Syllabus

Graduate Programs in Public Health

GPH 747: Integrated Public Health Practicum

Credits - 4

Description

Course Goal

The goal of the practicum is to demonstrate application of public health concepts learned throughout the Master of Public Health (MPH) program and to enhance skills such as leadership, communication and teamwork.

Course Description

The practicum is a required part of the MPH degree and provides students with an opportunity to: 1) integrate and apply knowledge and skills from coursework to a practical setting to strengthen public health competencies, 2) work with experienced public health practitioners to expand professional networks, and 3) provide a comprehensive review of a public health issue and potential or real solutions in the form of an extensive term paper and an oral presentation.

Students must complete a minimum of 120 hours at a practice site under the supervision of a preceptor who has extensive knowledge and experience in the field of public health. To complement the field work, students must also complete a comprehensive paper and presentation on a related topic. The paper is expected to be of the quality suitable for publication in a public health journal.

Course Prerequisite Requirements

Successful completion of all MPH core and elective courses or an approved petition.

Students should have a practical experience site, preceptor, project and capstone topic approved prior to beginning the course.

Course Format

This course is facilitated through a web-based format. Individual meetings with the Course Instructor are up to the student to schedule. Course assignments must be submitted via the Blackboard assignment portal.

Teaching Methods

Students receive regular and ongoing mentorship and advising from the Course Instructor throughout the course. Students should communicate regularly with the preceptor to get feedback and discuss progress, future plans, or any concern. Feedback is provided on the written assignments, and the Course Instructor is available to discuss the paper and field work. Students also learn from one another through the discussion board.

Materials

No textbook required. For additional guidance, please see individual assignments.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Course Outcomes

Describe the contributing factors and potential solutions to a public health problem.
Apply public health evidence, principles, theories, and practices to solve a specific public health problem.
Integrate and apply public health skills learned within courses and prior professional experience, including but not limited to leadership, oral and written communication, and teamwork.
Model appropriate public health principles and the ethical values of compassion, critical thinking, diversity, excellence, innovation, participation, collaboration, professionalism, and social justice.
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills by developing a final product at the level suitable for a journal manuscript or conference presentation.
Develop an understanding of the practice of public health using a systems-thinking approach.
Develop leadership and teamwork skills.

Public Health Competencies

By the end of this course, you will have shown yourself able to synthesize at least five competencies from the following program and foundational competencies:

PC 1. Synthesize and incorporate scientific evidence into professional writing

PC 2. Search databases and critically analyze peer-reviewed literature

PC 3. Develop strategies for qualitative and quantitative data management.

PC 4. Evaluate the use of financial resources and management techniques by public health programs to achieve goals and sustainability.

PC 5. Evaluate the use of technological applications in health interventions

FC 1. Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice

FC 2. Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context

FC 3. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate

FC 4. Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice

FC 5. Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health, and regulatory systems across national and international settings.

FC 6. Discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges for achieving health equity at the organizational, community and societal levels.

FC 7. Assess population needs, assets, and capacities that affect communities’ health

FC 8. Apply the awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies or programs

FC 9. Design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention

FC 10. Explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management

FC 11. Select methods to evaluate public health programs

FC 12. Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence

FC 13. Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes

FC 14. Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations

FC 15. Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity

FC 16. Apply principles of leadership, governance, and management, which include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration and guiding decision making

FC 17. Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges

FC 18. Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors

FC 19. Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation

FC 20. Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content

FC 21. Perform effectively on interprofessional teams

FC 22. Apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue.

Assignments

Assignment	Due Date *by Wednesday 11:59 PM ET	Points
Plagiarism Tutorial	Week 1	0
1. Submit Capstone Description Include the title of your project Submit a brief (500 words) description of your capstone paper. This will build on the capstone description you submitted prior to class, and should address the expectations of the final paper outlined in the syllabus and the course assignments. Include references to support your description. (You will continue to develop these sections further during the class and build your reference list, but include at least some references.) Your description should include: a brief background on the public health issue of interest a brief analysis of current programs and interventions State your capstone paper objective or research question End with an outline of the information your paper will cover. While everyone will be writing a paper that includes Background, Current Efforts, Proposed Intervention, Evaluation, and Conclusion, what do you expect to fill these sections for your paper? You will already have an idea based on the preparation you did for your initial capstone description before you began class, and have probably done additional reading since then. What general topics do you expect to address in each of these sections of the paper? This is a good time to organize your thoughts and think about how you will approach your topic and the writing of your paper. The details will change as you write, but it is helpful to plan what you will need to complete each section.	Week 1	2
2. Submit Progress Reports #1 and #2 for field work After every 40 hours of Practical Experience work, students share their progress towards completing their project goals through the submission of Progress Reports. Students should plan in advance to meet with their preceptor every 40 hours to discuss progress and future plans and complete the Progress Report. Each report provides enough information to determine that adequate progress is made on meeting approved goals, objectives, and tasks. Original signatures are required on the report. This form is available in Blackboard and completed reports should be submitted via Blackboard.	Every 40 hours of field work	10
3. Participate in Discussion Forums (2 points each) Original posts should be ~250 words but replies can be shorter. Week 1: Practicum Site Week 2: Constructive Critique Week 3: Evaluate the Introduction/Background Section of a Paper Week 5: Personality Types Week 7- Handling Challenges at the Practicum Site Week 9: Evaluate a Sample Research Paper Week 11: Reflection Weeks 13 – 16 – NO DISCUSSION	All initial posts are due on Sunday, and responses are due on Wednesday.	14
*4. Complete Capstone Paper assignments:*		44 total
a. Introduction/Background and Rationale ~ 3-5 pages, double-spaced This should be a summary of the public health issue of interest including the magnitude of the problem, risk factors, populations affected and how addressing the issue would contribute to larger public health goals and services. Use relevant references from section 1 to support your arguments.	Week 4	6
b. Current Efforts/Programs and Strengths and Limitations ~ 3-5 pages, double-spaced Discuss what research has been done on this topic and how others have addressed the issue. Describe any knowledge and regulatory gaps as well as strengths and limitations associated with current efforts. This does not need to be a comprehensive overview of all current efforts; this section should be used to highlight the gaps and opportunities that your proposed intervention could address. Use relevant references from section 1 to support your arguments.	Week 6	6
c. Proposed Intervention(s) ~ 2-3 pages, double-spaced Describe in detail your proposed intervention(s) and program(s) and how they compare to existing programs. Be sure to discuss plans, resources needed and potential issues that could arise with the implementation of your proposed interventions. Your proposed interventions should be feasible given available resources. *you may advocate for an existing intervention that is underutilized and discuss its potential or propose a modification that can make existing programs more effective.	Week 8	6
d. Evaluation Plan ~1-2 pages, double-spaced Describe in detail how you plan to evaluate the success of your proposed interventions. Your evaluation plan should include a discussion of specific goals and measurable outcomes.	Week 10	6
5. Final Paper Create a document that incorporates feedback from previous assignments, describes the magnitude of a public health issue, and proposes solutions and recommendations. Assignment Guidelines Abstract (1 point) The abstract should be no more than 250 words and include: a brief background of the public health issue of interest description and purpose of your project as well as main conclusions and recommendations Final paper Combine your previous assignments and incorporate any feedback to produce a final paper that is coherent and thoroughly proofread. The paper should contain discussion and conclusion sections which summarize any unmet needs that the project is designed to address and the take-home message of your project. Discuss limitations, important considerations and recommendations for the future. Submission Requirements 15-20 pages total not including references, figures, and tables Paper properly formatted with running header and page numbers Double spaced References in AMA style Any tools or materials developed for the project should be included as appendices	Week 12	20
6. Final Presentation: PowerPoint During the last two weeks of class, each student will complete a 45-minute (35 minutes for presentation + 10 minutes for questions) oral presentation online or in person. Students wishing to do the presentation in person should contact the course instructor prior to scheduling a time. The presentation schedule will be determined approximately halfway through the course and online presentations will take place via GoToMeeting. For this assignment*: A PowerPoint file must be submitted via Blackboard at least 24 hours before the presentation. A presentation release must be signed and submitted via blackboard at least 24 hours before the presentation. If you do not wish to share your presentation due to confidential nature of the data contained, please submit a document briefly outlining the reasons and your presentation will not be shared. Presenter must arrive at least 20 minutes before the presentation begins.	TBD	12
7. Final Project: Capstone Presentation Feedback Form	TBD	5
8. Submit Final Report and Evaluation This report should provide a clear description of what was accomplished during your practical experience and what lessons you learned. It should be 5-7 pages long, size 12 font with double spacing and one inch margins. Products developed at your site should be attached. The report should contain no typographical or grammatical errors. This report is due three days prior to the last day of the session, or after the 120 hours are completed, whichever occurs first. The final report also includes an evaluation on the site and the preceptor.	Week 15	10
9. Ensure completion of preceptor’s student evaluation Your preceptor will receive an email from the Practicum Coordinator with a link to a survey. NOTE: There is no submission in Blackboard for this assignment.	TBD	3
TOTAL POINTS		100

Grade Scale

Grade	Points Grade	Point Average (GPA)
A	94 – 100%	4.00
A-	90 – 93%	3.75
B+	87 – 89%	3.50
B	84 – 86%	3.00
B-	80 – 83%	2.75
C+	77 – 79%	2.50
C	74 – 76%	2.00
C-	70 – 73%	1.75
D	64 – 69%	1.00
F	00 – 63%	0.00

This course is graded as pass/fail, however, in order to pass a student must:

1. Receive an 80% or higher in the course.

2. Receive a satisfactory final evaluation from the preceptor.

3. Receive a satisfactory final evaluation from the preceptor.

Grade Scale

Honors (H): 95-100%

High Pass (HP): 90 – 94%

Pass (P): 80 – 89%

Fail (F): 79% and below

Schedule

Week 1: Jan 6 – Jan 13
Week 2: Jan 13 – Jan 20
Week 3: Jan 20 – Jan 27
Week 4: Jan 27 – Feb 3
Week 5: Feb 3 – Feb 10
Week 6: Feb 10 – Feb 17
Week 7: Feb 17 – Feb 24
Week 8: Feb 24 – Feb 28
Week 9: Feb 28 – Mar 7
Week 10: Mar 7 – Mar 14
Week 11: Mar 14 – Mar 21
Week 12: Mar 21 – Mar 28
Week 13: Mar 28 – Apr 4
Week 14: Apr 4 – Apr 11
Week 15: Apr 11 – Apr 18
Week 16: Apr 18 – Apr 22

Student Resources

Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.

Questions? Visit the Student Support Public Health page

UNE Libraries:

Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
Public Health Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/public-health/
Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.

UNE Student Academic Success Center

UNE's Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers a range of free online services to support your academic achievement. Writing support, ESOL support, study strategy and learning style consultations, as well as downloadable resources, are available to all matriculating students. The SASC also offers tutoring for GPH 712 Epidemiology, GPH 716 Biostatistics, GPH 717 Applied Epidemiology, GPH 718 Biostatistics II, and GPH 719 Research Methods. To make an appointment for any of these services, go to une.tutortrac.com. For more information and to view and download writing and studying resources, please visit:

UNE Student Academic Success Center

Information Technology Services (ITS)

ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673

Accommodations

Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.

Online Peer Support

Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.

ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.

Career Ready Program

The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!

The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.

Policies

AMA Writing Style Statement

The American Medical Association Manual (AMA) of Style, 11th edition is the required writing format for this course. Additional support for academic writing and AMA format is provided throughout the coursework as well as at the UNE Portal for Online Students.

Online resources: AMA Style Guide

Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool

The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.

Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.

You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements

Course Evaluation Policy

Course surveys are one of the most important tools that University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.

Late Policy

Students are responsible for submitting work by the date indicated in Brightspace.

Quizzes and Tests: Quizzes and tests must be completed by the due date. They will not be accepted after the due date.

Assignments: Unless otherwise specified, assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.

Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.

Student Handbook

UNE Course Withdrawal

Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit https://www.une.edu/studentlife/plagiarism.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.