PBH 130 - Sociobiology of Health and Illness

This course provides an exploration of biological mechanisms that underlie the effects of the psychosocial environment on chronic disease susceptibility in humans. In this course, students will learn about the biological and chemical bases 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. However, emphasis will be given to the fundamental concepts in biology; this course has been specifically designed for students who are interested in future careers in health and seek to refresh the knowledge they acquired in a high school biology course.  Faced with the new realities of aging and associated increase in the prevalence of chronic disease, how do we as individuals, families and communities manage our health?  We need a vision of health care which allows effective and efficient management of chronic disease in order to reduce the burden of illness and disability on society. In this course, you will integrate your knowledge of the natural, clinical, and social sciences to understand select chronic illnesses and consider primary care as an effective, equitable and sustainable chronic care management model.  The goal of the course is to provide you with the knowledge and skills you will need to be a thoughtful advocate for quality healthcare for yourself, your family and your community. 

Community-based learning is an important component of this course.  As such, it will require a field experience at a local hospital or clinic.

Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in Public Health.
Satisfies the Justice, Equality, and Community requirement.

Prerequisites & Notes
Not open to students who have credit for BIO 111/113 except by permission of the instructor.