Health Sciences
HLTH2020
In this course, I examined the historical, social, and political forces that have shaped today’s health delivery systems, practices, and trends. I was introduced to population and public health theories, models, and the application of general systems theory to health. Through class discussions and assignments, I learned how health systems evolve in response to societal needs and how public health frameworks can be used to analyze health disparities and improve outcomes. This course gave me a strong foundation in understanding the broader context of health care, which has influenced how I approach my health sciences studies and my future career in medicine.
HLTH2030
In this course, I was introduced to the structure and functions of the U.S. health care delivery system, including both public health and health care components. I examined how individual expectations and societal demands shape the organization and delivery of services, as well as how public health and clinical care intersect to meet population needs. Through case studies and discussion, I gained a clearer understanding of the challenges and complexities within the U.S. health system, including issues of access, cost, and quality. This course strengthened my ability to analyze health systems critically and prepared me to think about solutions that balance individual care with population health priorities.
HLTH2400
In this course, I analyzed health behaviors through psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence individual and community well-being. I was introduced to major health behavior theories, which helped me understand why people make certain health choices and how these behaviors can be shaped through education, policy, and intervention. By applying theoretical models to real-world examples, I gained insight into how behavior change strategies can improve health outcomes. This course gave me valuable tools for thinking about prevention, patient motivation, and health promotion—skills I plan to carry into my future career in medicine and public health.
HLTH2980
In this course, I studied behavioral, biological, and psychosocial factors linked to major human diseases and conditions, focusing on evidence-based health practices for prevention and management. I learned how lifestyle, environment, and social determinants interact with biological processes to shape health outcomes. This was one of my favorite courses because it connected science with practical strategies for improving health at both individual and population levels. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexity of disease and reinforced my commitment to pursuing medicine as a way to address health challenges through both clinical care and preventive practices.
HLTH3030
In this course, I was introduced to health communication theory and social marketing strategies used to design effective, evidence-based, and culturally appropriate health campaigns. I learned how to tailor health messages to different audiences by applying theory, research, and cultural awareness to real-world examples. Through projects and case studies, I practiced creating communication strategies that encourage behavior change and promote healthier communities. This course strengthened my ability to combine science with communication, a skill I see as essential for my future in medicine, where clear, empathetic, and culturally sensitive communication is critical to patient care and public health advocacy.
HLTH3100
In this course, I explored the specific health needs of women across the lifespan, emphasizing understanding and preventing common health problems. I examined biological, social, and cultural factors that influence women’s health, as well as disparities in access to care and health outcomes. Through readings, discussions, and case studies, I gained a deeper understanding of the unique challenges women face in health care and the importance of prevention and advocacy. This course strengthened my perspective on gender and health, preparing me to be more attentive to women’s health needs in both clinical practice and public health.
HLTH3800
In this course, I was introduced to the fundamental principles and methods of epidemiology used to study the origin, distribution, and control of disease. I learned how to analyze patterns of health and illness in populations, evaluate risk factors, and apply epidemiological methods to real-world case studies. By connecting statistics to health outcomes, I strengthened my ability to interpret data and think critically about public health research. This course gave me a stronger foundation for understanding disease prevention and control, skills that will support both my future medical training and my interest in addressing health challenges at the population level.
HLTH/LIH3900
In this course, I prepared for my internship abroad by developing professional skills such as résumé writing, interview techniques, and internship site selection. A major focus of the class was building cross-cultural competence, particularly in relation to health care environments. I reflected on cultural humility, adaptability, and communication strategies that would allow me to succeed in an international health setting. This course gave me the tools to approach my internship with confidence and cultural awareness, while also reinforcing the importance of professionalism and preparation in global health experiences.
HLTH4700
In this course, I deepened my knowledge of global health by studying how public health work is conducted internationally. I learned how to assess international health needs and design, implement, manage, and evaluate public health programs in diverse cultural and geographic contexts. Through case studies and project work, I explored challenges such as health disparities, resource limitations, and the importance of culturally appropriate solutions. This was one of my favorite courses because it connected directly to my interest in medicine and global health equity. It helped me see how local and international health systems intersect and prepared me to approach my future career as a physician with a global perspective on patient care and community health.
HLTH4900
In this course, I analyzed reported research in health sciences, focusing on evaluating study design, findings, and implications. I also examined the ethical, moral, and legal issues that arise in health research, including questions of human subjects protection, equity, and responsible data use. Through critical reading and discussion, I strengthened my ability to assess research quality and apply ethical frameworks to public health and medical studies. This course prepared me to think more critically about evidence-based practice and reinforced the importance of ethics as a foundation for both research and patient care.
HLTH4970
In this course, I collaborated with Professor Julia Sherry, my Global Health professor, and an Animal and Veterinary Sciences major on an interdisciplinary project addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 3—Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-Being—in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our work examined the intersection of nutrition, agriculture, and health, focusing on how sustainable solutions can strengthen food security while improving population health. This experience allowed me to build research, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while approaching global health challenges from multiple disciplinary perspectives. It was especially meaningful because it connected classroom learning to real-world issues and reinforced my commitment to addressing global health inequities in my future career.
LIH4000
As part of this course, I completed a full-time internship abroad at AGADEA, an Alzheimer’s care facility in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia. There, I gained firsthand experience working in a health care environment that supports patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. My responsibilities included assisting staff, observing patient care practices, and contributing to a public health project by creating an infographic on the flu vaccine tailored for caregivers and family members of Alzheimer’s patients. This internship deepened my understanding of both the medical and cultural dimensions of health care, strengthened my Spanish communication skills in clinical and community settings, and reinforced my commitment to pursuing medicine with a focus on compassionate, culturally competent care.
LIH4990
In this course, I synthesized my academic and professional experiences in the Language and International Health program through advanced work in professional conduct, oral and written communication, and critical reflection. I completed a capstone paper, presentation, and digital portfolio that brought together what I had learned in both health science and Spanish, as well as in my internship abroad. This course challenged me to critically examine my growth as a student and future health professional, while also giving me the opportunity to articulate how language and cultural competency are essential to providing equitable, patient-centered care. It was a meaningful conclusion to my program because it allowed me to connect my coursework, study abroad experiences, and internship into a cohesive vision for my career in medicine and global health.