Course Descriptions

ADSS 6505 (4) Theory of Administration

This course introduces the students to the methods of operations research and its role in the decision making process, some topics to be covered will be: queueing theory, decisions under risk and uncertainty, decision trees, projection methods, break even and inventory analysis.

ADSS 6548 (3) Hospital Administration

The hospital is studied as a complex open system, examining the organizational structure and behavior necessary to solve its problems effectively and efficiently. Problems of the hospital industry and their possible solutions are presented.

ADSS 6568 (3) Special Topics

Under the supervision of faculty members, students undertake the study of specific administrative problems in the field of public health, particularly those in the hospital setting.

ADSS 6571 (4) Budgeting Theories and Practice

Modern budgeting concepts are examined as instruments for programming and planning activities in the health field. The various stages of the budgeting process are analyzed. Budgeting theories are adapted to practices geared to designed and manage a budget.

ADSS 6572 (4) Theory of Administration

The content and development of the field of administration are examined and analyzed, covering the public and private sector, as well as general administration and administration of health services. The administrative process is viewed as a social one, designed to solve problems by means of the organization of resources for the accomplishment of organizational objective and their application to the situation.

ADSS 6576 (3) Comparative Health Systems

ADSS 6579 (4) Organizational Behavior

Nature and dynamics of organizational behavior affecting health services administration and individuals. The course aims at developing students' awareness of their own behavior and how it can affect their work within health services organizations. Behavioral patterns and models are studied in order to guide students in the decision making process within health organizations and in their role as health administrators.

ADSS 6580 Health and Development

Structural innovations in the health sector in response to the changing needs and opportunities of developing countries are examined. Structural, economic and social changes that occur in the development process of a society are examined in terms of how they affect the health of the population. Traditional measures to deal with morbidity and mortality patterns are discussed and new approaches are suggested.

ADSS 6583 (3) Legal Aspects in Health Services

This course is designed to offer students of the health professions the fundamental knowledge on the structure, organization, and operation of the legislative process, regarding the approval of legislation and regulation that apply to the health care field. The course familiarizes the students with the application of legislation and regulation both in the commonwealth as well as federal scenario, and enables them to employ the experience and knowledge gained in their specific employment.

ADSS 6584 (3) Health Politics and Policy

This course is designed to introduce students pursuing a career in the health care field to public policy formulation, and its impact on the organization, financing, and delivery of health services. The course examines the role of major actors and institutions, including government, providers, consumers and insurers as well as professional polices. Topics are presented from the perspective of the health care environments of Puerto Rico and the United States, with a comparative approach in each topic. Also, the policy decision process at different levels will be presented and discussed using political, social, and economic frameworks. The latter part of the course addresses specific issues that are currently being debated.

ADSS 6585 (3) Health Economics

This course has the main purpose of providing the student with analytical tools of economic theory to better understand the economic forces shaping the health care sector. Emphasis is given to issues related to demand, and supply of health services cost containment measures, the role of health insurance, provider reimbursement, and theories regarding health care cost inflation.

ADSS 6586 (4) Health Systems I

Methods or modes of health services delivery are critically analyzed against parameters derived from general concepts of administration and organization theories, ecology of health; and against standards of good health services such as accessibility, quality, efficiency, continuity and comprehensiveness.

ADSS 6591 Quantitative decision-making for health services administration I

This course introduces health services administration graduate students to statistical methods for decision-making. Topics covered will be operation research, break-even analysis, probability theory, random variables, cybernetic and statistical process control, inventory analysis, and sampling. The application will be on the management and control of health services. A user-friendly statistical program will be used for all calculations and estimations in order to emphasize intuitive reasoning. Students will have opportunity to work in teams.

ADSS 6592 Quantitative decision-making for health services administration II

Statistical inference applied to the health services administration, operation research methods like queueing theory and linear programming will be introduced. Emphasis is on application using microcomputer software programs.

ADSS 6593 (3) Capstone Seminar

This course is designed to integrate the coursework covered in previous trimesters. The course enables students to build linkages between areas of study, provides a setting for testing their own level of knowledge and analytical skills, as well as identifying the need for tutoring and advising in specific areas. The case method is used as the primary teaching tool with guidelines for completing the assignments.

ADSS 6594 (4) Planning, Development and Evaluation of Health Services

Planning is viewed as a dynamic and continuous process aimed toward the implementation of programs and projects necessary to achieve goals and objectives established in policies adopted by public and private entities.

ADSS 6597 (0) Administrative Residency

This residency is a logistically planned extension of the previous academic quarters. It provides and integrates experience for the application of theoretical concepts and principles in real life situations. Each student will be under the supervision of a preceptor.

ADSS 6598 (3) Information Systems in Health Services Administration

This course is an introduction to the basic principles underlying the design and operation of information systems, including the organizational and behavioral aspects of implementing them.

ADSS 6600 (3) Management of Healthcare Organizations

This course is designed to serve as an integrative experience of the managerial decision making process, as viewed through different management-oriented courses of the Health Services Administration curriculum. The course follows a lecture and discussion format in which the student is confronted with the managerial decision making process in real world situations, brought by invited speakers. This experience is further strengthened by site visits to selected organizations that serve as a direct observation experience for the topics areas: organized and integrated delivery systems; the role of managed care in different reform proposals; issues of health care financing, and leadership through human, capital and information resources management.

ADSS 6607 (3) Health Care Cost Accounting

This course provides the student enrolled in the health services administration program the necessary analytical tools to determine the cost of the different components that intervene in the delivery of health services. The student will acquire skills in determining the human, technical, and capital resources that comprise the production of health services. These skills are of special importance in the new health care scenario, in which resources are limited, and managed care arrangements rely heavily on cost data to meet extensive demands for multiple health priorities. The course will be taught through lectures and discussion.

ADSS 6609 (3) Health Care Financial Management

This course is designed to develop health care financial management competencies in the health services administration student, to be applied in different health care settings. The course focuses specifically on investment and financing decisions in the health care corporate and institutional levels. The course includes topics in capital budgeting, uses of capital financing, evaluation of investment projects, financial reporting and statement analysis, rate setting and negotiation, and the effect of managed care on financial management. The course will be offered principally through lectures and class discussions.

ADSS 6610 (3) Principles of Health Insurance and Managed Care

ADSS 6625 (4) Human Resources Management

The course is designed for students undergoing graduate level training to assume executive positions in the health care field. The course provides the student the opportunity to become familiarized with the managerial and labor legislation activities in the field of human resources management and methods from this field to the healthcare scenario. It also has the purpose of generating interpersonal and organizational skills that are critical to human resources management.

ADSS 6705 (3) Applied Research Seminar

The Applied Research Seminar is a practicum investigation, focusing on particular issues and situations impacting managerial decision making in health services organizations. Students work closely with a faculty member and the residency preceptor in formulating and implementing the study. This course provides the students with the opportunity to apply the managerial skills obtained in previous courses to a research problem in their residency setting; in turn health organizations benefit from the outcomes of the research process.

ADSS 8005 (3) Organizational and Administrative Elements of Health Services

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to theories and applications of organization and management in the public health field. The student will acquire skills that are necessary to operate effectively in normative positions at health agencies, institutions, and programs. The course focuses on subject matter related to management, budgeting strategic planning, public policy making, and community participation. It also addresses current regulation in the health field, the design and evaluation of programs, and the monitoring of the quality of services. The course is presented mainly in a lecture format, and is augmented with case studies and guest lectures related to current health conditions in Puerto Rico.

BIOE 6525 (5) Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis for the application of the scientific method as a fundamental component to the health field. Includes descriptive analysis of qualitative and quantitative variables, principles of regression and correlation analysis, time series, basic theory of probability distribution, and significance tests.

BIOE 6535 (4) Statistical Inference

Statistical inference and its application to decision making utilizing experimental and survey data is presented. The course includes lectures and problem sessions on the following topics: mathematical theory of probability, binomial model, normal distribution, poison distribution, use and interpretation of significance tests, basic regression analysis, analysis of variance, and non-parametric tests.

BIOE 6537 (4) Non-parametric Statistical Inference

Review of tests of hypothesis followed by a discussion of the choice of that statistical technique which is best suited for analyzing a given batch of data. Includes a comparison of parametric statistical tests, and introduces the student to the theory of measurement. The principal topics included are: Chi-square, the Sign test, the Kilmogorov test, the Fisher Exact Probability test, and Cochran Q tests, the Friedman Two-way Analysis of Variable by Ranks, the Kruskal-Wallis Analysis of Variance by Ranks, the Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient, the Contingency Coefficient C, and other measures.

BIOE 6545 (4) Introduction to Sampling Theory

The theory and application of sampling is presented. Simple random, stratified and systematic samples, subsampling, cost factors and sources of error are discussed. The use of sampling theory in surveys is emphasized.

BIOE 6555 (3) Regression and Correlation Analysis

Covers the regression and correlation theory of parametric statistics: linear and simple nonlinear regression and correlation, minimum squares biased and unbiased estimators, confidence intervals, variance analysis, analysis of residual errors; and review of the literature concerning matrixes and determinants.

BIOE 6605 (4) Statistical Computing Applied to Public Health

This course introduces the students to the use of statistical computing packages and its use in the management of public health statistics.

BIOE 8005 (3) Advanced Methods in Biostatistics

The main purpose of this course is to facilitate that doctoral students from public health learn and be able to apply advanced statistical methods to research studies related to the public health field. It is expected that students integrate the lineal models concepts, sampling, use of statistical package and its application in research projects. The course covers the following topics: power of a statistical test and sample size, analysis of variance for factorial experiments, multiple regression models, tests for confounding and interaction effect, residual analysis, logistic regression, adjusted odds ratio, poisson regression, adjusted relative risk, Kaplan-Meire survival function, cox proportional hazard model, principal components, and factor analysis. During the course the students will use some statistical software packages such as SAS, SPSS, GLIM and MINITAB to perform the necessary computations.

CISO 6099 (1-6) Special Topics in Social Sciences

This course will be offered by a special arrangement where the student agrees to carry out a study or research project or an independent study with a faculty member of the Social Sciences Unit. It may include the following activities: readings, literature review, field work, etc. A minimum of 24 hours are required for each academic credit, to be determined according to the type of project proposed by the student and the average time that it will require. It will be counted as an elective course.

CISO 6500 (3) Socio-cultural Aspects

This course is designed for students in the master programs in Health Services Administration and Public Health. It offers an overview of the nature and functioning of the social system form the health systems perspective. The socio-cultural and psychological dimension of health behavior is explored. Health systems components such as hospitals and other health services are examined from a sociological and psychological perspective.

CISO 6501(6) Social Structure and Social Change

This course offers an in-depth analysis of the various theories of the social structure and the social processes underlying it. It emphasizes the systemic and interdependent character of the social order. The course also examines explanatory theories and views of social change. It seeks to make students conscious of the need to analyze social facts in light of the social context in which they originate, and expose them to the necessary theoretical elements that will enable them to examine the dynamics of social change in its historical development.

CISO 6506 (4) Social Environment

This course examines the processes of man in his interaction with his environment from an ecological perspective. The causes and effects of the rupture of man's ecological equilibrium are discussed emphasizing the phenomenon of urban growth and its implications.

CISO 6538 (2) Culture, Society and Complex Organizations

The main objective of this course is to offer an understanding of social, cultural and psychological variables, which affect the integration of health organizations to the community. Some of the topics discussed are: interorganizational levels, structural integration of the organization to the society, communication within the organization, the community and the clientele, decision making processes, mechanisms to detect needs and social indicators.

CISO 6545 (3) Women: A Biosocial Perspective

An overview of the interrelationship between social and health aspects and how they affect contemporary women is presented. Gender as a social stratifier, theories of women's status and roles, the interrelationship between social and health aspects of women by age groups, and women and the health services delivery system are among the topics discussed.

CISO 6547 (3) Population and Society

This course offers an introduction to the study of social structure and social change and their interaction with population dynamics. The course will offer an overview of the different theoretical approaches that attempt to explain social change. It will also analyze the social structure and the social changes that have taken place in Puerto Rico and how these have affected some of Puerto Rico's demographic processes and dynamics.

CISO 6600 (3) Research Methods

Basic principles regarding the selection, planning and conducting of research projects are discussed. Emphasis is given to survey methodology, the design of forms and questionnaires, interviewing, and processing statistical data.

CISO 8005 (3) Culture, Social Inequity and Community Health

This course, directed toward Public Health Doctoral students, emphasizes the social and cultural circumstances of the health-illness continuum.. The student will analyze critically the health and illness processes from the own interpretation of the individual given the social circumstances of individual and communities. It includes concepts such as social organization, social inequity, and the manner in which these affect the health of the individual and community. This course will also explore the social and cultural context of behaviors in health and illness; accessibility to health care services; and the diverse response to health problems taken by communities and individuals.

DDIT 6505 (3) Introduction to Public Health and Developmental Disabilities

This course provides the student the fundament knowledge in the basic areas of Public health such as level of prevention, ecological system, risk, health indicator and introduction and conceptualization of team work, and interdisciplinary intervention. The above will be present using the developmental disabilities concepts as framework.

DDIT 6506 (3) Typical and Atypical Child Development from 0 to 5 Years

This course provides the student the fundamental knowledge in the basic areas of typical developments of infants and toddlers. The course emphasizes toward the human development and visualizes the development of infants and toddlers within the family and social context.

The course includes observation and participation exercises. Throughout this course the student will study the child growth and development with an integral vision. This will be an interdisciplinary perspective where the student will study different development theories as a framework of the course. This course will discuss the growth and developmental stages from birth to 5 years old, including the factors that could affect or impact these stages, interrupting the normal development.

DDIT 6507 (3) Assistance to Family with Children with Special Needs

This course provides the students the fundamental knowledge in the area of family development with special emphasis on those families that have children with special needs. This course includes a perspective about the familiar and the ecological systems, and the attention of the family as a nucleus. The course is directed to enable the professionals that work with families of children with developmental disabilities.

DDIT 6508 (3) Assessment of Infants and Pre-scholars with Developmental Disabilities

This course provides the student the knowledge and application of assessment procedures for the identification, screening, and evaluation of infants and pre-scholars with developmental disabilities or at high risk.

DDIT 6509 (3) Community Service Delivery in Early Intervention

This course offers the students fundamental knowledge and applied experiences in early intervention models of services; its legal and theoretical bases. In the course the students will discuss the agencies, and professions function in early intervention in the process of the laws implementation. Also the course includes observation and participation exercises, using different team models as reference. The student will realize a critical analysis of these services and the controversies related with them.

DDIT 6510 (3) Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation of Early Intervention Programs, Developmental Disabilities

This course offers the student the fundamental knowledge and techniques in the planning, implementation and evaluation process of early intervention services. The course content attends to describe the service program philosophy, the need assessment, and the identification of appropriate models; individualized approach, and the funding strategies to the implementation. It is expected that the student present a service of program proposal at the end of the course.

DDIT 6535 (4) Seminar in Management of Conditions and Specific Risks

This course provides the conceptual and clinical framework to examine the management of conditions and specific risks of age groups from neonate to five years from a preventive perspective of early intervention. The developmental model is discussed as an interaction of constitutional, maturational, and environmental variables. The educational methodology and applications activities are framed within the interdisciplinary intervention models.

DDIT 6537 (4) Service Coordination

This course provides integrating experiences so that the students develop competencies that will enable them to link the services system for the child with developmental disabilities and the family. The student will learn to coordinate various components at the system with the aim of attending optimal results and guarantee the continuity of services. The educational methodology and application activities will be framed within the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary intervention models.

DDIT 6539 (4) Legislation and Public Policy in the Early Intervention Area Developmental Disabilities

In this course students examine existent legislation and public policy in the area of early intervention and developmental deficiencies. It is discussed the process of formulation of public policy as well as the needed roles and skills duping the process. The strategies to influence and modify the public policy for the benefit of the population to 0-5 years and their family are also studied.

DDIT 6545 (4) Interdisciplinary Practice in Early Intervention Developmental Disabilities

This course provides experiences in the area of early intervention with children with developmental deficiencies and their family according to selected area of interest: clinical/educational intervention, service coordination, or public policy. Throughout the practice students will demonstrate conceptual and methodological competencies as well as the needed attitudes, roles and skills for the management of different conditions or situations in public and private community settings. The educational methodology and application activities are framed within the interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary intervention models.

DDIT 6547 (4) Core Developmental Disabilities

This course has been designed for students, professional, service providers who are interested in acquiring basic knowledge on developmental disabilities. This course does not substitute the specialty courses in the Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities: early intervention. The Course intends to prepare students and professional in the field of Public Health, and other related fields in the provision of services for this population. As part of the course requirements students will participate in a field visit and practical experience.

DEMO 6500 (4) Introduction to Demography

This is an introductory and required course for the students of the Master Program in Demography. It presents a global vision of the study of human populations from a demographic perspective. The course provides for an analysis of the dynamics and interrelation of the different demographic variables. The course is presented through conferences and discussions.

DEMO 6546 (4) Mortality

In this course the level of mortality and the factors which explain the differences in mortality among some population groups are discussed. Methods used for the analysis of mortality, particularly the life table technique, are presented.

DEMO 6555 (4) Fertility and Population Growth

This is a graduate course in which changes in fertility levels and patterns are discussed. Techniques of demographic analysis are emphasized as well as factors associated with differences among some population groups. Theories and techniques of analysis of population growth are also presented as well as factors associated with fertility differences among some population groups. Fertility and population trends are analyzed and the most important theories developed to explain these changes are discussed. The most important techniques of fertility and population growth analysis are emphasized. Exercises to apply these changes is an important component of the course as well as discussions of some relevant readings.

DEMO 6560 (4) Research Methods

This course focuses on the different steps involved in the research process. Special attention is offered to those particular methods used in the Demography area. The diverse research methods addressed in class will be applied to the Demography area. It is expected that at the end of the course students will have acquired basic skills to do research in the area of Demography.

DEMO 6565 (4) Migration, Population Distribution, and Urbanism

The trends and characteristics of migratory movements of population distribution and of urbanism are analyze in this graduate course within a framework of social change and economic development through lectures and class discussion. Development of several explanatory theories of these three processes are also analyzed, as well as the data sources and methods used in their analysis. The main internal and external migrations, the population distribution patterns and the structure of the urban communities in different types of societies are studied. It is expected that at the end of the course the student had developed analysis skills for the study of these three components as well for the evaluation of the components= trends and causes.

DEMO 6602 (3) Seminar on Demographic Studies in Puerto Rico

This seminar is devoted to the analysis of the demographic situation of Puerto Rico considering its historical trend. Changes in mortality and fertility rates, as well as the phenomenon of migration between the United States and Puerto Rico, and internal migration are analyzed. Population growth, its geographic distribution and population characteristics are studied as well as population policies adopted on the Island.

DEMO 6606 (4) Use of SPSS Program and Other Scientific Research

Introduces students to programming and automatic processing of data by means of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). By using this Program students will learn to process data from their research, regardless of the concerned discipline. Besides, this course will provide knowledge on concepts and language used in programming so that the researcher will be able to communicate effectively with experts in this area. Students will be also initiated in the use of the Software SAS.

DEMO 6607 (4) Population and Economics

This course offers a general vision of the central problem and ideas of contemporary economics. It emphasizes the relationship between economics and the study of population at both, theoretical and empirical levels. In addition, this course presents the demographic transition of Puerto Rico within its economic development. In this way we can visualize with a real example the relationship between economic and demographic variables.

DEMO 6615 (3) Supervised Practice in Demography

This is a graduate course whose objective is that students could apply to real life situations the theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired in the different courses. This experience will facilitate the student transition from the academic to the occupational environment since he/she will assume the tasks and responsibilities that a demographer can undertake at work. These will vary in terms of place as well as in content and type of problem encountered. Students will be exposed to a program at different agencies so as to become familiar with the diversity of contribution that demographers can make to the social, economic and health life of the country. He/she will undertake a demographic analysis as demanded by the different institutions.

DEMO 6621 (2) Research Project 1

This course is a graduate course in which students will plan and develop the proposal of their research project in Demography under close supervision of at least one faculty or member of the Program. During course, students will select their research theme, will present an annotated bibliography will write the objectives of there research and will submit the complete proposal in typewriting. They will make also an oral presentation of the proposal.

DEMO 6622 (4) Research Project II

This is a graduate course, which comprises the development of a research project in some Demographic topic under the supervision of a dissertation committee. It comprises the collection of needed data, creation of data files, data processing and analysis and oral presentation of the results. Students will make, also, an oral presentation. Periodic meetings with the members of the thesis committee will be held so as to monitor students=s progress.

EDSA 6401 Foundations of health promotion and health education I

This course seeks to expose students to the theoretical bases of health education and health promotion. The historical development of each concept, its philosophy goals and objectives are studied. Students will have the opportunity to see the scope of health education through the settings where it takes place. Students will also examine ethical issues of the practice of the profession. Theoretical experiences include conferences and group discussions. This will be complemented with visits to programs of agencies offering education for health services.

EDSA 6402 Foundations of health promotion and health education II

This course is geared to the analytic examination of different theories, models, and approaches in health education. Traditional and innovative educational methods and techniques that can be used by health educators to stimulate changes in health behavior of groups through health education and health promotion will be addressed. Lectures, oral presentations, group discussions, readings and term papers and field visits will be used to attain the course objectives.

EDSA 6505 Theory and application of communication in health promotion and health education

This course is geared to developing communication skills for health promotion and health education. The student will develop skills in interpersonal, group and mass communication. The importance of social communication in health promotion and health education is discussed. To achieve the proposed objectives strategies such as exercise, presentations, and group discussion will be used. The student will develop a health communication plan for a specific health area.

EDSA 6514 (3) School Health

The objectives, organization and administration of a school health program are studied. Students have the opportunity to evaluate a school district=s health education program in order to determine the extent to which it is serving the health education needs of the student population. This assessment serves as the basis for the design of a school health program for the district.

EDSA 6556 (3) Community Mental Health

In this course, the philosophical and historical foundations of community mental health are considered. The impact of social and cultural factors upon the life-style of individuals in contemporary society is analyzed. Emphasis is given to the ways people deal with and adjust to their environment, and the different theories of personality development. Critical analysis of mental health concepts and issues is encouraged.

EDSA 6563 (3) Intervention Methods in Health Promotion and Health Education I

The purpose of the course is to study Health Promotion and Health Education as a process for the development, maintenance and behavior modification of the human being. The goal is to develop the optimum state of health in individuals. Emphasis will be given to the study of strategies to change individual health behaviors such as: behavior modification, assertive training, micro counseling, and management of emotions through the life span. The students will apply these strategies in their interventions. There will be conferences, group discussions, role-playing, lectures and field experiences.

EDSA 6565 (3) Administrative Aspects of Health Promotion and Health Education Programs

This course is geared to provide students with an overview of the administrative theories and their application to health promotion and health education programs. General principles of supervision as well as the roles of the supervisor are also included. In addition, the course seeks to initiate in the students the development of the necessary skills that contribute to assume an effective administrative role. Theoretical component of the course will be given through lectures and group discussions and will be also complemented with practical experiences in public and private organizations that have health promotion and health education programs.

EDSA 6566 (4) Research Methods in Health Promotion and Health Education

In this course, student must design a research project that represent a contribution to the knowledge and practice of health promotion and education. An oral presentation must be made to the Research Committee. Student must complete the research project under the supervision of the Research Committee. Individual and group discussions and meetings with members of the Research Committee, independent study and written work will be used.

EDSA 6567 (3) Intervention Methods in Health Promotion and Health Education II

The purpose of the course is to analyze the principal intervention methods in the field of health promotion and health education through lectures and group discussion. Emphasis will be given to the study of strategies at the community, institutional, structural and worldwide level. The emphasis is to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in achieving the optimum state of health at the community and at the organizational level.

EDSA 6568 (3) Health Professional as Group Facilitator

This course is aimed to help students develop group facilitator's skills. There will be opportunities to perform this role as well as the co-facilitator and observer role. The facilitator's function as seen in communities and health promotion and education programs and factors that influence group processes are analyzed. The importance of this function in health professions is discussed. Progressive skills as group facilitator and observer will be developed by students. Conferences, exercises and group discussions, role-playing, community educational interventions and written work will be used.

EDSA 6570 (3) Planning in Health Promotion and Education Program

In this course, theoretical aspects of the planning process are studied. Also the steps and principles applied to health education projects and programs are included. The students will develop the skills for the design, organization, and implementation of the health promotion and health education program in different settings and levels. The course will be offered through conferences and group discussion.

EDSA 6571 (3) Evaluation of Health Promotion and Health Education Programs

The evaluation of educational programs, within our health education context, is studied. The main evaluation models, methods and techniques and their use in the evaluation of educational programs will be discussed. The course will be offered through conferences and group discussions. The students will design an evaluation plan for a particular health education program.

EDSA 6572 (3) Health Promotion and Education Research Project

In this course, student must complete a research project design that represent a contribution to the knowledge and practice field of health promotion and education. An oral presentation must be made to the Research Committee. Student must complete the research project under the supervision of the Research Committee. Individual and group discussions and meeting with members of the Research Committee, independent study and written work will be used.

EDSA 6575 (3) Intervention Methods in Community Mental Health

This course presents an overview of the different intervention methods derived from the study of theoretical models of human behavior. Methods utilized in health education practice to promote changes in the community and in organizations in the area of mental health are examined. Students design an action plan for an educational intervention at the community level.

EDSA 6576 (3) Mental Health Problems Seminar

Priority problems in mental health in Puerto Rico are considered in this course. The psychological aspects of problems such as violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, and problems related to sexual behavior are analyzed. Students have the opportunity to make field visits.

EDSA 6577 (2) Introduction to Theoretical Models of Human Behavior

In this course some of the theoretical models developed to explain human behavior are studied. Emphasis is given to the medical, systemic, existential, and holistic models. The basic concepts, methodology, application, limitations, and evolution of these models are considered. The course includes visits and case discussions.

EDSA 6578 (2) Seminar on Child School Health Problems and Needs

The fundamental health problems and needs of the school-aged child in Puerto Rico are analyzed. Particular consideration is given to strategies geared to deal with these problems in a school health program, as well as to the role of a school health educator and other members of the school health team.

EDSA 6580 (3) Introduction to Human Sexuality

Primarily a content course for health personnel and others who will use the subject matter in their professional work. Topics include anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system (male and female), pregnancy, prenatal anatomic and physiology sexual differentiation and development, the physiology of childbirth and fertility regulation.

EDSA 6581 (3) Human Sexuality I

Social psychological approach to the study of human sexual behavior with emphasis on attitudes and values. The focus is on the functional rather than dysfunctional aspects of sexuality. Autoerotic, homosexual, bi-sexual and heterosexual behaviors are examined. There will be site visits and interviews.

EDSA 6582 (3) Human Sexuality II

Presents an overview of the dysfunctional aspects of human sexuality. Non-standard forms of human sexuality are examined. Non-standard forms of human sexual behavior are examined. Emphasis on attitudes and values is given. Recent research is reviewed. Case studies is the main learning strategy.

EDSA 6585(3) The Teaching Human Sexuality

This is a practical course for the development of educational programs in human sexuality for schools, churches and agencies. Role of the family and school in sex education is discussed. Methodology and resource materials are examined. Basic questions concerning teacher's role are explored. Laboratory experience in individual and small group development of teaching programs in human sexuality is given.

EDSA 6586(3) Sexually Transmitted Diseases Education

Review and analysis of the role and impact of education in the modification of sexual practices with emphasis in the prevention of sexually transmitted disease. Includes the etiology of selected STD, the groups or individuals at risk, those exact behavior that education efforts must be design to influence, and the STD control components which play a role.

EDSA 6587(3) Counseling in Human Sexuality

Application of individual and counseling theories and techniques to the ever emerging needs of individuals in the area of human sexuality. Psychological and social foundation underlying the counseling process; and relevant research data are examined.

EDSA 6595 (6) Supervised Practice in Health Promotion and Health Education

The supervised practice allows students to apply concepts and principles of health education and promotion to real life situations. It also offers them the opportunity to assume the role of the health educator and the responsibilities this entails.

EDSA 6995 (3) Special Topics in Health Education

This is an independent study course under the supervision of the program faculty. Activities may include readings, literature reviews, and fieldwork, among others.

EDSU 6501 (3) Systematic Planning of Instruction

This course offers the student the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary in a teacher such as that of learning facilitator, academic counselor, human relations facilitator, member of a teaching team, and health specialist. Special consideration is given to the systematic planning and design of the learning experience.

EDSU 6503 (3) Principles of Curriculum Design and Development

This course aims to develop basic skills in the area of curriculum design as it relates to educational programs in the health sciences.

EDSU 6505 (3) Principles of Higher Education

This course presents the fundamental concepts and principles of education and their philosophical, psychological, sociological, economic, and historical bases. Laboratory exercises are directed toward the conceptualization of the principles of learning and the variables intervening in the instructional process.

EDSU 6507 (3) Educational Evaluation Methods

This course presents an overview of the different methods and techniques of educational evaluation and measurement most commonly used in the teaching of health sciences at the university level. Special emphasis will be given to the role of testing in education, test design, and other measurement instruments. Analysis of information collected through the measuring processes and its role in decision-making will be discussed.

EDSU 6509 (3) Administration in Higher Education

The course has been designed to facilitate the educational program administrator's role by providing him/her with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable him/her to perform in an efficient and effective way. The course encompasses a multidisciplinary view of administration as a social system. An administration model is presented integrating economics and the behavioral sciences, and the principal schools and theories within each one. The administrative process is viewed as a complex set of activities geared to keep, maintain, and improve educational organizations.

ENOP 6005 (2) Reproductive Physiology for Nurse -Midwives

This course addresses the physiology of human reproduction in order to gain proficiency in diagnosis of the normal and recognition of deviations from the normal. The following content is emphasized: menstrual cycle, physiologic changes of pregnancy, labor and delivery, reproductive endocrinology, conception, interrelationship between mother and fetus, the maternal-fetal placental physiology and introduction to gynecology.

ENOP 6006 (3) Human Sexuality and Well Woman Gynecology

This course is designed to increase students understanding and acceptance of their own sexuality and that of others. The psychosexual development of the individual is discussed, as well as preparation for marriage and family living. This course emphasizes the management of common gynecologic problems including sexually transmitted diseases. Parameters for differential diagnosis, treatment modalities including, co-management, collaboration and referrals when indicated, are taught. Counseling, education and provision of birth control methods will be discussed. Legal, ethical, religious issues related to family planning will also be included. This course also addresses the management of care of the woman during the pre-menopause and post-menopause, including therapies for alleviating the common discomforts that accompany aging. Emphasis is given to the role of nurse midwife in the delivery of effective family planning services and women=s health care problems.

ENOP 6007 (2) Pharmacology for Nurse -Midwifery

This course is oriented toward the review of the action, indications, contraindications, side effects of drugs commonly used during prenatal, labor, delivery, postpartum, family planning and in the care of the newborn. Medication standing orders for the nurse-midwife are evaluated and analyzed, as well as the use of complementary therapies in primary care of women.

ENOP 6008 (3) Normal Obstetrics Management

This course uses the framework of the nurse-midwifery management process for the primary care of the normal women and her newborn during the maternity cycle. Management skills for care during preconception, pregnancy, labor, delivery, postpartum and immediate care of the newborn are included. Specific skills include supportive care during labor, performance of local and regional anesthesia, repair of episiotomy and lacerations, delivery of the baby and immediate care of the newborn. The education of the family is stressed and the different approaches to childbirth preparation are analyzed. The functions and responsibility of being a health team member is discussed.

ENOP 6025 Fundamental Concepts in Public Health

In this course the nurse-midwifery certificate students become acquainted with basic concepts, skills, and methods that underline public health practice. It presents the basic disciplines in the field of public health using interdisciplinary approach. Through class discussions, workshops and field experiences, alternatives for meeting the needs of women and children are presented. The nurse-midwifery roles in health promotion, conservation, and restoration, as well as disease prevention are discussed, with emphasis in their responsibility as members of the health team.

ENOP 6026 (1) Genetics and Genetic Counseling in Nurse -Midwifery

This course provides an integrated view on genetic disorders of major public health importance. The preventive aspects, diagnostic procedure, services, resources for the population at risk are discussed.

ENOP 6027 (3) Problems and Complications of Obstetrics

This course is designed to provide the students the basic knowledge and critical evaluation of deviations from normal, complication and risk factors affecting the health of women and fetus during preconception, pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum. Building upon previous course works the students will expand their knowledge in order to promptly recognize health problems, deviations and risk in order to implement prevention strategies, management and emergency treatment. The nurse-midwifery role in complications which require physician consultation and referral is emphasized.

ENOP 6028 (2) Maternal and Infant Nutrition

This course teaches about the reciprocal relationship that exists between reproduction and nutrition. The influence of nutrition during the periods of preconception, pregnancy and on the final outcome of pregnancy is discussed. The effects of nutrition on growth, physical and mental development and the relation between nutrition and illness and maternal lactation are fundamentals components of the course.

ENOP 6029 (2) Care of the Newborn

This course emphasizes the theoretical, conceptual and practical bases fundamental to assessment and management of the normal newborn. Special attention is given to risk factors affecting growth and development. Complications of the intra-uterine and neonatal periods are stressed. Emphasis is on the role of the nurse-midwife in the prevention of birth disorders, education, recognition of complications, deviations and management of the most common disorders of the neonate.

ENOP 6030 (1) Planning and Organization of Maternal and Infant Nurse -Midwifery Services

This course deals with the basic principles of health planning for the development and organization of maternal, infant and nurse-midwifery services. It includes basic concepts of problem solving, staffing, budgeting, coordination and evaluation. The students will carry out an assessment of a specific area in order to determine needs and priorities and made appropriate recommendations.

ENOP 6035 (2) Nurse-Midwifery Practice and Management I

The first part of the course introduces the student to the nurse-midwifery management process as the framework for providing primary care to essentially healthy women though the life cycle. Techniques of history taking, physical assessment and utilization of common screening test are emphasized. Principles of health promotion, disease prevention and management techniques and therapies, including complementary therapies for the treatment of common health problems of essentially healthy women are included.

ENOP 6036 (2) Nurse-Midwifery Practice and Management II

This course is a continuation of Nurse-Midwifery Practice and Management I. Principles of health promotion, disease preventions and management techniques and therapies for the treatment of health problems of essentially healthy women are included. The student is also introduced to nurse-midwifery and midwifery. The professional responsibilities of the certified nurse-midwives are emphasized.

ENOP 6037 (5) Nurse-Midwifery Clinical Management and Practice

This course runs for two trimesters and consists of 860 hours of supervised clinical experience in all phases of the maternal cycle. The students assumes, under faculty supervision, responsibility for clinical management of the essentially normal women during the antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and interconceptual period. Telephone and home visit follow-up are provided to selected mothers and babies. Consultation and referral as appropriate are integrated into the plan of care. collaborative management is provided by assigning students to the high-risk antepartum and triage areas or through continuity of care when patients they are caring for, develop risk factors necessitating medical intervention. The emphasis of this experience is the application of knowledge, judgment and skills needed for the safe practice of nurse-midwifery. Students develop increasing independence in their ability to provide clinical care to women and their families.

EPID 6523 (4) Epidemiological Methodology

The course presents epidemiological principles and methods as an approach to the study of the phenomena of health and disease. The scientific method, the epidemiological method, the concept of causality, descriptive epidemiology, and hypothesis formulation, case studies, cohort studies, intervention studies, screening, outbreaks, and research design are among the topics covered.

EPID 6527 (2) Epidemiologic Surveillance

This course intends to teach the student how to make use of epidemiologic surveillance systems, by specific training in the design, set-up, and evaluation of surveillance system

EPID 6528 (3) Epidemiology of Mental Diseases

The course covers the epidemiology of mental illnesses and their socio-cultural aspects. Major emphasis is given to the epidemiological factors, which are taken into consideration for early detection, identification of high-risk groups, treatment, and rehabilitation. Priority will be given to epidemiology of psychosis, neurosis, mental retardation, accidents, suicides, and drug dependencies.

EPID 6529 (3) Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases

The course covers the epidemiology of selected chronic diseases that constitute the principal causes of death in Puerto Rico and other countries. It analyzes the principal risk factors of these diseases are analyzed as a basis for activities for early detection, treatment, and prevention.

EPID 6530 (5) Statistical Methods in Epidemiology

This course is part of the concentration in epidemiology of the M.P.H. Program. Topics included are: statistical inference, sampling theory, regression analysis, non-parametric tests and life tables. Principles, methods, and statistical techniques as applied to the design, development and analysis of epidemiological studies are also covered.

EPID 6535 (4) Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases and Epidemiological Surveillance

The behavior of communicable diseases with emphasis to those, which are important in Puerto Rico and other countries, is studied. The following topics are included: Concepts, Principles, methods, and procedures used for the organization and operation of an epidemiological surveillance system for the study and control of illnesses in general, but with a special emphasis on communicable diseases.

EPID 6536 (3) Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Cancer

This course discusses the fundamental concepts, which give form to an ecological causal framework, and the correlations, tendencies and strategies of cancer epidemiology. Among the topics covered are carcinogenesis and carcinogens, the study and formulation of control plans, evaluation of results, and research methodology used in the implementation and evaluation of cancer control programs.

EPID 6539 (2) Epidemiological Aspects of Public Health Practice

This course provides practical epidemiology training in the management of public health problems through a detailed examination of origins and nation of established policies and guidelines that pertain to disease-prevention/control.

EPID 6547 (2) Methodological Principles in Occupational Epidemiology

This course consists of epidemiological methods applied to the study of health problems related to the occupational environment.

EPID 6549 (5) Advanced Research Methods in Epidemiology

This course focuses on the different epidemiology research designs; their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The students will have the opportunity to develop and to apply the statistic reasoning necessary for the quantitative analysis of each of the research designs studied. It is expected that the students will be able to integrate and apply the acquired design, (3) knowledge in: (1) the elaboration of the different epidemiologic research designs, (2) selecting the most adequate data collection methods and statistical analysis according to the determining the sample size according to the design, (4) identifying the statistical packages and their application to epidemiology. The course will consist of conference sessions and oral presentations to discuss various topics. Through the discussion of several research proposals and exercises, the students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the elaboration of epidemiologic research designs and in the development of instruments for the data collection. The statistical content of the course as well as the statistical packages discussed will be integrated with the discussion of the epidemiologic research designs studied.

EPID 6552 (1) Seminar in Epidemiology I

This seminar will emphasize the historical development of the discipline of epidemiology. The seminar presents the development of the epidemiological approach to health through readings and discussion of classical studies. It covers the development from the Greeks to the transition to modern epidemiology.

EPID 6553 (1) Seminar in Epidemiology II

This seminar will emphasize the historical development of the discipline of epidemiology. The seminar presents the development of the epidemiological approach to health through readings and discussion of classical studies. It covers the development from the Greeks to the transition to modern epidemiology.

EPID 6554 (1) Seminar in Epidemiology III

This seminar will help develop the skills of critical analysis of epidemiological research.

EPID 6555 (1) Seminar in Epidemiology IV

This seminar will focus on the analysis of methods and findings of modern epidemiologic studies. These will illustrate the development of indicators and methods that are characteristic of our discipline including case-control studies, cohort studies and experimental studies.

EPID 6556 (1) Seminar in Epidemiology V

The seminar consists of discussions and presentations of recent and current research projects in epidemiology.

EPID 6561 (4) Epidemiological Research I

The main objective of this course is to prepare the student with the required knowledge to design an epidemiological research.

EPID 6562 (4) Epidemiological Research II

The main objective of this course is to prepare the student to apply the required knowledge to conduct an epidemiological research.

EPID 6563 (2) Epidemiological Research III

The main objective of this course is to prepare the student to apply the required knowledge to analyze and interpret epidemiologic data.

EPID 8002 (3) Advanced Methods in Epidemiology II

This course provides the skills to apply epidemiological principles and methods in the study of health related events. In addition, the student will have the epidemiologic foundations for planning, evaluating health services, and developing public policy and regulatory decisions. The course begins with the applications of scientific method in the public health field. This topic includes the phases of conception, planning, design, analysis and communication of results. The need to obtain valid and precise exposure measurements to different agents associated with the disease process in a relevant topic in epidemiologic research. The course will include the different forms and exposure measurements, its errors and effects, and the techniques available to minimize these errors. The types of epidemiologic studies that are used to quantify the magnitude of the association between the exposure and disease occurrence will be presented, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of each study design. The epidemiological method will be applied to the evaluation of health services and public policy, with special emphasis on risk assessment and risk management.

EVAL 6511(1) Introductory Proposal Seminar

The student is introduced to the first two stages of the scientific method: the formulation of research questions and the development of testable research hypothesis. Throughout the seminar the student is exposed to the array of health services evaluation topic areas. The learning experiences will help the student formulate appropriate research questions and hypothesis in the diverse areas of evaluation research. In addition, factors that need to be considered in the selection of a dissertation topic are presented and discussed. These include, for example, access to the study population or clinical records, study time frame, and costs.

EVAL 6512 (1) Intermediate Proposal Seminar

This intermediate seminar is designed to facilitate the initiation of the development of the student=s research proposal. It is conducted as an applied seminar to: (1) familiarize the student with the Program=s requirements for the thesis proposal, and (2) to assist the student in the selection and development of a research topic. At the beginning of the seminar the students discuss the Dissertation Manual and they explore the viability of research topics of their interest. In the subsequent sessions the students present the relevant literature in their area of interest. The study questions and the conceptual models of each student=s proposed research are examined and discussed.

EVAL 6513 (1) Advanced Proposal Seminar

This seminar is designed to assist the student in the final preparation of the research proposal. It builds upon the work initiated in the previous seminars. Throughout this period, the student presents the research problem, questions, design, and methodology for the proposed dissertation research. The students meet one on one with their preceptor who provides an opportunity to examine diverse research designs and methods relevant to their research topic.

EVAL 6515 (4) Conceptualization and Methodology for Evaluation Research

This course provides for the study and application of the different activities of the research process, with emphasis on the selection, definition, and development of a evaluation research problem. The student will develop a conceptual framework and will undertake an exhaustive literature review for the selected topic. In addition, they will develop a methodology stating the design and procedures that they will use in the investigation. Lastly, the student will analyze data obtained from a pilot project.

EVAL 6610 (3) Principles of Evaluation

This course introduces newly admitted students to the role on evaluation in the health services setting and the historical needs that have influenced the development of the discipline. Evaluation modalities and their suitability for different decision-making needs will be discussed. The students will begin to appreciate the professional roles traditionally available to the evaluator. During the course we will initiate a discussion on the responsibilities assumed by evaluators in the field and the ethical principles guiding the exercise of the profession. Different instructional strategies may be used, among these, independent study, role-playing, and work in groups.

EVAL 6611 (3) Evaluation Models

In this course we discuss diverse theoretical models used for program evaluation. Specifically, we identify the characteristic of these models and analyze their relevance in for diverse specific situations. We also examine strategies, and procedures relevant in the process of focusing in evaluation according to different evaluation models. It expected that at the end of the course, the student is able to select an evaluation model and design an evaluation plan for a program. The course will include mainly conference and group discussions.

EVAL 6614 (2) Evaluation of Health Services

This course presents basic concepts in evaluation research with emphasis on the different research techniques used in monitoring health programs. Among the topics covered are surveys and observation for planning intervention strategies, design, and data analysis to measure program effectiveness.

EVAL 6615 (3) Development of Measurement Instruments

It is important that students develop the necessary skills for the correct selection of measurement instruments that are appropriate for the data collection process. This course will help students develop necessary skills for the selection, adaptation, and development of measurement instruments. Also, different data collection techniques will be examined, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

EVAL 6620 (3) Applied Statistics for Evaluation Research Studies

This course covers the application of the fundamental analytical statistical tools to evaluation research. In addition, students are taught to mange data banks and create or transform variables. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are discussed. Emphasis is placed on hypothesis testing using t tests, ANOVA, F test, Chi square, and Odds ratios and in the analysis of logistic regression models. At the end of the course students are expected to integrate theory and practice so that they can handle a data set and apply the appropriate statistical analysis for studies in evaluation research.

EVAL 6628 (3) Cost-Benefit Analysis

The course introduces the student to the evaluation of health services economic efficiency. Health services are framed within an economic context within which inputs, such as physical facilities, equipment, human resources, and medications are identified. These inputs are combined and processed to exert an effect on patient outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the limitation of resources confronted by society and the health sector, particularly to satisfy society=s demand for health services, which requires an efficient use of available resources. The methodologies for cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility analysis are discussed as applied to health services.

EVAL 6630 (3) Strategies for Evaluati