Public Health Biology OpenCourseWare: Johns Hopkins University's Free Undergraduate Level Course on the Study of Biology and Ecological Principals

Published Dec 19, 2008

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Explore public health problems and their causes and solutions through the lens of biology in this free OpenCourseWare offered by Johns Hopkins University. In 'Public Health Biology' students learn what causes biological diseases affecting public health and areas where research in biology may be influential for the reduction and prevention of disease. This course has no prerequisites and is open to anyone. Undergraduates studying Public Health or another health care field will reap the greatest benefits.

Public Health Biology: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

Public Health Biology: Course Description

Epidemics occur regularly and predictably. The goal of doctors and scientists is not to eliminate epidemics (which is impossible) but rather to control and predict them. In this course, students learn the causes, symptoms and patterns of a variety of diseases. This OpenCourseWare provided by Johns Hopkins University's School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, introduces students to biological diseases and provides real-life examples of their causes and transmission. Students identify the likelihood of diseases spreading due to environmental and human factors. The course covers the mutations a disease undergoes over time and how this can effect the occurrence and severity of widespread epidemics. Students will also learn disease treatment options and the history and effectiveness of public health events, including epidemics. Johns Hopkins University professor Gregory E. Glass, Ph.D., teaches this course on the role of biology in public health.

Lectures, notes and other study materials are available for free online. To take this course, visit the public health and biology course page at

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