you.
Course Description
This course will provide for you a foundation in the core functions of the population-based Public Health. We will be covering the disipline of public health including terminology, the role of public health agencies in society, public health professions, epidemiology, healthcare policy and management. My goals for this class are to provide for you what the definition of public health practices are and reveal knowledge about the technical, social, and political parameters related to public health research. Students will develop an understanding of what public health is all about by applying the current biomedical, environment, social, and behavioral knowledge aspects of this field to fully maximize the health status of all populations.
What to Expect in this Course
Starting the first day of class students are expected to log in and do the initial "Introduction" assignment in order to get credit for attendance. You must do this "Initial" assignment by 11pm by the first day. Every Sunday by 7am you will have your current weeks assignments. It is Very Important that you check every Sunday and pay attention to your emails & announcements on a day to day basis.
It is very important that you please see instructions below to know what to do the first day of class:
How to Negotiate the First Day of Class:
I strongly recommend that you practice logging onto canvas the week prior to the start of class, to make sure all problems are addressed before the first day. This is especially important if you have never taken an online class before. For help, you can use the link listed below or contact the canvas Help Desk in the Tutoring, Learning & Computing Center (TLC) at 661-362-3351, extension 3344 for assistance. Follow the instructions. The first day of class you need to post and that is how you will be enrolled in the class.
Types of Assessments
There will be quizzes/unit exams & discussion board topics. Each exam will cover the material directly preceding the topic discussed and questions will be based on material covered in lecture slides and in the readings. There will be a final which is cumulative. Depending on the length of the class, There will also be 2 mini-project writing assignments on current topics addressed.
Textbook Information
Textbook Title: Schneider, M.J. (2016). Sixth Edition. Introduction to Public Health. Sudbury: Jones & Barlett. ISBN: 9781284197594
Besides the required book, you will be expected to read additional journals and articles provided throughout the course.
Other Relevant Course Information
This course will be conducted 100% online. I will be offering non-mandatory weekly Zoom sessions if anyone needs any clarification about the subject matter or needing questions answered.
Online courses for students have their advantages especially for those with demanding schedules. I understand these demands being once a student myself, but it is imperative that you understand before the class begins what will be required of you in order to do well in this class. Please note the following:
The amount of time you should expect to dedicate to this class/week will vary according to your individual abilities (such as reading comprehension skills and comfort with technology) but on average, you should expect to invest about 15 hours per week to successfully complete this course. This time will be distributed across reading assignments, online activities, taking part in discussion postings, submitting writing papers, and taking quizzes and tests.
Only take this course if you are willing to put in the time needed to complete it successfully.
In order to pass this course, you will need to complete all assignments (including exams) thoroughly and accurately and submit them to me before their deadline.
Successfully completing an online course requires a student to develop and use strong self-organizational skills in order to stay on top of assignments and to avoid falling behind. If you find it easy to self-motivate and can plan and stick to a study schedule, then you will do well in an online course. If self-motivation is not one of your strengths, you need to develop those skills now! Please take the following recommendations to heart:
Keep a calendar of all homework, discussion, and exam deadlines. This can be written or you can use an online calendar, complete with emailed reminders. All I ask is that you be careful with the canvas calendar- Dates may be different then the calendar I have devised in canvas. Please go by this calendar I made.
It is with great pleasure to share with you all my love for Public Health. My experiences in this field will provide you with added fun and entertainment to hopefully keep you focused and involved!
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 04/03/2025 Sub#: 874