HLHSCI-140 - Introduction to Public Health - Alyssa Arbolante

Introduction

Welcome to HLHSCI-140 Introduction to Public Health! My name is Alyssa, and I’m excited to be your instructor for this course. I’m a public health professional and advocate with a deep passion for health equity, social determinants of health, and community/ global health. Over the years, I’ve worked with both nonprofit organizations and the government sector to address critical public health issues such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, food insecurity, HIV, tuberculosis, and mental health.  

What inspires me most about this field is that public health is everywhere. Public health is a bridge that connects prevention to practice and helps build healthier, more equitable communities. It is an incredibly broad and dynamic field, and while a few weeks isn’t enough to cover it all, I’m thrilled to begin this journey with you. Think of this course as a launching point—a door into a vast world of public health that we’ll begin to explore together! 

Course Description

This course presents an overview of the disciplines of community and public health. Topics include the basic concepts and terminologies of public health; an overview of various public health professions and organizations; the study, prevention and control of diseases in the community; the analysis of the social determinants of health; strategies for eliminating disease, illness, and health disparities among various populations; community organizing and health promotion programming; school health promotion; environmental health and safety; and an overview of the healthcare delivery system in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on the development of knowledge and preliminary skills to serve as an effective advocate for community and public health. 

What to Expect in this Course

At the start of the course, students are expected to log in and do the initial course “orientation” assignments on the first day of class. Students who don’t complete this initial assignment on the first day will be dropped from the class. On a typical week, students can expect to have assignments (e.g., class activities, discussion posts, quizzes, etc) and must complete it by the respective Saturday. There will be one (1) midterm paper and one (1) final public health project for this course.  

Students are expected to: (1) thoroughly go over material in Canvas modules, (2) actively participate in weekly discussions and with instructor/ peers, and (3) communicate in a mature, respectful manner. 

*In order to succeed in this class, you will want to use the textbook as a reference, go through the text modules, watch recommended videos, participate and fully engage in discussion boards and visual class activities, etc...

The class will be 100% online, and taught using different instructional approaches. It will consist of class activity/discussions, pre-recorded lectures, videos, quizzes, and assignments. All will be posted on Canvas. 

Students will need a computer with internet in order to successfully participate in this course. The course can be accessed via Canvas at cv.canyons.edu on the first day of the course. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on. As a reminder, the CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu). CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password. For any Canvas-related issues, please call the Canvas Student Support line at (661)362-3344 during college business hours, or (877)889-9052 for 24/7 support. Students are also expected to log in and check Canvas at least twice a week for assignment updates and announcements.  

Proactive communication with me is CRITICAL to your success in this class. Please reach out to me using Canvas email should you need any assistance, clarification, or have concerns/issues. 

Academic honesty and integrity as well as respectable and courteous behavior is also expected in any learning environment. Please conduct yourself with professionalism both on campus and in the virtual classroom. Being rude; use of profanity or derogatory expressions; intolerant views of others; refusal to follow directions; discourtesy toward the instructor and/or fellow students; not treating others with respect, and/or cheating, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Any student who chooses to conduct themselves in any of these ways will be warned ONLY one time. If a second occurrence happens, disciplinary steps will be taken. In the event of particularly offensive behavior, the student will be dropped from the course immediately and recommended for disciplinary action by the College will be taken. 

Types of Assessments

• Discussion boards consisting of reflections, virtual class activities, and discussion 

• Knowledge check quizzes throughout the semester to assess understanding of the material covered. 

• Midterm paper; analysis of a public health issue. 

• Final project; evidence-based approach to address a public health problem using course concepts, data, and real-world examples.  

• Extra credit will be available by writing about a current event/ news/ update that is related to course topics and concepts. There may be other opportunities for additional extra credit throughout the course. 

Textbook Information

A course textbook is required/ recommended. Kruger, Jessica et al. (2026). Seventh Edition. Schneider’s Introduction to Public Health. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. ISBN: 9781284291803. 

• Alternative textbook*: Schneider, M.J., & Schneider, H. S. (2021). Introduction to public health (Sixth edition.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • *Please be aware that there are key differences between the two editions, such as new content and chapter order. Course materials will align with the seventh edition.

Other Relevant Course Information

• It is strongly recommended to practice logging onto Canvas prior to the start of class, to make sure any potential problems are addressed sooner than later. This is especially important if you have never taken a class that relies on technology to deliver course content before. 

• For help, you can contact student support; contact computer support; contact canvas Help;  or call the Canvas Help Desk in the Tutoring, Learning & Computing Center (TLC) at 661-362-3351, extension 3344 for assistance. 

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: 01/04/2026 Sub#: 1998 Sub ID: 206155