HPRO 575 IMMUNE SYSTEM: Public Health Applications - 3 units
Instructor: Lee Berk, DrPH, MPH, CHES, FACSM
This is an introductory but comprehensive course for health-care professionals that explores the foundation of evidence-based scientific research, of the biology and behavior, regarding the principles and relationships between the brain, central nervous system, endocrine and the immune systems. The last 10 years have seen an explosion of research on the relationships between the brain and immune system. Much of this work has focused on the implications of psychological and social factors for our health thus effecting public health. Psychological and physical stressors have been found to alter both humoral and cellular immune function. These changes have been attributed to 1) direct central nervous system innervations/connections with the immune system, 2) stress-elicited changes in circulating levels of hormones, and 3) stress-elicited coping behaviors such as smoking and poor diet that can modify the function of the immune system. Moreover, stress has been associated with the deterioration of immune-related health outcomes such as decreased host resistance to infection and the onset and exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. This course presents an introductory but comprehensive summary and integration of various scientific disciplines that study brain - immune system - and health interactions. This will provide the health-care professional a better understanding of the interplay and importance of whole-person care (mind, body and spirit) and immune system function for one’s health and public health optimization.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, HPRO 575 - IMMUNE SYSTEM: Public Health Applications, the student shall have demonstrated ability to:
- Define the conceptual and theoretical background supporting the relationship between the immune system and the public’s health.
- Demonstrate the practical application of public health and healthy lifestyle behaviors to immune system function.
- Critique strategies for optimizing the interaction between immune system in health, disease and therapies.
- Analysis strategies for strengthening commitment to lifestyle and public health change for immune system benefit.
- Explain the value of comprehending the connection between the immune system and the larger demographics in public health.
Required Text (will be provided online)
Stress, Immune Function, and Health -- The Connection.
Author: Bruce S. Rabin, MD, PhD
Publisher: Wiley-Liss. (ISBN 0-471-24181-4)
Course Prerequisites - None
Course Sign-up and Registration
If you would like to join this class in Fall 2007, please email Mr. Rafael V. Molina. Please provide your last name, first name and LLU student ID.
Registration Deadlines
Registration begins – August 27, 2007.
Registration for online courses ends – September 17, 2007.
Class starts – September 24, 2007.
Computer Requirements
See technology requirements for online courses.
Tuition
School of Public Health Tuition & Fees† |
|
| Fees | $500.50* |
| Tuition (per unit) |
|
| --BSPH | $325 |
| --Master's & doctorate | $610 |
| --Audit | $305 |
| --Online |
$610 |
* Students accepted and registered in the SPH remote/distance and online programs are exempt.
† These costs are for the 2008-09 school year and are subject to change without notice. Please consult the University Catalog under which you were admitted or contact the financial aid office.
