Experiential Learning Program - 2025 Spring Details

 

Purpose

The purpose of the Experiential Learning Program is to strengthen the Public Health workforce pipeline by preparing high school students to pursue careers in Public Health after post-secondary school graduation.

Program Goals

PUBH 3150: Health Data Analytics & Informatics

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the origins, flow, management, and analysis of health data. It emphasizes interpreting and presenting empirical evidence within the context of public health. Students explore data-driven approaches to evaluating health programs and policies, gaining foundational knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health informatics. By the end of the course, participants are equipped with essential analytical tools to effectively interpret, apply, and communicate health data in real-world settings.

PUBH 3160: Public Health in Action

This integrative course enables students to apply research methods, experiential learning, and public health practice to address real-world public health issues. Through collaborative projects, students synthesize knowledge and competencies from this and other PUBH courses to develop practical, evidence-based solutions. The course emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the application of public health principles in diverse settings.

PUBH 3170: Global Health Crises & Milestones

This course introduces students to major milestones and crises in global public health. It examines both achievements and challenges that have shaped health outcomes worldwide. By the end of the course, students develop a critical understanding of global health history and its relevance in today’s interconnected world.

Special Project Workshop: Global Health Short Film

In this hands-on workshop, students work in small groups to create a short film that incorporates a comprehensive presentation of relevant public health data. The project encourages creativity, collaboration, and the effective communication of complex health issues through visual storytelling.

Computer Programming

This course offers an overview of computer science fundamentals, with a focus on problem-solving and core programming skills. Topics include primitive data types, control structures, arrays, strings, input/output operations, basic recursion, and essential techniques for documentation, testing, and debugging. Students are also introduced to foundational concepts in object-oriented programming.

ACT Prep Workshop

This dynamic and engaging workshop prepares high school students for success on the ACT (American College Testing) exam. Through interactive instruction and targeted practice, students develop the academic and test-taking skills necessary to improve their performance. The workshop builds confidence and mastery across key content areas, supporting students in reaching their college admissions goals.

Program Objectives

By the end of the course, students were able to:

PUBH 3150: Health Data Analytics & Informatics

• Understand the fundamentals of health data management and analysis
• Apply data-driven approaches to public health decision-making
• Explain public health surveillance systems and measures of disease occurrence
• Analyze disease outbreaks using epidemiologic principles
• Differentiate between descriptive and analytic epidemiologic study designs
• Identify and describe key features of common descriptive study designs
• Understand core statistical concepts, including probability, random sampling, and statistical distributions
• Perform basic biostatistical analyses, including one-sample and two-sample hypothesis tests

PUBH 3160: Public Health in Action

• Integrated insights from individual and group assignments with scholarly research to reflect on key public health topics
• Assessed academic and non-academic resources for investigating public health problems
• Critically evaluated and synthesized scientific information related to specific public health issues
• Developed focused lines of inquiry based on how public health agencies or researchers addressed those issues
• Engaged with professionals in the field—including researchers, public health leaders, policymakers, media, and healthcare personnel—to deepen their understanding
• Evaluated and integrated collected information to propose informed, evidence-based recommendations for addressing critical public health challenges

PUBH 3170: Global Health Crises & Milestones

• Describe major global health crises and milestones that have shaped public health worldwide
• Understand the interconnected nature of global health and how health outcomes are influenced across borders
• Think critically about global health challenges and evaluate the effectiveness of international health initiatives
• Identify key strategies used to address global health crises and assess the role of global health institutions in improving health outcomes globally

Special Project Workshop: Global Health Short Film

• Develop and apply technical skills in camera operation, audio recording, and lighting to support effective filmmaking
• Collaborate on set and contribute to the production process in a team environment
• Demonstrate creative and professional proficiency in initiating, producing, and distributing video projects
• Refine storytelling and communication skills through the creation of a public health short film for the PUBH 3160 dual enrollment course

Computer Programming

• Read and write code using variables, assignments, conditionals, and loops
• Manipulate strings, lists (including one- and two-dimensional), and dictionaries
• Define and call functions with various input and output types
• Decompose programs into modular sections using functions
• Define simple classes and create objects
• Invoke methods and apply object-oriented programming principles in basic applications

Student Outputs

The Student Outputs across the public health curriculum demonstrated students’ engagement with analytical, practical, and creative learning experiences. In PUBH 3150: Health Data, Analytics & Informatics, students completed nine weekly homework assignments, three exams, and a final project. In PUBH 3160: Public Health in Action, they wrote a 5-page background paper, conducted an interview with a health professional, submitted a 2-page reflection paper, and delivered a 10-minute presentation. For PUBH 3170: Global Health Crises & Milestones, students produced three short response papers, a 5–10-page final paper, and a 15-minute presentation with a Q&A session. The Computer Programming course focused on developing technical skills through weekly coding exercises and a final project. Additionally, in the Special Project Workshop: Global Health Short Film, student groups created 3–5 minute interview-style documentaries based on research topics from the Public Health in Action dual enrollment course.

Program Session Dates/Times

 

Session	Dates and Times
ACT Prep Session Dates	January 14, 21, 28 February 4, 11, 18, 25 March 18, 25 April 1
Virtual Session	January 15, 22, 29 February 5, 12, 19, 26 March 5, 19, 26 April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May 7
Weekend In-Person Sessions	January 18-19; 25-26 February 8-9; 15-16; 22-23 March 8-9; 22-23; 29-30 April 12-13; 26-27 Saturdays from 9am - 5pm Sundays from 2pm - 5pm

 

Weekly Homework

Weekly assigned homework was a consistent requirement, encompassing tasks from the PUBH dual enrollment course. Students were expected to participate in weekly virtual homework sessions to collaboratively address any questions. These sessions were mandatory to ensure that each student diligently worked towards completing all three dual enrollment courses to earn college credit.

In addition to the virtual sessions, various resources were available to support students, including access to online libraries, study guides, and tutoring services. Instructors were also available to answer any questions, and students were encouraged to contact them via call, text, or email.

Instructors

 

 

Graduate Assistants