BS in Public Health Sciences

Curriculum

Catalogue Rights policy dictates that continuing students and transfer students can choose the version of the Public Health Sciences or Public Health Policy major requirements that they would prefer in accordance with the timeframes they are enrolled at UCI or a community college. 

All students must meet the University Requirements.

For advising on Campuswide Honors Collegium (CHC) requirements, please reach out to a CHC Advisor at honors@uci.edu and visit their website.


 Lower-Division Courses

PubHlth 1
Principles of Public Health
4 UNITS
Discover key principles of public health and health determinants in communities. Explores the ecological model, analyzing interconnections among natural and social determinants influencing health outcomes. Topics include epidemiology, environmental health, and health policy.
PubHlth 2
Case Studies in Public Health Practice
4 UNITS
Explores public health through diverse case studies illustrating foundational principles and ongoing evolution. Topics include epidemiological investigations, health policy analysis, community interventions, and global health challenges.
CHEM 1A
General Chemistry
4 UNITS
General chemistry with applications to life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. Atomic structure; general properties of the elements; covalent, ionic, and metallic bonding; mass relationships.
CHEM 1B
General Chemistry
4 UNITS
General chemistry with applications to life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. Properties of gases, liquids, solids; intermolecular forces; changes of state; properties of solutions; stoichiometry; thermochemistry; and thermodynamics. Course may be offered online.
CHEM 1C
General Chemistry
4 UNITS
General chemistry with applications to life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. Equilibria, aqueous acid-base equilibria, solubility equilibria, oxidation reduction reactions, electrochemistry; kinetics; special topics.
CHEM 1LC
General Chemistry Laboratory
3 UNITS
Training and experience in basic laboratory techniques. Chemical practice and principles illustrated through experiments related to lecture topics of CHEM 1A-B-C. Materials fee.
CHEM 1LD
General Chemistry Laboratory
3 UNITS
Training and experience in basic laboratory techniques. Chemical practice and principles illustrated through experiments related to lecture topics in CHEM 1A-B-C. Materials fee.
CHEM 51A
Organic Chemistry
4 UNITS
Fundamental concepts relating to carbon compounds with emphasis on structural theory and the nature of chemical bonding, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, and stereoscopic, physical, and chemical properties of the principal classes of carbon compounds.
CHEM 51B
Organic Chemistry
4 UNITS
Fundamental concepts relating to carbon compounds with emphasis on structural theory and the nature of chemical bonding, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, and stereoscopic, physical, and chemical properties of the principal classes of carbon compounds.
CHEM 51C
Organic Chemistry
4 UNITS
Fundamental concepts relating to carbon compounds with emphasis on structural theory and the nature of chemical bonding, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, and stereoscopic, physical, and chemical properties of the principal classes of carbon compounds.
CHEM 51LB
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
3 UNITS
Modern techniques of organic chemistry, using selected experiments to illustrate topics introduced in CHEM 51A-CHEM 51B-CHEM 51C. Materials fee.
CHEM 51LC
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
3 UNITS
Modern techniques of organic chemistry, using selected experiments to illustrate topics introduced in CHEM 51A-B-C. Materials fee.
BIO SCI 93
From DNA to Organisms
3 UNITS
Cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, and the biology of organ systems. Covers concepts of building blocks (nucleotides, amino acids, and cells) and of information flow (DNA to proteins, receptors to nuclei, the blood to distant organs, and DNA to offspring).
BIO SCI 93L
DNA to Organisms – Introduction to Biology Research
2 UNITS
Focuses on the development of quantitative reasoning and science inquiry skills. Helps students learn how to use the scientific method, ask questions, and develop professional skills applicable to any major or career. Materials fee
Bio Sci 94
From Organisms to Ecosystems
3 UNITS
Patterns of diversity, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Emphasis is on the Tree of Life and how its members are distributed and interact.
BIO SCI 94L
Organisms to Ecosystems – Introduction to Biology Research Analysis
2 UNITS
Helps students learn how to use the scientific method, ask and answer questions about environmental DNA, and develop professional skills. Students learn how to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, interpret graphs, and communicate their findings. Materials fee.
Bio Sci 97
Genetics
4 UNITS
Introduction to genetics. Basic features of replication and expression of DNA, cell division, and gene transmission. Recombination and mutation in diploid organisms.
Bio Sci 98
Biochemistry
4 UNITS
Structure and properties of proteins; major biochemical pathways and mechanisms for their control.
Bio Sci 99
Molecular Biology
4 UNITS
Biochemistry and replication of nucleic acids; molecular genetics; protein biosynthesis; genetic code; regulation of expression of genetic information; biochemical evolution.

Select either:

Math 2A
Single-Variable Calculus
4 UNITS
Introduction to derivatives, calculation of derivatives of algebraic and trigonometric functions; applications including curve sketching, related rates, and optimization. Exponential and logarithm functions.
Math 2B
Single-Variable Calculus
4 UNITS
Definite integrals; the fundamental theorem of calculus. Applications of integration including finding areas and volumes. Techniques of integration. Infinite sequences and series.

Or…

Math 5A
Calculus for Life Sciences
4 UNITS
Differential calculus with applications to life sciences. Exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Limits, differentiation techniques, optimization and difference equations.
Math 5B
Calculus for Life Sciences
4 UNITS
Integral calculus and multivariable calculus with applications to life sciences. Integration techniques, applications of the integral, phase plane methods and basic modeling, basic multivariable methods.
PubHlth 7A
Public Health Statistics I
4 UNITS
First of two courses in statistics. Introduces fundamental statistics for health science students, emphasizing quantitative reasoning from a public health perspective. Topics include probability, data analysis, and statistical inference.

Select three of the following:

Public Health

Pub Hlth 10
Special Topics in Public Health
2-4 UNITS
Introduction to emerging topics in public health. Topics addressed vary each quarter. Repeatability: Unlimited as topics vary.
Pub Hlth 30
Introduction to Urban Environmental Health
4 UNITS
Explores urban health disparities, focusing on social determinants and environmental impacts. Examines global urban health challenges, disease burdens, and historical legacies of contamination. Introduces interventions and policies to mitigate urban health inequalities and enhance public health in diverse urban settings.
Pub Hlth 60
Environmental Quality and Health
4 UNITS
Explores the interplay of pollution and human health: population, epidemiology, toxicology, zoonotic diseases, water and air quality, climate change, waste management, contaminants (metals, pesticides, organics, radioactivity), and environmental justice. Delves into risk assessment and public health policy implications.
Pub Hlth 80
AIDS Fundamentals
4 UNITS
Considers the biological and sociological bases of the AIDS epidemic. Topics include the history of AIDS, current medical knowledge, transmission, risk reduction, and how the community can respond.
PubHlth 90
Natural Disasters
4 UNITS
Examine natural disasters and their impacts on humans. Topics include volcanoes, earthquakes, severe weather, fires, floods, landslides, coastal processes, and risk assessment. Use WebGIS for hazard data and risk analysis in California.

Psychology

PSCI 9
Introduction to Psychology
4 UNITS
Introduction to field of psychology, addressing the application of scientific methods to the study of human development, learning, memory, problem solving, perception, biological mechanisms, emotions and motivation, personality, psychopathology, and effects of diverse social and cultural contexts on human behavior. Same as PSYCH 7A.
PSCI 11A
Psychology Fundamentals
4 UNITS
Part of a three-course series that provides a comprehensive introduction to psychology. Required for students majoring in Cognitive Sciences, Psychological Science, and Psychology. Topics include the science of psychology, research methods, biology and behavior, consciousness, sensation, and perception. Same as PSYCH 9A.
PSCI 11B
Psychology Fundamentals
4 UNITS
Part of a three-course series that provides a comprehensive introduction to psychology. Required for students majoring in Cognitive Sciences, Psychological Science, or Psychology. Topics include learning and memory, thinking, language and intelligence, human development, emotion, and motivation. Same as PSYCH 9B.
PSCI 11C
Psychology Fundamentals
4 UNITS
Part of a three-course series that provides a comprehensive introduction to psychology. Required for students majoring in Cognitive Sciences, Psychological Science, or Psychology. Topics include personality psychology, social psychology, abnormal and clinical psychology, and health psychology. Same as PSYCH 9C.

Sociology

Sociol 1
Introduction to Sociology
4 UNITS
Considers major sociological concepts, theories, and research findings illuminating processes of interpersonal interaction, social differentiation and stratification, integration and conflict, and change, with attention to variation in class, race/ethnic, gender, multicultural, and cross-national perspectives and experiences.
Sociol 2
Globalization & Transnational Sociology
4 UNITS
Examines globalization and international issues from the perspective of sociology and related fields. Issues include economic globalization and global inequality, international environmental problems, international politics, trends in global culture, and global conflict.
Sociol 3
Social Problems
4 UNITS
Focuses on how institutional and organizational features of societies generate problems for people. Particular attention directed at a set of problems related to political and economic inequality: poverty, racism, sexism, urban and population problems, the environment, the criminal justice system.

Economics

Econ 1
Introduction to Economics
4 UNITS
An analysis of the problems society faces in organizing itself to provide goods and services. How decisions of government, business, and the individual relate to current economic problems such as unemployment, inflation, poverty, and environmental pollution.
Econ 13
Global Economy
4 UNITS
Acquaints students with the fundamental patterns of the global economy. Emphasizes the historical roots and political implications of economic choices.
Econ 20A
Basic Economics I
4 UNITS
The fundamentals of microeconomics. The behavior of firms and consumers: markets, supply/demand, utility maximization, resource allocation, and efficiency.
Econ 20B
Basic Economics II
4 UNITS
The fundamentals of macroeconomics. Government behavior: monetary and fiscal policy, inflation, and unemployment. Effective fall 2006, the content of Economics 20B is macroeconomics. This course cannot be taken to repeat Economics 20B taken prior to fall 2006.

Anthropology

Anthro 2A
Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology
4 UNITS
Introduction to cultural diversity and the methods used by anthropologists to account for it. Family relations, economic activities, politics, gender, and religion in a wide range of societies. Stresses the application of anthropological methods to research problems.
Anthro 2B
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
4 UNITS
Evolutionary theory and processes, comparative primate fossil record, human variation, and the adequacy of theory, and empirical data.
Anthro 2C
Introduction to Archaeology
4 UNITS
Archaeological theory and cultural processes with emphasis on the American Southwest, Mesoamerica, and Mesopotamia.
Anthro 2D
Introduction to Language & Culture
4 UNITS
Explores what the study of language can reveal about ourselves as bearers of culture. After introducing some basic concepts, examines how cultural knowledge is linguistically organized and how language might shape our perception of the world.
Anthro 41A
Global Cultures & Society
4 UNITS
Offers a general overview of the rise of global interdependence in political, economic, demographic, and cultural terms. Considers what drove people from relative isolation into intensified intercourse with one another, and investigates the consequences of this shift.

Political Science

Pol Sci 31A
Introduction to Political Theory
4 UNITS
Types of questions: What is politics? What are the theoretical and philosophical bases for different types of political arrangements? How do these perspectives get translated into reality? Among others, the works of Rousseau, Locke, Mill, and Marx are read.
Pol Sci 51A
Introduction to Politics Around the World
4 UNITS
Introduces comparative politics. Compares political systems in a variety of countries. Includes elections, parties, parliaments, presidents, protest movements, and other aspects of national politics. Addresses how to make meaningful comparisons across countries.

Social Ecology

UPPP 8
Introduction to Environmental Analysis & Design
4 UNITS
Overview of general concepts, theoretical principles, and analytical techniques for investigating environmental systems. Integrates tools from natural and social sciences to analyze contemporary environmental challenges such as pollution, resource acquisition, facility and ecosystem design, impact assessments, formulation of environmental policy.

International Studies

INTL ST 11
Global Cultures & Society
4 UNITS
Offers a general overview of the rise of global interdependence in political, economic, demographic, and cultural terms. Considers what drove people from relative isolation into intensified intercourse with one another, and investigates the consequences of this shift.
INTL ST 13
Global Economy
4 UNITS
Acquaints students with the fundamental patterns of the global economy. Emphasizes the historical roots and political implications of economic choices.

Upper-Division Requirements

Pubhlth 101
Introduction to Epidemiology
4 UNITS
The distribution of disease and injury across time, space, and populations. Covers basic concepts and methods of descriptive epidemiology including the natural history of disease, data, and indices of health.

Select two of the following:

Bio Sci D103
Cell Biology
4 UNITS
Analysis of the basic structure and function of animal cells, with an emphasis on the regulation of cellular processes. The basic features of membranes, cellular compartmentalization, protein trafficking, vesicular transport, cytoskeleton, adhesion, signal transduction, and cell cycle are covered.
Bio Sci D104
Developmental Biology
4 UNITS
Cellular and molecular analysis of how a fertilized egg develops into an organism consisting of complex structures such as the eye, arms, and brain. Emphasis is on the key concepts of developmental processes underlying pattern formation, growth, and regeneration.
Bio Sci E109
Human Physiology
4 UNITS
Functional features of the major organ systems in the human body. Emphasis on homeostasis and the interactions of organ systems in health and disease.
Bio Sci N110
Neurobiology & Behavior
4 UNITS
Consideration of the evolution of behavior, including ethological and psychological aspects and analysis of neuroanatomical, neurochemical, neurophysiological, and neuroendocrine systems underlying basic behavioral processes.

Select five additional upper-division courses with at least one course chosen from each of the three topic areas below. The other two can come these topic areas and/or the other upper division PUBHLTH courses listed below:

Epidemiology, Genetics, & Health Informatics:

Bio Sci D137
Eukaryotic & Human Genetics
4 UNITS
Structure and function of genes in eukaryotes with emphasis on special problems of genetic studies in humans. Molecular methods of genetic analysis and gene transfer are discussed. Practical applications and ethical and social issues raised by genetic studies are addressed.
Bio Sci E106
Processes in Ecology & Evolution
4 UNITS
An in-depth study of the mechanisms that drive evolution and ecology including: natural selection, mutation, genetic drift, speciation, extinction, life history patterns, population dynamics, ecosystem and community structure, predator-prey and host pathogen interactions, and social behavior.
Bio Sci M123
Introduction to Computational Biology
4 UNITS
The use of theories and methods based on computer science, mathematics, and physics in molecular biology and biochemistry. Basics in biomolecular modeling. Analysis of sequence and structural data of biomolecules. Analysis of biomolecular functions.
Bio Sci M137
Microbial Genetics
4 UNITS
Basic principles of microbial genetics are presented as lectures for the first half of the course. The second half is devoted to applications of these principles and requires reading review and original research papers and interactions with guest lecturers.
CompSci 183
Introduction to Computational Biology
4 UNITS
Overviews evidence linking environmental factors to mental and physical disorders including such variables as socioeconomic status, income inequality, work stress, job loss, social capital, location, and other demographic characteristics. Measurement and research design issues of both individual and aggregate levels.
Psci 183S
Social Epidemiology
4 UNITS
Overviews evidence linking environmental factors to mental and physical disorders including such variables as socioeconomic status, income inequality, work stress, job loss, social capital, location, and other demographic characteristics. Measurement and research design issues of both individual and aggregate levels.
PUBHLTH 102
Social Epidemiology
4 UNITS
Overviews evidence linking environmental factors to mental and physical disorders including such variables as socioeconomic status, income inequality, work stress, job loss, social capital, location, and other demographic characteristics. Measurement and research design issues of both individual and aggregate levels.
PUBHLTH 105
Introduction to Health Informatics
4 UNITS
Broad overview of medical informatics for students with varied backgrounds. Electronic medical records, online resources, mobile technologies, patient safety, and computational design. Legal, ethical, and public policy issues. Health systems management. Evaluation and fieldwork for health systems.
PUBHLTH 106
Project in Health Informatics
4 UNITS
Students undertake significant quarter-long projects related to health informatics. Topics may include field evaluations of health care technologies, prototypes, iterative design, and system implementations.
PUBHLTH 107
Epidemiology of Drug Use and Misuse
4 UNITS
Applies epidemiologic concepts to the use and misuse of licit/illicit substances. Emphasizes descriptive aspects of drug use and determinants of progressing from experimental use to misuse. Assesses subgroups of abusers, risk factors, trends, and surveillance techniques for estimating drug prevalence.
PUBHLTH 119
Special Topics in Epidemiology and Genetics
4 UNITS
Studies in selected areas of epidemiology and genetics. Topics addressed vary each quarter.

Environmental & Global Health Sciences:

Anthro 125B
Ecological Anthropology
4 UNITS
Studies relationships between human communities and their natural environments. The role of environment in shaping culture; effects of extreme environments on human biology and social organization; anthropologist’s role in studying global environmental problems, e.g., African famine, tropical rain forests destruction.
Anthro 128B
Race, Gender, & Science
4 UNITS
Perfect for pre-health, science and social science majors wanting to appreciate how science and society interact. Race and gender as biological and socio-cultural constructs are examined. Questions explored: What is disease? What is science? What are social and biological differences.
Anthro 134A
Medical Anthropology
4 UNITS
Introduces students to cross-cultural perspectives and critical theories in anthropological studies of medicine. Special attention is given to diverse ways of understanding bodies, illnesses, and therapeutic practices in our changing world.
ANTHRO 134B
Cultures of Biomedicine
4 UNITS
An introduction to the anthropolobical study of biomedicine and biotechnology. Topics include medicalization, experimentation and discovery, diagnosis, expertise, health activism, and biotechnology.
Anthro 134C
Medicine, Food, & Health
4 UNITS
With anthropological studies of edible things as its foundation, this course explores topics related to the relationship between medical knowledge, eating, and health from a medical anthropological perspective.
Anthro 134F
Anthropology of the Body
4 UNITS
Examines human bodies as both biological and sociocultural entities and explores the relationship among mind, body, and society cross-culturally. Topics include embodiment; race, sex, gender, and the body; somatization; control of the body; commodified bodies; and hybrid/cyborg bodies.
ANTHRO 134N
Disease, Health, and Inequality
4 UNITS
Examines the relationships among disease, health, and social inequality in the U.S. and globally. Topics include infectious and chronic disease case studies, health policy, and strategies for promoting health equity.
Bio Sci D124
Biology of Integrative Medicine
4 UNITS
Presentation of biological principles and the latest clinical and basic research on complementary and alternative therapies (e.g., mind-body medicine, energy medicine, herbal medicine, acupuncture, manipulative therapies) and their integration with Western medicine. Lectures supplemented by demonstrations and hands-on learning sessions.
Bio Sci E179
Limnology & Freshwater Biology
4 UNITS
Biology of freshwater environments: lakes, ponds, rivers, their biota, and the factors which influence distribution of organisms.
Bio Sci E179L
Field Freshwater Ecology
4 UNITS
Analytical techniques for common water-quality variables of lakes, streams, and rivers. Benthic fauna, vertebrates and invertebrates, algae, and aquatic plants. Emphasis on field methods with an experimental approach; laboratory exercises. Field trips to marshes, vernal pools, rivers, and streams. Materials fee.
Bio Sci E189
Environmental Ethics
4 UNITS
History of evolution of environmental ethics in America. Management problems in national parks, wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, national forests. Contemporary and historical aspects/contributors to the field. Mitigation, endangered species, habitat restoration, biodiversity, and environmental activism. Field trips required.
CHEM 125
Advanced Organic Chemistry
4 UNITS
Rapid-paced comprehensive treatment of organic chemistry. Focuses on molecular structure, reactivity, stability, scope and mechanisms of organic reactions. Topics include: structure and bonding; theoretical organic chemistry; acidity and basicity; reactive intermediates; pericyclic reactions; stereochemistry; organic synthesis; natural products; organic photochemistry.
CHC/LAT 176
Race, Gender, & Science
4 UNITS
Perfect for pre-health, science and social science majors wanting to appreciate how science and society interact. Race and gender as biological and socio-cultural constructs are examined. Questions explored: What is disease? What is science? What are social and biological differences.
Pub Hlth 120
Nutrition and Global Health
4 UNITS
Global issues related to nutrition and public health. Evaluation of nutritional risk factors associated with the development of chronic diseases and the role of nutritional medicine in prevention. Topics include food safety, communicable diseases, supplements, and regulatory issues.
PubHlth 126
Public Health Law: Fundamentals in Action
4 UNITS
Addresses the relationship of U.S. public health law to health systems at the individual and population levels. Examines legislative and judicial concepts and how they are applied to disease prevention strategies, health services, management, and policy.
PubHlth 127
Public Health Programs for the Corporate World
4 UNITS
International perspective on workplace health promotion. Strategies for developing programs to improve employee health and to decrease risks of chronic degenerative diseases. Case studies include assessment of employee health, program design, implementation, and evaluation. Emphasis on disease prevention.
PubHlth 161
Environmental Geology
4 UNITS
Explores geologic principles applied to environmental and health issues. Topics include earth systems, earth materials, water pollution, natural hazards, waste disposal, climate change, and geology’s impact on human health in UCI and Orange County.
PubHlth 163
Introduction to Environmental Health Science
4 UNITS
Explores environmental health’s role in disease prevention and human well-being. Topics include air and water quality, food safety, built environment, radiation exposure, climate change, environmental justice, children’s health, and policy interventions for public health improvement.
PubHlth 168
Nuclear Environments
4 UNITS
Understanding the impact of the nuclear age on the environment and human health through interrelated developments of nuclear power and nuclear weapons. The early years of weapon development, catastrophic environmental pollution, perils of nuclear power in the U.S. and Russia.
PubHlth 170
Introduction to Global Health
4 UNITS
Provides a foundational interdisciplinary understanding of global health issues and their importance to societal goals, including poverty reduction, sustainable development, and international contexts of wellness and covers major communicable and non-communicable diseases and demographic patterns of disease burden.
PubHlth 171
Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants
4 UNITS
Explores origins of environmental health awareness. Covers exposure assessment theory, variability, risk assessment integration, and societal implications. Discusses notable environmental contaminants impacting human health.
PubHlth 172
Climate Change and Disaster Management
4 UNITS
Examines the social, economic, environmental, and health impacts of anthropogenic climate change through engaged learning that integrates practice and theory.
PubHlth 173
Health and Global Environmental Change
4 UNITS
Examines global environmental and climate change’s impact on human health. Explores metabolic pandemics, infectious diseases, and underlying health conditions. Fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among environmental health, public health, medicine, and policy sciences.
PubHlth 174
Global Health Ethics
4 UNITS
Provides a foundation for understanding and application of key issues.
PubHlth 177
Global Health Policy and Diplomacy
4 UNITS
Fundamental principles and consequences of global health policy and diplomacy, including governance structure, functions, analysis, advocacy, and outcomes. Emphasizes practical application of multilateral policies for global health security and responses to transnational threats such as pandemics, climate, pollution, and migration.
PubHlth 179
Global Health Policy and Diplomacy
4 UNITS
Fundamental principles and consequences of global health policy and diplomacy, including governance structure, functions, analysis, advocacy, and outcomes. Emphasizes practical application of multilateral policies for global health security and responses to transnational threats such as pandemics, climate, pollution, and migration.
PubHlth 190
Geographic Information Systems
4 UNITS
Provides a broad introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems software to carry out projects for visualizing and analyzing spatial data to address significant issues of health care and policy-planning.
SocEcol E127
Nuclear Environments
4 UNITS
Understanding the impact of the nuclear age on the environment and human health through interrelated developments of nuclear power and nuclear weapons. The early years of weapon development, catastrophic environmental pollution, perils of nuclear power in the U.S. and Russia.

Infectious & Chronic Diseases:

Bio Sci D111L
Developmental & Cell Biology Laboratory
4 UNITS
DescriptionCovers the division of cells, isolate cellular organelles (chloroplasts, mitochondria, nuclei), and follows changes in cells undergoing programmed cell death. Development is demonstrated in experiments showing cooperation of individual cells in forming a multicellular organism. Materials fee.
Bio Sci E112L
Physiology Laboratory
4 UNITS
DescriptionLaboratory with a focus on the whole organism and its organ systems. Examples of structure-function relationships are drawn from both animal and human physiology. Cellular and molecular aspects are introduced as required. Materials fee.
Bio Sci E136
The Physiology of Human Nutrition
4 UNITS
Examines the biochemical basis of energy metabolism, physiological processes in digestion and uptake, and the biochemical transformation of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the human body. The emphasis is on expanding the students’ understanding of physiology.
Bio Sci M114
Advanced Biochemistry
4 UNITS
Physical-chemical properties of macromolecules. Structure-function relationships in nucleic acids, protein, carbohydrates, and lipids. Integration and regulation of metabolism. Biochemistry of organs and biochemistry of diseases.
Bio Sci M114L
Biochemistry Laboratory
5 UNITS
Properties of enzymes and the culture and isolation of mutants of microorganisms. Materials fee.
Bio Sci M116
Advanced Molecular Biology
4 UNITS
Mechanisms of gene expression; special emphasis on regulatory events that occur in Eukaryotic organisms other than initiation of transcription. Chromatin structure and rearrangement, RNA polymerases, cis- and trans-acting elements, RNA processing, transport and stability, protein synthesis, trafficking, and turnover.
Bio Sci M116L
Molecular Biology Laboratory
4 UNITS
Students perform experiments which illustrate the chemical and biological properties of nucleic acids. Emphasis is placed on recent techniques in recombinant DNA technology including gene isolation and characterization. Materials fee.
Bio Sci M118L
Experimental Biology Laboratory
5 UNITS
Introductory general microbiology designed for preprofessional biology majors. Includes microscopy, cultivation of bacteria, morphological and biochemical characterization of bacteria, microbial metabolism, growth and genetics, microorganisms and human disease, and interactions of microorganisms with the environment. Materials fee.
Bio Sci M121
Immunology with Hematology
5 UNITS
Antibodies, antigens, antigen-antibody reactions, cells and tissues of lymphoreticular and hematopoietic systems, and individual and collective components of cell-mediated and humoral immune response.
Bio Sci M122
General Microbiology
4 UNITS
Comparative metabolism of small molecules and cell structure and relationship to microbial classification. Macromolecule synthesis and regulation, sporulation, cell division, growth, and effect of antibiotics.
Bio Sci M125
Molecular Biology of Cancer
4 UNITS
Molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Consideration of transformation by DNA tumor viruses, RNA tumor viruses, and chemical carcinogens
Bio Sci M143
Human Parasitology
4 UNITS
Introduction to human animal-parasitic diseases including worms and protozoan infections.
PHRMSCI 170A
Molecular Pharmacology I
4 UNITS
Molecular basis of drug-receptor action at the molecular and cellular levels. Structure-function of drug targets emphasizing enzymes, ion channels, and membrane transport proteins. Understanding how the drugs’ mechanisms of action contribute to the development of more efficacious and safer drugs.
PHRMSCI 170B
Molecular Pharmacology II
4 UNITS
Introductory survey covering the molecular mechanisms of drugs that target the nervous system, such as anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, hypnotics, muscle relaxants, and recreational drugs; drugs related to the immune system, including antibiotics, antihistamines, and immunosuppressants; drugs used to treat cancer.
PubHlth 150
Public Health & Wellness
4 UNITS
Presents information about wellness from both science and policy perspectives in order to demonstrate the role of wellness in public health. Emphasizes the conditions that create wellness in the individual, the community, the nation, and the world.
PubHlth 180
Epidemiology of Infectious Disease
4 UNITS
Explores the distribution of infectious disease and disease risks among human populations. Covers concepts and methods of infectious disease epidemiology, including case studies of important infectious diseases such as COVID-19, HIV, and malaria.
PubHlth 181
Infectious Disease Dynamics
4 UNITS
Learn how the immune system interacts with infectious diseases, in particular with viral infections. An introduction to basic virology and immunology, it concentrates on the way in which the immune system is critical to the prevention of infections.
PubHlth 182
Evolutionary and Ecological Principles in Medicine
4 UNITS
Explore the dynamics of populations on an ecological, epidemiological, and medical level. Considers the dynamics of competition, predation, and parasitism; the spread and control of infectious diseases; and the in vivo dynamics of viral infections and the immune system.
PubHlth 189
Special Topics in Infectious Diseases
4 UNITS
Studies in selected areas of infectious diseases. Topics addressed vary each quarter.

Other Upper Division Public Health Courses:

Pub Hlth 100
Special Topics in Public Health
4 UNITS
Studies in selected areas of public health. Topics addressed vary each quarter. Course may be offered online when topic is Public Health in the Corporate World.
Pub Hlth 115
Community, Social Justice, and Health Equity Research for Action
4 UNITS
Focuses on community as a unit of identity, community, well-being, and social justice perspectives and initiatives to promote community health. Addresses community change and improvements in community well-being, with a focus on health equity research for action.
PubHlth 122
Health Policy
4 UNITS
Considers social and economic aspects of health and disease in the United States. What are the proper roles of the individual, community, and government in improving health and health care? International comparisons will be made wherever possible.
Pub Hlth 135
Medical Sociology
4 UNITS
Current problems in U.S. health-care system and proposals for reform. Examines financial barriers to access; problem of patient dumping; underinsurance; prenatal and perinatal care; child services; preventative care and needs of the elderly; minorities; low-income people; undocumented.
Pub Hlth 139
Special Topics in Health Policy and Administration
4 UNITS
Studies in selected areas of health policy and administration. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
PubHlth 141
Clinical Health Psychology
4 UNITS
Behavioral role in etiology, treatment, and prevention of certain diseases. Behavioral intervention including biofeedback, stress-, pain-management, health habit counseling, and other skills to assist patients make cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes needed to cope with disease or achieve better health.
PubHlth 144
Health Behavior Theory
4 UNITS
Introduction to foundational theories for health behavior change. Explores individual, interpersonal, and community-level theories applied to health interventions. Understand societal challenges and preventable behavioral causes of diseases.
PubHlth 146
Health Promotion Programs
4 UNITS
Explores social ecological perspectives and the role of behavior change theories in health promotion planning. Introduces systematic planning for the development of an intervention program. Emphasizes the cornerstone of planning, implementing, and evaluating a health promotion program
PubHlth 147
Drug Abuse and its Prevention
4 UNITS
Theoretical and practical underpinnings of drug abuse and its prevention at the individual and population levels. Students practice developing drug abuse prevention schemes for specific populations. Recent developments in pharmacological and biobehavioral theories of drug dependence are explored
PubHlth 148
Public Health Communication
4 UNITS
Theoretical foundations and practical use of communication sciences in public health, covering effective techniques such as audience segmentation, tailored messaging, and multi-model communication for behavior change campaigns across various settings. Includes crisis communication strategies
PubHlth 152
Happiness, Wellbeing, and Health
4 UNITS
Explores positive and protective psychological, social, and behavioral factors that influence physical, mental/emotional, and social wellbeing.
PubHlth 158
Sociology of Mental Health
4 UNITS
Examines the social causes, consequences, and patterns of mental health and illness. Students learn a sociological perspective on mental health, mental illness or disorder, and medicine/health care, ranging from social definitions, roles, and interactions to societal stratification and international patterns.
PubHlth 159
Special Topics in Social and Behavioral Health Science.
4 UNITS
Studies in selected areas of social and behavioral health sciences. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
PubHlth H192C
Public Health Honors Seminar and Thesis III
4 UNITS
Students write their honors research project (PUBHLTH H192A-PUBHLTH H192B) and prepare an oral report to be presented at a class symposium at the end of the quarter. A faculty mentor provides supervision and feedback on thesis chapters.

Practicum Requirement

Public Health Practicum and Culminating Experience (PUBHLTH 195W) is an 8-unit required course for students majoring in Public Health Policy or Public Health Sciences. The course allows students to gain hands-on experience at an approved organization in the field of public health. Preparation for the Practicum course requires that each student interview at one of the approved Practicum sites. There is an online catalog of approved organizations that have agreed to accept, train, and supervise Public Health students in the ongoing activities of the organization. Students must choose a placement site listed in the Practicum catalog. Unlisted sites may be considered at an approved organization through an application process. All students are required to spend 100 hours (10 hours per week) at the public health organization during the quarter in which they are enrolled in PUBHLTH 195W.

Practicum is open only to upper-division Public Health students who are in good academic standing, have completed all prerequisite course work, and have submitted a graduation application. Practicum must be taken for a letter grade. PUBHLTH 195W must be completed with a minimum letter grade of C.

Pub Hlth 195W
Public Health Practicum and Cultivating Experience
8 UNITS
Provides direct opportunities for Public Health majors to observe and participate in public health activities and/or research; and to cultivate skills for verbal and written communication of contemporary public health topics for an integrative culminating experience.