Syllabus

Graduate Programs in Public Health

GPH 747 Integrated Public Health Practicum — Summer A/B 2016

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 advisement 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

Program Competencies:

This course satisfies the following program competencies:

Utilize quantitative and qualitative data to identify and analyze factors affecting the health of a community.
Analyze policies, programs, and services to evaluate their demonstrated or potential impact on the health of a community.
Utilize effective communication skills to convey public health data and information to professionals and the public.
Promote policies, programs, and services for diverse populations that demonstrate cultural proficiency and community collaboration.
Assess the role of community relationships and diverse perspectives in the development or implementation of public health policies, programs, and services.
Utilize evidence to support decision-making in the development and evaluation of public health initiatives.
Incorporate ethical standards in professional practice to promote healthy communities.
Articulate the role and value of public health in the social, political, and economic development of a community.

Course Outcomes:

This course achieves the above-stated program competencies by asking students to:

Apply public health evidence, principles, theories, practices, and/or research methods to 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 ethical values: compassion, critical thinking, diversity, excellence, innovation, participation, collaboration, professionalism, and social justice
Describe the contributing factors and potential solutions to a public health problem
Gather information on a particular public health area of interest and develop a manuscript
Demonstrate formal presentation skills verbally and in writing

Assignments

Assignment	Due Date	Points
1. Submit completed pre-course paperwork with appropriate signatures	Wednesday, May 11, 2016	5
2. Enter site information on ZeeMaps, submit a discussion post with the ZeeMaps link as well as a description of the field work and capstone paper	Friday, May 13, 2016	5
3. Submit quarterly reports for field work	Every 30 hours of field work	20
4. Participate in weekly discussion posts	All posts due Sunday at 11:59pm	10
5. Complete capstone paper assignments:		40
a. Annotated Bibliography and List of References	Monday, May 23, 2016	8
b. Introduction/Background and Rationale	Monday, June 13, 2016	8
c. Current Efforts/Programs and Strengths and Limitations	Monday, July 4, 2016	8
d. Proposed Intervention(s) and Implementation/Evaluation Plan	Monday, July 18, 2016	10
e. Final Paper with Discussions, Conclusions, References, and Appendices	Wednesday, August 3, 2016	8
6. Final presentation	TBD: August 8-19, 2016	7
7. Completion of feedback form	TBD: August 8-19, 2016	3
8. Submit final report and evaluation	Wednesday, August 17, 2016	5
9. Ensure completion of preceptor’s student evaluation	Wednesday, August 17, 2016	5

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

Schedule

1. Submit completed pre-course paperwork with appropriate signatures (5 points):

Submit the two forms completed with input from the site preceptor: 1) Practicum Site and Preceptor Information Form and 2) Goals, Objectives and Competencies Form.

Goals should be broad and overarching, as related to your practical experience project. Objectives should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-focused, and (realistically) Timebound. Tasks must support the objectives, and the objectives must support the goal. Include project deliverables. The final versions of these forms, with appropriate signatures, are due by the end of the first week of class.

2. Submit Practical Experience Site and Capstone Description (5 points):

In the Blackboard Discussion section, upload a photo as a class avatar as well as the location/description of the practical experience site to ZeeMaps, which will then show all students completing their practical experiences and their locations. After a ZeeMaps location has been entered, create a post with the link to the ZeeMaps location and a brief (<300 words) description of the capstone paper. After all the capstone descriptions are completed, read through others’ posts, and provide feedback on at least one post.

3. Submit Quarterly Reports (20 points total):

After every 30 hours of Practical Experience work, students share their progress towards completing their project goals through the submission of Quarterly Reports. Students should plan in advance to meet with their preceptor every 30 hours to discuss progress and future plans and complete the Quarterly 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.

4. Participate in Discussion Posts (10 points total):

Students submits one discussion post per week. At the beginning of each month, students make an original post on an assigned topic. In each of the remaining weeks of the month, students read and post a response to peers’ posts. Original posts should be ~250 words but replies can be shorter.

5. Complete Capstone Paper Assignments (40 points total):

I. Annotated Bibliography and List of References (8 points):

a. List of references: Provide a list of peer-reviewed journal articles or other resources (reports, guidelines, etc.) that are relevant to the arguments and discussions in this paper. This list can be modified throughout the term. AMA style of reference should be used: http://www.une.edu/sites/default/files/citeama.pdf. Number of references will vary, but a minimum of 15 is recommended.

b. Annotated Bibliography: Pick out 5 articles from your list and write up an annotated bibliography (AB). A typical AB would contain two paragraphs: 1) Summary of the reading, study’s findings and significance etc. and 2) evaluation of the study’s relevance to the arguments you plan to make in your paper.

II. Introduction/Background and Rationale (8 points):

~ 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 2 to support your arguments.

III. Current Efforts and Strengths/Limitations (8 points):

~ 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 2 to support your arguments.

IV. Proposed* Intervention(s) and Implementation/Evaluation Plan (10 points):

~ 3-5 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 issues associated with implementation and evaluation of your proposed interventions. Your proposed interventions should be feasible given available resources and evaluation plans should consider specific goals and measurable outcomes. Use relevant articles from section 2 to support your arguments.

*you may advocate for an existing intervention that is underutilized and discuss its potentials or propose a modification that can make existing programs more effective.

V. Final Paper Including Discussions, Conclusions, References and Appendices (8 points total):

~15-20 pages, double-spaced, not including references, figures and tables.

a. Abstract (2 points): The abstract should be ~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.

b. Final paper: Combine your previous assignments and incorporate any feedbacks to produce a final paper that is coherent and thoroughly proofread. The paper should also 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. References should be in AMA style, and any tools or materials developed for the project should be included as appendices.

6. Final Presentation (7 points):

a. PowerPoint Presentation (4.9 points): 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.

b. PowerPoint Presentation Attendance and Feedback (2.1 points): In addition to one’s own presentation, each student must attend any two presentations by their classmates, contribute to the discussions and provide feedback/suggestions via a feedback form.

7. Capstone Presentation Feedback Form (3 points)

8. Submit Final Report (5 points):

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.

9. Ensure completion of Preceptor’s Student Evaluation (5 points):

The form can be downloaded in Blackboard. Students should provide their preceptor with the form and ensure its completion. Preceptors should return the completed evaluation to the instructor via email no later than three days prior to the last day of the session.

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.

Attendance Policy

8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

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

UNE Online Student Handbook

UNE Course Withdrawal

Academic Integrity

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.