MHU 211 - Understanding Health, Illness and Primary Care: an Interdisciplinary Approach

This course provides an in-depth study of chronic disease processes prevalent in the US and their impact on health care. Particular attention will be given to heart disease and hypertension, obesity, diabetes. We will consider disease burden, the biological basis of disease manifestation, diagnosis and treatment, psychosocial and cultural factors that impact health and wellness, and disparities in health status and access to healthcare amongst various populations in the US. By the end of the course, students will integrate their understanding of the biological and psychosocial determinants of chronic illnesses, and propose a model for an effective, equitable and sustainable healthcare system centered on primary care. The goal of the course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills they will need to be thoughtful advocates for quality healthcare for themselves, their families, and their communities. The course will be taught using a combination of case studies, discussions, group presentations and guest lectures. Case studies will employ the problem-based learning approach.

Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in Medical Humanities

Prerequisites & Notes
One introductory Biology courses (BIO 111 or Bio 112 or BIO113 or BIO 114).  This course will emphasize the integration and application of some of the content taught in the prerequisite courses towards decision-making and clinical problem solving.