This course will provide students with an overview of how the social and behavioral sciences contribute to public health practice in the rapidly expanding field of health behavior. Emphasis will be placed on theory- driven approaches that are supported by empirical investigations. Students will acquire a working knowledge of foundational theories used in public health practice and evaluation methods used in health behavior intervention programs. The course includes a summary of major public health issues in the United States including an overview of health equity. The course also includes training on the translation of research findings into the public health practice through the development of a theory informed health behavior intervention program.

This course will provide students with an overview of how the social and behavioral sciences contribute to primary prevention in the rapidly expanding field of health behavior. Emphasis will be placed on theory- driven approaches that are supported by empirical investigations. Students will acquire a working knowledge of foundational theories used in public health practice as well as the ability to measure key theoretical constructs. The course includes an overview of public health issues in the United States. The course also includes training regarding the translation of research findings into public health practice.