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JCPH Course Descriptions
The JCPH Course Descriptions is intended to identify all courses, their descriptions and prerequisites at
the Jefferson College of Population Health (JCPH). It is accurate at the time of printing but is subject
to change from time to time as deemed appropriate by the College in order to fulfill its role and
mission or to accommodate circumstances beyond its control. Any such changes may be implemented
without prior notice and without obligation and, unless specified otherwise, are effective when made.
To obtain the latest information, please consult the online version on the JCPH website at:
http://www.jefferson.edu/university/population-health/student-resources/catalog.html
Thomas Jefferson University is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The
Master of Public Health (MPH) Program at JCPH is accredited by the Council on Education for Public
Health (CEPH).
Please direct any suggestions for changes to this document to Jennifer Ravelli, 901 Walnut Street, 10th
Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Jennifer.Ravelli@jefferson.edu, (215) 955-8069.
Updated 11/3/2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Applied Health Economics & Outcomes Research .......................................... 1
AHE 500: U.S. Healthcare Financing & Reimbursement (3) ........................................ 1
AHE 504: Economic Modeling in Health Care (3) ..................................................... 1
AHE 506: Subjective Outcomes in Health Evaluation (3) ........................................... 1
AHE 509: Epidemiology & Evidence for Outcomes Research (3) ................................... 1
AHE 510: Econometric & Observational Methods (3) ................................................ 2
AHE 511: Advanced Statistics for AHEOR (3) .......................................................... 2
AHE 512: Simulation for Economic Evaluation (3) ................................................... 2
AHE 514: Outcomes & Economic Analyses (3) ........................................................ 2
AHE 600: Capstone Seminar (3) ......................................................................... 3
AHE 601: Capstone Project (3) .......................................................................... 3
Health Policy ....................................................................................... 4
HPL 500: U.S. Healthcare Organization & Delivery (3) .............................................. 4
HPL 504: Health Law & Regulatory Issues (3)......................................................... 4
HPL 506: Health Policy: Analysis & Advocacy (3) .................................................... 4
HPL 508: Health Informatics & Population Health Analytics (3) ................................... 4
HPL 510: Health Research Methods (3) ................................................................ 4
HPL 520: Fundamentals of Health Statistics (3) ...................................................... 5
HPL 540: Health Economics (3) ......................................................................... 5
HPL 550: Comparative Health Systems (3) ............................................................ 5
HPL 552: Comparative Systems of Health Law (3) ................................................... 5
HPL 560: Comparative Health Finance & Economics (3) ............................................ 6
HPL 600: Capstone Seminar (3) ......................................................................... 6
HPL 601: Capstone Project (3) .......................................................................... 6
Healthcare Quality & Safety .................................................................... 7
HQS 500: Introduction to Healthcare Quality & Safety (3) ......................................... 7
HQS 501: Organization Development & Change in Health Care (3) ............................... 7
HQS 502: Introduction to International Healthcare Quality & Safety (3) ........................ 7
HQS 503: Healthcare Quality & Safety Measurement & Outcomes Analysis (3) ................. 7
HQS 505: Tools & Methods for Healthcare Quality & Safety Improvement (3) .................. 7
HQS 507: Advanced Healthcare Quality & Safety Tools & Methods in Clinical Settings (3) ... 7
HQS 600: Capstone Seminar (3) ......................................................................... 8
HQS 601: Capstone Project (3) .......................................................................... 8
HQS 650: Capstone Seminar & Project (3) ............................................................ 8
Operational Excellence .......................................................................... 9
OPX 325/525: Lean Thinking (3) ........................................................................ 9
OPX 527: Lean Project (1) ............................................................................... 9
OPX 530: Accelerating Transformation (3) ............................................................ 9
OPX 532: Project Management (3) ..................................................................... 9
OPX 535: Advanced Lean Thinking (3) ................................................................ 10
Population Health ............................................................................... 11
POP 500: Essentials of Population Health (3) ........................................................ 11
POP 510: Health Economics, Risk & Finance (3) .................................................... 11
POP 550: Disease Prevention & Care Management (3) ............................................. 11
POP 560: Population Health Management Applications (3) ........................................ 11
POP 600: Capstone Seminar (3) ........................................................................ 12
POP 601: Capstone Project (3) ......................................................................... 12
Population Health Intelligence ............................................................... 13
PHI 501: Introduction to Health Data Acquisition & Management (3) ........................... 13
PHI 516: Specialized Data Topics (3) .................................................................. 13
PHI 518: Data Science I (3) ............................................................................. 13
PHI 525: Data Science II (3) ............................................................................ 13
PHI 527: Analytics Leadership & Administration (3) ................................................ 13
PHI 532: Data Presentation Architecture (3) ........................................................ 14
PHI 538: Implementation Science (3) ................................................................. 14
PHI 600: Capstone Seminar (3) ......................................................................... 14
PHI 601: Capstone Project (3).......................................................................... 14
Population Health Sciences ................................................................... 15
PHS 602: Bioethics (1) ................................................................................... 15
PHS 615: Advanced Statistics for Population Health Sciences: Multi-Level Modeling (3) ..... 15
PHS 620: Teaching & Learning Seminar (3) .......................................................... 15
PHS 650: Evaluative & Outcomes Research & Design (3) .......................................... 15
PHS 660: Mentored Research Seminar (1) ............................................................ 16
PHS 670: Advanced Health Behavior Methods & Measurement (3) ............................... 16
PHS 680: Advanced Analytic Methods for Health Behavior Science (3) .......................... 16
PHS 700: Integrative Research Seminar (1 x 4) ...................................................... 17
PHS 800: Comprehensive Exam Prep (1) .............................................................. 17
PHS 801: Comprehensive Exam (1) .................................................................... 17
PHS 805: Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3) .......................................................... 17
PHS 807: Dissertation Proposal Defense (1) .......................................................... 17
PHS 810: Dissertation (3) ............................................................................... 17
PHS 811: Dissertation (3) ............................................................................... 17
PHS 812: Dissertation (1) ............................................................................... 18
Public Health ..................................................................................... 19
PBH 501: Introduction to Public Health (3) .......................................................... 19
PBH 502: Social & Behavioral Foundations of Public Health (3) .................................. 19
PBH 504: Fundamentals of Health Statistics (3) .................................................... 19
PBH 506: Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3) ........................................................ 19
PBH 507: Fundamentals of Environmental Health (3) .............................................. 19
PBH 509: Public Health Policy & Advocacy (3) ...................................................... 20
PBH 510: Health Research Methods (3) ............................................................... 20
PBH 511: Health Communication (3) .................................................................. 20
PBH 512: Qualitative Research Methods (3) ......................................................... 20
PBH 514: Dimensions of Global Health (3) ........................................................... 20
PBH 515: Cultural Humility & Competence (3) ...................................................... 21
PBH 516: Human Rights of Refugees, Immigrants & the Internally Displaced (3) .............. 21
PBH 521: Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation, Part I (3) .......................... 21
PBH 522: Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation, Part II (3) ......................... 21
PBH 602: Advanced Social & Behavioral Theories & Interventions (3) .......................... 22
PBH 605: Advanced Statistical Methods for Data Analysis (3) ..................................... 22
PBH 606: Advanced Epidemiology (3) ................................................................. 22
PBH 609: Geo-Based Information Systems (GIS) Mapping (3) ..................................... 22
PBH 610: Capstone/Integrative Learning Experience Seminar & Project (3) ................... 22
PBH 611: Capstone/Integrative Learning Experience, LEAP Part I (2) ........................... 23
PBH 612: Capstone/Integrative Learning Experience, LEAP Part II (1) .......................... 23
PBH 650: Clerkship – Applied Practice Experience (C-APE) (3) ................................... 23
JCPH Course Descriptions 1
APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS & OUTCOMES RESEARCH
AHE 500: U.S. Healthcare Financing & Reimbursement (3)
Introduces financial management of healthcare services and focuses on identification of costs
of care and payment systems for medical and pharmaceutical services. Discusses mechanisms
for delivery and funding of care through private and public programs. Explains the impact of
benefit design on provider and patient behavior with particular focus on managed care versus
fee for service models. Reviews data sources and their applicability to economic analysis,
including inpatient billing and cost-accounting systems, Medicare and Medicaid and other
claims data sets, secondary data available through proprietary data vendors and federal and
state databases. Discusses impact of recent US healthcare legislation on the delivery of
healthcare services, including the estimated cost of the law.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
AHE 504: Economic Modeling in Health Care (3)
Presents the development, methodological approach, and application of quantitative models
used to inform health care decision trees, methodology and sensitivity analysis. Covers
Markov models, Monte Carlo simulations, and other stochastic methods. Discusses approaches
for uncertainty and risk adjustments, determination of probability values, costs, other key
model parameters, and the importance of perspective in modeling and simulation. Considers
application and presentation of models to policy makers, providers, health care managers,
and key stakeholders who have interests in modeled output and the quantification of
economic value.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
AHE 506: Subjective Outcomes in Health Evaluation (3)
Focuses on concepts, theory, and applications of methods for measuring subjective health
outcomes including symptoms, functional status and well-being, health-related quality of life,
and satisfaction. Explores appropriate tools for measuring patient-reported outcomes and
considers the importance of evaluating the reliability, validity, feasibility, and responsiveness
of subjective measures, including special topics such as determining a clinically meaningful
difference and missing values. Covers current requirements for Patient-Reported Outcomes
endpoint filings with regulatory authorities, including conceptualization, validation and
evidentiary standards. Discusses weighting of health using "health-related" quality of life data
and utility methods. Explores characteristics of successful applications of Patient-Reported
Outcomes research.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
AHE 509: Epidemiology & Evidence for Outcomes Research (3)
Presents methods and means to evaluate occurrence of disease and effects of interventions
on disease incidence, prevalence and outcomes. Covers conduct and synthesis of prospective
and retrospective research in generating estimates of the benefits and harms of different
interventions and strategies to prevent, diagnose, treat and monitor health conditions.
2 JCPH Course Descriptions
Considers strengths and weaknesses of research designs and statistical approaches to
evidence assessments. Includes methodological challenges in observational research such as
bias (systematic error) and confounding (mixing of effects). Discusses adjustments to deal
with limitations of evidence and analytical strategies. Explores practical applications of
epidemiological practice in outcomes research.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
AHE 510: Econometric & Observational Methods (3)
Provides comprehensive overview of skills and knowledge necessary to design and implement
prospective and retrospective observational investigations. Targets econometric techniques
used to control for unobserved covariates considered problematic in observational
investigations due to lack of randomization. Topics include appropriate use of econometric
techniques such as propensity score matching, instrumental variables and common health
economic research designs including regression discontinuity and interrupted time series.
Considers how selected techniques improve the ability to make statistical inference within
randomized trial setting.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
AHE 511: Advanced Statistics for AHEOR (3)
Presents general approaches to multivariate statistical analysis, including elaboration and
control of confounding, and key multivariate statistical analysis techniques, i.e., analysis of
variance; bivariate linear regression and correlation; multiple linear regression; multiple and
partial correlation; and binary and multinomial logistic regression. Analyzes selected
datasets, i.e., the 2012-2015 Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey performed
by the Public Health Management Corporation, and federal datasets, e.g., NHANES.
AHE 512: Simulation for Economic Evaluation (3)
Introduces key concepts in the use of simulation for economic evaluations in health care.
Explores advantages and imitations of individual-level simulation in economic evaluation,
following the ISPOR-SMDM guidelines for good modeling practices. Considers rationale for
simulations and includes case studies and applications from experience in Health Technology
Assessment. Covers discrete event simulation as a tool, its components, how to conceptualize
a model, how to model clinical evidence and resource use, and how to codify variables and
decisions in modeling. Utilizes ARENA software for applications. Provides practical experience
in real world uses of simulation. Advances ability to select appropriate analytic methodologies
and critically analyze limitations of data.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
AHE 514: Outcomes & Economic Analyses (3)
Provides an overview of medical-economic analyses in the healthcare sector. Reviews
conceptual foundations and practical applications of cost-effectiveness in healthcare.
Explores the landscape of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and typical requirements for
successful applications, including standards of evidence, the identification and measurement
JCPH Course Descriptions 3
of direct medical and non-medical costs, and indirect costs, and an overview of the main
forms of economic analyses, such as cost identification and burden of illness studies, cost-
effectiveness analysis, cost-benefit and cost-utility analysis. Demonstrates how these analyses
are designed, implemented, interpreted, and assembled in HTA dossiers to achieve market
access and utilization.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
AHE 600: Capstone Seminar (3)
Prepares students for development and implementation of capstone project. Enhances ability
to interpret health economic analyses, especially with respect to cost of illness, cost-benefit
and cost effectiveness. Discusses and presents practical examples of health- related quality of
life, health utility, and health productivity research. Stresses the application of health
economic analyses in US decision making and how interpretation of health economic studies
differs depending on perspective.
Prerequisites: Completion of all required courses for the MS-AHEOR program except AHE 600
and AHE 601
AHE 601: Capstone Project (3)
Students develop and present AHEOR analysis or protocol. Serves as culminating experience
that demonstrates satisfactory achievement of AHEOR skills and competencies.
Prerequisites: AHE 600 (Can be taken concurrently with permission)
4 JCPH Course Descriptions
HEALTH POLICY
HPL 500: U.S. Healthcare Organization & Delivery (3)
Provides an overview of how health care is organized, delivered and financed in the United
States. Traces the historical evolution in political, economic, and social contexts, including
distribution and access to medical and other services, roles of public and private insurance
for health care, and structure of healthcare benefits. Addresses current issues in US
healthcare organization, delivery, and financing as well as policies and approaches that
impact changes in healthcare delivery. Compares US organization and delivery to systems and
models used in other countries.
HPL 504: Health Law & Regulatory Issues (3)
Explores critical legal and regulatory issues in health care using a case-based approach.
Demonstrates how the legal system overlays with the healthcare enterprise and prepares
students to critically analyze the impact of the law on healthcare delivery, policy decisions,
and payment. Examines risk management laws, approaches, and regulations. Analyzes liability
and “apology” for medical errors. Critiques and proposes approaches to developing and
modifying healthcare policy that consider legal and regulatory constraints, healthcare system
variables, and societal issues that affect the organization and delivery of care.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
HPL 506: Health Policy: Analysis & Advocacy (3)
Prepares students to apply policy analysis tools to define and address health policy issues and
problems. Uses the Medicare program to illustrate the policy development process. Examines
the complexity of policy problems and provides the basic tools used in policy design,
feasibility analysis, implementation and evaluation. Builds on prior coursework and
incorporates stakeholder analysis and role of socio-cultural contexts, and economic, legal,
and ethical perspectives in establishing a policy analysis framework.
Prerequisites: HPL 500, HPL 504
HPL 508: Health Informatics & Population Health Analytics (3)
Focuses on the role of data and information in health care; its collection, storage, assembly,
display and presentation in healthcare settings. Emphasizes evaluation of managerial,
strategic, and process-focused applications and needs. Examines the translation of data and
information into intelligence and critiques its uses in health policy decision making.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
HPL 510: Health Research Methods (3)
Provides an overview of the field of health services research as it applies to health policy with
capacity for critical appraisal of the literature and with ability to design a basic HP/HSR
project. Develops specific competencies which include review and synthesis of relevant
published and “gray” literature, research question/hypothesis formulation, operational
JCPH Course Descriptions 5
variable definition, choice of appropriate methodological designs, instrument
design/construction, evaluation of reliability and validity, understanding of probability
sampling techniques, and choice of appropriate statistical analysis techniques.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
HPL 520: Fundamentals of Health Statistics (3)
Introduces basics of descriptive and inferential statistics, including sampling and probability,
in estimation and statistical decisions as used in public health. Applications include
estimation of confidence intervals; testing statistical hypotheses for population means,
proportions, and variances; and use of non-parametric tests. Utilizes Statistical Package for
the Social Sciences (SPSS) to enter and analyze public health data. Uses Philadelphia regional
data from the Public Health Management Corporation as basis for student projects.
HPL 540: Health Economics (3)
Applies general theoretical principles of economics to the healthcare sector. Recognizes the
importance of scarcity and incentives, especially as they contribute to differences peculiar to
health and the healthcare industry. Examines the supply and demand of health and medical
care as they involve consumers/patients, physicians, nurses and hospitals, technology, and
drugs. Explores market structures, market competitiveness, health insurance and the role of
government and the pharmaceutical industry. Presents international comparisons.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
HPL 550: Comparative Health Systems (3)
Compares, contrasts and analyses non-US models of healthcare delivery and organization and
delivery. Analyzes the framework developed by World Health Organization and other
international organizations for ranking health care systems of every country based on
specified criteria, as well as setting health goals across all countries. Provides in-depth
exploration of systems and situations found in Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany,
Japan, Taiwan, China, Russia, India, Congo and Cuba. Special focus is on applicability of
international models to the US healthcare system and current health reforms.
HPL 552: Comparative Systems of Health Law (3)
Provides an international and cross-cultural perspective on legal and regulatory mechanisms
in mediating functions of the seven building blocks of health systems: information, financing,
service delivery, human resources, medicines and technologies, people, and governance.
Applies systems model to evaluation of healthcare services in selected developed and
developing countries, presenting contemporary United States as a central point of reference.
Analyses key components of real-world initiatives to strengthen health systems and improve
healthcare quality and safety. Students identify, analyze, and redesign a real-world health
systems intervention to optimize synergies and other positive effects while avoiding and
minimizing potential negative effects. These redesigns are constructively critiqued by faculty
and peers.
Prerequisites: HPL 550
6 JCPH Course Descriptions
HPL 560: Comparative Health Finance & Economics (3)
In development
Prerequisites: HPL 550
HPL 600: Capstone Seminar (3)
Critically analyzes strategies for health policy development and implementation within the
context of student proposals for capstone projects. Includes communication and negotiation,
analysis of socio-technical systems (interaction of people and technology), planning and ideal
design, stakeholder analysis, project management and oversight, business ethics, and
program evaluation
Prerequisites: Completion of all required courses for the MS-HP program except HPL 600 and
HPL 601
HPL 601: Capstone Project (3)
Students design, analyze and present a health issue and propose policy options and
recommendations for action or an evaluation strategy for a selected healthcare, government
or other relevant setting. Serves as culminating experience that demonstrates satisfactory
achievement of health policy skills and competencies.
Prerequisites: HPL 600 (Can be taken concurrently with permission)
JCPH Course Descriptions 7
HEALTHCARE QUALITY & SAFETY
HQS 500: Introduction to Healthcare Quality & Safety (3)
Presents concepts of health care quality and safety as horizontally and vertically integrated
throughout the healthcare system. Provides models for demonstrating the association
between quality and safety and healthcare economics, regulation, accreditation and
information technology and relates these concepts to population health.
HQS 501: Organization Development & Change in Health Care (3)
Introduces field of organization development (OD), an approach to organizational change that
uses behavioral science knowledge and techniques to help organizations achieve greater
effectiveness by learning how to diagnose and solve their own problems. Instills working
knowledge of planned change from entry and contracting through data gathering and
feedback to intervention and evaluation. Provides practice in diagnosing organizational
problems in a healthcare context, designing a change plan, and identifying opportunities and
challenges associated with different types of interventions. Explores techniques for
motivating and sustaining improvement efforts in healthcare quality and safety
HQS 502: Introduction to International Healthcare Quality & Safety (3)
In development
HQS 503: Healthcare Quality & Safety Measurement & Outcomes Analysis (3)
Establishes a basis for critical analysis of issues in healthcare quality and safety (HQS) and
presents conceptual and scientific approaches to evaluation of HQS in health care. Discusses
and evaluates historical trends and current issues in HQS/health policy and forces that drive
HQS. Presents conceptual frameworks and design measurement tools and analyzes how they
relate to the structure and organization of the US healthcare system.
HQS 505: Tools & Methods for Healthcare Quality & Safety Improvement (3)
Presents tools and methods required by healthcare professionals to create, analyze and
improve processes necessary for high quality, safe care. Provides an overview of systems
thinking that demonstrates how this thinking is applied with the healthcare system. Presents
material in three sections: tools and methods for patient safety; tools and methods for quality
and performance improvement; and integration of tools, methods and concepts to create high
value health care. Reviews mandate for creating value in healthcare delivery in context of
the business case for quality.
HQS 507: Advanced Healthcare Quality & Safety Tools & Methods in Clinical Settings (3)
Applies appropriate methods and tools to quality and safety problems observed by students in
clinical settings or that have been identified in case studies. Students conduct a literature
review of their selected problems; develop measures, a research design, and a method for
8 JCPH Course Descriptions
analyzing causes of the problem, including organizational barriers to change.
Prerequisites: HPL 500/550, HQS 501, HQS 503, and HQS 505
HQS 600: Capstone Seminar (3)
Prepares and analyzes proposals for healthcare quality and safety capstone projects.
Prerequisites: HQS 507
HQS 601: Capstone Project (3)
Students design and present a project that demonstrates ability to apply concepts, methods
and theories of healthcare quality and safety to an actual problem in a real setting. Serves as
culminating experience that demonstrates satisfactory achievement of HQS skills and
competencies.
Prerequisites: HQS 600 (Can be taken concurrently with permission)
HQS 650: Capstone Seminar & Project (3)
Two term sequence that prepares MS-HQS & MS-HQSM students to design, prepare and
execute applied capstone project in healthcare quality and safety. Serves as culminating
experience that demonstrates satisfactory achievement of HQS skills and competencies.
Prerequisites: HQS 507
JCPH Course Descriptions 9
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
OPX 325/525: Lean Thinking (3)
Presents and applies Lean methodology as a key tool for process improvement in healthcare
settings that require management of multidisciplinary teams. Develops a framework for
creating Lean processes, focusing on five principles; 1) define value, 2) map the value stream,
3) establish flow, 4) implement pull, and 5) strive for perfection. Compares and contrasts
Lean with other process improvement strategies and methodologies used in healthcare to
evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches. Students seeking Lean Leader
certification can simultaneously enroll in OPX 527: Lean Project (1 c) to identify, design and
implement an appropriate Lean improvement strategy.
OPX 527: Lean Project (1)
Presents opportunity to design, implement, and evaluate a health-based Lean project under
supervision of certified Lean instructor. Project may be assigned within Thomas Jefferson
University Hospitals or, with approval of instructor, selected from an outside organization.
Submission of formal report and successful presentation to peers and key project stakeholders
results in Lean Leader certification.
Prerequisites: OPX 525 (Can be taken concurrently with permission)
OPX 530: Accelerating Transformation (3)
Presents and applies Rapid Improvements (RI) as a transformation strategy for cultural and
process-related change in healthcare settings that require management of multidisciplinary
teams. Develops framework for healthcare transformation by applying tools to DMAIC (Define,
Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) and the eight stages of change: 1) Establishing a
Sense of Urgency; 2) Creating the Guiding Coalition; 3) Developing a Vision and Strategy; 4)
Communicating the Change Vision; 5) Empowering Broad-Based Action; 6) Consolidating Gains
and Producing More Change; and 8) Anchoring New Approaches in the Culture. Compares and
contrasts leadership and management in healthcare to evaluate the differing and
complementary functions of each.
Prerequisites: OPX 525 (Can be taken concurrently with permission)
OPX 532: Project Management (3)
Provides framework and tools needed to initiate, plan, and execute performance
improvement initiatives. Designs project planning strategies at a system, department, or
front-line level. Presents underlying philosophies and practical application of tools. Develops
strategies to align, allocate, integrate, and coordinate resources to achieve project
objectives. Applies techniques for sustaining improvements over time. Develops approaches
to communicate effectively to a variety of stakeholders.
Prerequisites: OPX 525 (Can be taken concurrently with permission)
10 JCPH Course Descriptions
OPX 535: Advanced Lean Thinking (3)
Explores and applies advanced concepts to drive performance improvement in healthcare
settings. Designs improvement approaches to address system, mid-level, and front-line
problems as appropriate. Provides theory and application of continuous improvement.
Develops strategies to align high-level objectives with improvement efforts.
Prerequisites: OPX 525
JCPH Course Descriptions 11
POPULATION HEALTH
POP 500: Essentials of Population Health (3)
Introduces and extends the analytical framework provided by contemporary models of
community health and community Health Assessment to explore how health outcomes for
populations are influenced by social, economic, environmental, behavioral and political
factors. Addresses distinguishing characteristics of populations defined by geography,
diagnosis and/or point of care. Describes how clinical and non-clinical evidence is used to
measure health-related outcomes, analyze patterns, communicate results, identify best
practices and implement effective interventions. Poses ethical questions inherent to the
study of the health of populations and to strategies for managing population health.
POP 510: Health Economics, Risk & Finance (3)
Presents health economics as an extension of economics and introduces theories, concepts,
and issues specific to health economics. Examines role of supply and demand in establishing
equilibrium in the health/healthcare market. Applies concepts of risk and risk management
specifically to health and health care. Uses issues of risk to look at health finance. Describes
theory of risk management. Presents tools of risk management and how they are used to
avoid, prevent, or mitigate risk. Utilizes financial statements and controls to measure and
monitor risks. Examines health insurance as a mechanism for health finance. Speculates on
the impact of the Affordable Care Act and other health policies on healthcare finance.
Explores validation of a financial dashboard for managing economic risk of an Accountable
Care Organization.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
POP 550: Disease Prevention & Care Management (3)
Reviews historical and emerging patterns of chronic disease prevalence and the underlying
socioeconomic factors in the United States. Introduces various evidence-based models as
frameworks for disease prevention and care management. Critiques strategies for population-
based prevention and care management, including payment options and roles/responsibilities
of care providers. Explores ethical concerns related to disease prevention and care
management.
Prerequisites: HPL 500
POP 560: Population Health Management Applications (3)
Advanced integrative course utilizes case studies and applies key elements of population
health management learned in previous courses, including development of accountable care
processes and infrastructure, payer relationships, care coordination, health and financial
management system, and leadership.
Prerequisites: AHE 509, HPL 500, HPL 504, HPL 506, HPL 508, HQS 500, HQS 501, POP 500,
POP 510, POP 550
12 JCPH Course Descriptions
POP 600: Capstone Seminar (3)
Prepares students to apply knowledge and competencies developed in previous courses by
developing an actual implementation plan for an Accountable Care Organization.
Prerequisites: POP 560
POP 601: Capstone Project (3)
Comprehensively assesses a specific geographic area to identify health-related strengths and
deficits, community assets and existing relationships. Synthesizes and analyzes this
information to propose, justify and present a specific implementation plan designed to
maximize community benefit.
Prerequisites: POP 600 (Can be taken concurrently with permission)
JCPH Course Descriptions 13
POPULATION HEALTH INTELLIGENCE
PHI 501: Introduction to Health Data Acquisition & Management (3)
Introduces students to the broad array of health-related qualitative and quantitative data,
their sources and the methods required to manage such data. Explores the organization of
enterprise-wide health IT hardware and software platforms and infrastructure. Examines
issues of security compliance and the development of and conformance with related
governmental and institutional regulations and procedures.
PHI 516: Specialized Data Topics (3)
Population Health Intelligence is an emerging field requiring an ever-expanding array of
knowledge, skills, and competencies. Explores a variety of current issues in health data
including: (1) spatial information (GIS); (2) telehealth; (3) wearables; (4) qualitative data; (5)
human interface design; and (6) software purchasing. Course curriculum is subject to change
as new topics of interest to population health practitioners emerge.
Prerequisites: PHI 501
PHI 518: Data Science I (3)
Applies computational and statistical techniques to address or gain insight into a real-world
problem. Provides a comprehensive overview of data science, the practice of obtaining,
modeling and interpreting data. Explores the process of how to structure applications of
analytic methods for analyzing administrative, environmental, social, public health and
clinical systems data. Introduces the data analytic process, which includes analytic planning,
exploratory data analysis, multivariate statistical methods, statistical inference and practical
interpretation of results.
Prerequisites: PHI 501, HPL 520, POP 500, AHE 509
PHI 525: Data Science II (3)
Engages in an array of advanced data mining methods used by health analytic practitioners to
answer clinical and health services research questions and population health. Emphasizes
exposure to methods such as simulation, predictive modeling, neural network analysis and
natural language processing. Focuses on applications of these methods to demand/utilization
forecasting, risk stratification, cost reduction and quality improvement. Provides case studies
that involve hands-on analyses of datasets, interpretation and presentation of findings.
Prerequisites: PHI 518
PHI 527: Analytics Leadership & Administration (3)
Provides students with the skills necessary to design, implement and evaluate analytic
solutions for healthcare systems and related organizations. Examines the data, technical and
organizational requirements necessary for the success of analytical solutions. Provides
students with real-world case studies that examine the role of analytics in an organization.
14 JCPH Course Descriptions
Emphasizes the implementation and leadership of the analytical function in an enterprise.
Prerequisites: PHI 501, HPL 500, POP 500
PHI 532: Data Presentation Architecture (3)
Explores the art of data visualization, communications, organizational psychology and change
management with the goal of driving operational, tactical and strategic decision-making
within healthcare organizations. Focuses on how to use data to a) provide knowledge in the
most effective manner possible (i.e., provide relevant, timely and complete data to each
audience member in a clear and understandable manner that conveys important meaning, is
actionable and can affect understanding, behavior and decisions) and b) provide knowledge in
the most efficient manner possible (i.e., minimize noise, complexity and unnecessary data or
detail given each audience's needs and roles).
Prerequisites: PHI 518, PHI 516
PHI 538: Implementation Science (3)
Provides a multidisciplinary framework and methodology to promote the integration of
scientific evidence into healthcare practice, policy and research. Focuses on a range of
theories and methods used to determine factors that promote or impede the adoption,
adaptation and maintenance of healthcare interventions by individuals, providers, payers and
communities. Prepares students to plan and manage the implementation of new or the
improvement of existing programs and policies. Provides training on analytic methods for
assessing and addressing implementation issues in clinical settings and healthcare systems.
Prerequisites: PHI 518
PHI 600: Capstone Seminar (3)
Critically analyzes strategies for population health development, implementation and analysis
within the context of student proposals for Capstone Projects.
Prerequisites: PHI 538, PHI 532, HQS 501
PHI 601: Capstone Project (3)
Requires the students to apply the knowledge and competencies developed in the program by
developing a population health intelligence strategy or initiative. Comprehensively assesses
organizational and community data needs and resources along with identifying ethical and
regulatory requirements for protection of protected health information. Synthesizes and
analyzes this information to propose and justify a specific strategy or initiative. Students are
evaluated according to criteria, negotiated and communicated in advance.
Prerequisites: PHI 600 (Can be taken concurrently with permission)
JCPH Course Descriptions 15
POPULATION HEALTH SCIENCES
PHS 602: Bioethics (1)
This seminar course introduces bioethics in research from a population health perspective.
Develops an understanding of the legal requirements and ethical considerations associated
with conducting research in humans, as well as frameworks for analyzing these issues.
PHS 615: Advanced Statistics for Population Health Sciences: Multi-Level Modeling (3)
Introduces multilevel modeling, aka, hierarchical linear modeling. Investigates the
relationships between individuals and their contextual lives (i.e., neighborhood, culture,
family, etc.) to determine which individual and contextual variables contribute to mortality
and morbidity. Introduces methods to determine the predictors at both levels and the
variance between and within individual and contextual levels. Also introduces methods for
longitudinal modeling approaches and analysis. Uses software such as the Hierarchical Linear
Modeling (HLM) software.
Prerequisites: PBH 605
PHS 620: Teaching & Learning Seminar (3)
Introduces fundamentals of course design and facilitation for f2f and online learning,
including instructional design theory, online moderation techniques, technologies for online
learning, development of course objectives, the Quality Matters Rubric for quality online
course design, and support resources available to both faculty and students.
PHS 650: Evaluative & Outcomes Research & Design (3)
Provides experience in design of scientific evaluative studies through lectures, group work,
and student proposal development. Critically examines various approaches and methods for
scientific evaluation paradigms. Presents operationalization of variables, threats to validity,
and experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental research designs. Outcomes
measurement will also be covered in PHS 660: Mentored Research Seminar (1, 2 or 3)
This course is intended as an opportunity for Population Health Science PhD students to gain
skills and experience in the conduct of research and in the application of various research
methods, and to apply already learned skills to real world research problems. Appropriate
research activities may be any across the spectrum of research including planning a study,
writing a grant application, joining an already underway research project as a research
assistant, collecting data, data analysis and dissemination and/or authoring or co-authoring a
manuscript. The student will choose a research mentor and arrange for the activities and
deliverables that will constitute the PHS 660 course. The student is expected to work with the
mentor/team to detail activities and deliverables that correspond to the number of credit
hours for which the student is registered (1 cr = approx. 2-3 hrs/week).
16 JCPH Course Descriptions
PHS 660: Mentored Research Seminar (1)
This course is intended as an opportunity for Population Health Science PhD students to gain
skills and experience in the conduct of research and in the application of various research
methods, and to apply already learned skills to real world research problems. Appropriate
research activities may be any across the spectrum of research including planning a study,
writing a grant application, joining an already underway research project as a research
assistant, collecting data, data analysis and dissemination and/or authoring or co-authoring a
manuscript. The student will choose a research mentor and arrange for the activities and
deliverables that will constitute this course. The student is expected to work with the
mentor/team to detail activities and deliverables that correspond to the number of credit
hours for which the student is registered (1 cr = approx. 2-3 hrs/week).
Prerequisites: Approval by Program Director required
PHS 670: Advanced Health Behavior Methods & Measurement (3)
Course focuses on health and health outcomes measurement. Particular focus on self-report
instrumentation/patient-reported outcomes (SRI’s/PRO’s) development & testing, selection
and interpretation of instrumentation, analysis of studies in which self-report instrumentation
is used. Some coverage of instrument development will be included. The central focus will be
on the methodology of instrument development and testing for of a patient-reported
outcomes instrument (PRO) and related assessment tools. PROs are typically self-report
questionnaires on quality-of-life health concepts, such as anxiety, fatigue, pain, or physical
function. The course material will emphasize the design of PRO development and the
psychometric (item) analysis used in this process. The topics will take students through the
“life cycle” of a health measurement instrument, starting with concept development and
proceeding through cognitive interviews, classical item analysis, factor analysis, item
response theory, scoring, score interpretation, and validation.
Prerequisites: PHS 605, PHS 700 (1x)
PHS 680: Advanced Analytic Methods for Health Behavior Science (3)
Survey course of additional conceptual topics and their appropriate analytic techniques
relevant for health behavior science/ health behavior measurement including additional
instruction on exploratory factor analysis and the introduction of confirmatory factory
analysis. Implementation science and evaluation frameworks (such as RE-AIM) and longitudinal
modeling will also be included, as well as advanced regression and categorical data analysis
topics according to student interest. The course will focus on conceptual understanding of
these topics, their application and interpretation, rather than statistical treatments. Students
will produce written results sections corresponding to analyses. The objective of this course is
to equip students with expertise in a broad range of techniques and concepts common in
health behavior science, and with adequate analytic expertise to conduct original research. Prerequisites: PHS 605, PHS 700 (1x)
JCPH Course Descriptions 17
PHS 700: Integrative Research Seminar (1 x 4)
Provides a venue for critiquing scientific literature and analyzing various methodologies in
preparation of dissertation proposal. Under the direction of invited faculty, students discuss
and analyze articles from major journals to evaluate significance of the issue(s) presented,
appropriateness of the research design, choice of statistical methods, and the meaningfulness
of the findings.
PHS 800: Comprehensive Exam Prep (1)
Student will employ a variety of provided resources and strategies to prepare themselves for
the comprehensive exam. Students work closely with the Program Director and competency
examination committee.
PHS 801: Comprehensive Exam (1)
Competency examination is a two-part exam. Part one is an in-person essay examination and
part-two is a written research proposal completed by the student during the term and
defended at the end of the term. Students work closely with Program Director and
competency examination faculty.
Prerequisites: PHS 800
PHS 805: Dissertation Proposal Seminar (3)
Intended for the student who is advancing to doctoral candidacy and taken in the final
semester of course work. Prepares students for the dissertation process. Culminates in
preparation of annotated outline of a dissertation proposal that includes the first three
chapters: (1) introduction and background to the issue/problem and research
questions/hypotheses; (2) literature review; and (3) description of methods including design,
variables, sample(s) and outcome measures. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Prerequisites: PHS 800, PHS 801, Advancement to Candidacy
PHS 807: Dissertation Proposal Defense (1)
Students register for this course during their dissertation proposal and in the term in which it
will be defended. Defense is a presentation to committee. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Prerequisites: PHS 805
PHS 810: Dissertation (3)
Students are working on completing their dissertation research and drafting dissertation
manuscript. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
PHS 811: Dissertation (3)
Students are working on completing their dissertation research and drafting dissertation
manuscript. Must be taken immediately following PHS 810. Graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Prerequisites: PHS 810
18 JCPH Course Descriptions
PHS 812: Dissertation (1)
Dissertation continuation.1 credit until dissertation is successfully defended
Prerequisites: PHS 811
JCPH Course Descriptions 19
PUBLIC HEALTH
PBH 501: Introduction to Public Health (3)
Introduces history and basic principles of public health and their application to the health
status of populations. Presents public health resources used to monitor the health status of
the community and to evaluate public health interventions. Focuses on the basis of public
health, settings and tools for public health practice, provision of public health services and
the future of public health practice.
PBH 502: Social & Behavioral Foundations of Public Health (3)
Addresses behavioral, social and cultural factors related to individual and population health
and health disparities over the life span. Examines research and practice that contribute to
the development, administration and evaluation of public health programs and policies that
promote and sustain healthy lives and environments for individuals and populations.
PBH 504: Fundamentals of Health Statistics (3)
Introduces basics of descriptive and inferential statistics, including sampling and probability,
in estimation and statistical decisions as used in public health. Applications include
estimation of confidence intervals; testing statistical hypotheses for population means,
proportions, and variances; and use of non-parametric tests. Utilizes Statistical Package for
the Social Sciences (SPSS) as software tool to enter and analyze public health data. Uses
Philadelphia regional data from the Public Health Management Corporation as basis for
student projects.
PBH 506: Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3)
Introduces epidemiology and its application in public health. Addresses basic epidemiologic
terminology and definitions. Presents public health problems in terms of magnitude, person,
time, place, and disease frequency. Examines correlation measures between risk factors and
disease outcomes; strengths and weaknesses of standard epidemiologic study designs; and
ethical and legal issues related to epidemiologic data. Students calculate basic epidemiology
measures, draw inferences from epidemiologic reports, and use information technology to
access, evaluate, and interpret public health data.
PBH 507: Fundamentals of Environmental Health (3)
Introduces environmental health sciences. Addresses social, political and economic factors
that influence environmental health, including identification of major pollutants, their
sources and adverse health effects. Examines general mechanisms of toxicity following
environmental exposures, including the impact of such exposures on children’s health. Studies
risk assessment of environmental hazards and surveys government regulations and their
significance in protecting human health. Specific topics include solid, liquid, and hazardous
waste, food safety, water and air pollution, and climate change.
20 JCPH Course Descriptions
PBH 509: Public Health Policy & Advocacy (3)
Introduction to public health policy. Surveys legal structure that supports health and public
health policy. Addresses process by which policy is developed and implemented and explores
role of advocacy in this process. Focuses on key public and private stakeholders and examines
public health policy initiatives that originate at federal, state, local, and institutional levels.
Students analyze policies related to maternal and child health, obesity, tobacco control,
environmental health, climate change preparedness, and delivery of primary care.
Emphasizes role of public health advocacy planning and implementation.
Prerequisites: PBH 501, PBH 502
PBH 510: Health Research Methods (3)
This course presents a fundamental framework for health research methods, including critical
analysis of public health and health services research literature. Each research
method/technique and associated topic areas will be presented through lecture, and
reinforced through small group exercises and homework. You will be developing a research
proposal this semester. As such, I encourage you to select a research topic area of interest
that is tied to a potential MPH Capstone research project, although that is not a requirement
of the course. The skills you gain in proposal writing will serve you in many different contexts
in the future. Course will include an overview of the field of health services research as it
applies to public health, with the capacity for critical appraisal of the literature and with the
ability to design a basic public health/health services research project.
Prerequisites: PBH 501, PBH 502, PBH 504, PBH 506
PBH 511: Health Communication (3)
Introduces health communication at both the individual and community levels. Presents
dominant approaches in health communication and social marketing. Topics include micro-
and macro-level theories of health behavior change; skills in patient care communication;
role of communication in health care and public health promotion and disease prevention;
design, implementation, and evaluation of health communication and social marketing
campaigns; media advocacy; and the media and health.
PBH 512: Qualitative Research Methods (3)
Introduces philosophy, techniques and uses of common forms of qualitative research with an
emphasis on data collection and analysis. Addresses strengths and limitations of qualitative
research and ethical issues surrounding its use. Students practice qualitative research
methods through participant observation, fieldwork, in-depth interviewing, focus groups, and
case studies.
PBH 514: Dimensions of Global Health (3)
Explores major issues in global health from the perspective of multiple health disciplines.
Emphasizes global/local aspects of public health. Focuses on issues in less developed
countries including global burden of disease; social determinants of health; health and socio-
economic development; advocacy, policy, trade and health; and health and human rights.
JCPH Course Descriptions 21
Discusses global health from perspectives of non-communicable diseases, the built
environment, water and sanitation, nutrition, tobacco, maternal/child health, unintentional
and intentional injuries, and communicable diseases such as HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and
malaria. Surveys role of health care delivery systems and global institutions as they relate to
global health issues.
Prerequisites: PBH 501 (Can be taken concurrently with permission)
PBH 515: Cultural Humility & Competence (3)
Explores cultural competency as it applies to health/human service practitioners. Facilitates
development of cultural competence and humility in one’s self, colleagues, health service
and public health work environment. Reviews literature on diversity and cultural competence
as it relates to disparities in health status and access to quality care. Applies students’
knowledge and personal reflection to their professional work and develops an individual or
community health initiative that reflects cultural humility and competency. Students develop
an action plan that promotes diversity and cultural awareness in professional development
and organizational settings.
PBH 516: Human Rights of Refugees, Immigrants & the Internally Displaced (3)
This course focuses on human rights and the public health of Refugees, Immigrants, and the
Internally Displaced. Begins with an overview of how universal human rights are described and
upheld by international human rights legislation and key global and national organizations.
Analyzes unique populations that have been personally affected or whose story accurately
demonstrates an aspect of human rights on a global scale. Includes populations with both
historic (e.g., native Americans) or current (e.g., Syria) perspectives. Utilizes multiple
methodologies of case studies, IQ, debates, “flipped classroom,” documentaries,
videos, team and individual projects and presentations.
PBH 521: Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation, Part I (3)
Utilizes the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital’s (TJUH) Community Health Needs
Assessment as a major case study, allowing students to work in teams of two or three to
assess and choose a priority area of community need, then develop a detailed plan to address
and evaluate proposed interventions woven into a grant proposal. Develops and practices
writing SMART objectives and logic models. Applies public health models to program planning,
learns tools to prioritize community needs, and uses resources to identify evidence-based
best practices for choosing interventions. PBH 522: Program Planning, Implementation and
Evaluation will follow this course and continue building on these competencies.
Prerequisites: PBH 501, PBH 502, PBH 504, PBH 506, PBH 507, PBH 509*, PBH 510* (* Can be
taken concurrently with permission)
PBH 522: Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation, Part II (3)
Builds on the objectives, logic model and program plan developed in PBH 521 by allowing
students to continue working in teams of two or three and further developing their grant
proposal. Using implementation science, this course enables students to develop
22 JCPH Course Descriptions
implementation and evaluation plans with a focus on summative evaluation (process, impact
and outcome evaluation). Prepares students to learn about and practice writing the key
sections of a grant proposal. Covers how and where to identify funders, reviews typical
Requests for Proposals and funder guidelines, and develops skills in researching, writing and
refining each of the various parts of a grant. Culminates in students presenting their proposals
to a mock funding review committee.
Prerequisites: PBH 521
PBH 602: Advanced Social & Behavioral Theories & Interventions (3)
Advanced presentation and analysis of behavioral, social and cultural factors related to
individual and population health and health disparities over the life span. Critically examines
individual, interpersonal, and community level evidence-based research and practice that
contribute to development, administration, and evaluation of public health intervention
programs and policies that promote and sustain healthy lives. Focuses heavily on published
literature and intensive class discussion.
Prerequisites: PBH 502
PBH 605: Advanced Statistical Methods for Data Analysis (3)
Presents general approaches to multivariate statistical analysis, including elaboration and
control of confounding, and key multivariate statistical analysis techniques, i.e., analysis of
variance; bivariate linear regression and correlation; multiple linear regression; multiple and
partial correlation; and binary and multinomial logistic regression. Analyzes selected
datasets, i.e., 2012 Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey performed by the
Public Health Management Corporation, and federal datasets, e.g., NHANES.
Prerequisites: PBH 504
PBH 606: Advanced Epidemiology (3)
Builds on PBH 506. Presents examples of epidemiological theory and methods such as:
Bayesian Epidemiology, design and analysis of cross-over studies, multivariate analysis, and
propensity scores.
Prerequisites: PBH 506
PBH 609: Geo-Based Information Systems (GIS) Mapping (3)
Introduction to mapping and analyzing health-related data using a geographic information
system (GIS). Mapping exercises address substantive health care policy and planning issues
such as cancer morbidity and mortality, health patterns of uninsured and poor populations,
and environmental hazards.
Prerequisites: PBH 504, PBH 506 (Can be taken concurrently with permission)
PBH 610: Capstone/Integrative Learning Experience Seminar & Project (3)
Prepares students research and develop key components of the Capstone Project. Explains
types of projects, topic selection, problem definition, selection of capstone chair and
formation of capstone committee. Reviews essential steps in project development such as
JCPH Course Descriptions 23
literature review, framing questions, assessment of best practices, and analytical methods
and evaluation. Students prepare formal presentation as the culminating activity in the MPH
program. Students also prepare a project abstract for presentation at a local, regional or
national public health meeting.
Prerequisites: PBH 510, PBH 650* (*Can be taken concurrently with permission) Only open to
students in the LPHT Pathway
PBH 611: Capstone/Integrative Learning Experience, LEAP Part I (2)
This two semester course will provide students an important opportunity to demonstrate a
holistic understanding of the public health field and the important link between public health
and healthcare. This course will provide support to LEAP students in order to assure they can
process, integrate, refine and apply the tools and skills they are acquiring in their MPH core
courses, their elective courses and the skills they are developing during their Clerkship-
Applied Practice Experience (APE).
Prerequisites: PBH 510, PBH 650* (*Can be taken concurrently with permission) Only open to
students in the LEAP Pathway
PBH 612: Capstone/Integrative Learning Experience, LEAP Part II (1)
This course is the second part of the two-part course. This course will provide students an
opportunity to demonstrate mastery of programmatic and individual goal specific, public
health competencies and leadership skill development. It will address identification and
evaluation of evidence to inform public health practice, and it will focus on synthesizing and
translating evidence to inform and improve communication to the lay community. Students
will demonstrate integration of knowledge through the completion of authentic individual and
group assignments. A secondary objective of this course is to prepare students for the
comprehensive exam.
Prerequisites: PBH 611 Only open to students in the LEAP Pathway
PBH 650: Clerkship – Applied Practice Experience (C-APE) (3)
Provides an experiential learning activity in public health. Students work as volunteers in a
public health organization with the guidance of a preceptor. Roles vary by interest and
organizational need, but may include developing and implementing health education
campaigns and training programs, conducting health needs assessments, evaluating programs,
and/or participating in community health events.
Prerequisites: PBH 501, PBH 502, PBH 504, PBH 506
Recommended