Program Overview
The Ecological Determinants of Health (Population) program at McGill University explores the intricate relationship between the environment and human well-being, focusing on the impact of food and infectious agents. It equips students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental factors influencing population health and develops their analytical and problem-solving skills to address environmental challenges that affect human health.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview
The Ecological Determinants of Health (Population) program at McGill University focuses on the relationship between the environment and human well-being, particularly examining how food and infectious agents connect the two. This program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the ecological factors that influence human health and provide them with the skills to address environmental challenges that impact population health.
Objectives
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between the environment, human health, and population health
- Develop students' analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate environmental and health data
- Prepare students to identify and develop solutions to environmental challenges that impact human health
Program Description
The Ecological Determinants of Health (Population) program is a two-stream program offered within the Environment major. Students can choose to specialize in either Population or Cellular concentration.
- Population Concentration: This concentration provides students with a broad understanding of environmental factors that influence human health at the ecosystem level, including the relationships between society, land use, and population health.
- Cellular Concentration: This concentration allows students to explore the interactions between the environment and human health at a physiological level, examining how environmental factors can impact human cells and tissues.
Outline:
Program Content and Structure
The Ecological Determinants of Health (Population) program curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in environmental science, public health, and population health. Required courses include:
- ENVR 201 - Society, Environment, and Sustainability: This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of environmental science and sustainability, examining the interactions between human activities and the environment.
- GEOG 303 - Health Geography: This course explores the geographic distribution of health and disease, examining the role of environmental factors, such as climate, water quality, and land use, in shaping health outcomes.
- AEBI 423 - Sustainable Land Use: This course examines the principles of sustainable land use and management, considering the environmental, social, and economic implications of land use decisions.
- MIMM 324 - Fundamental Virology: This course provides students with a foundation in virology, including the structure, classification, and molecular biology of viruses.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods
The Ecological Determinants of Health (Population) program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Exams (midterm and final)
- Assignments (e.g., essays, research papers, presentations)
- Quizzes
- Participation in class discussions and activities
Assessment Criteria
Student performance in the program is assessed based on the following criteria:
- Knowledge and understanding of course material
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Ability to apply concepts to real-world situations
Teaching:
Teaching Methods
The Ecological Determinants of Health (Population) program employs a variety of teaching methods to engage students and foster their learning, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Fieldwork
- Experiential learning opportunities
Faculty
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in environmental science, public health, and population health. Faculty members are actively involved in research and bring their expertise and insights into the classroom.
Careers:
Career Paths
Graduates of the Ecological Determinants of Health (Population) program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in environmental health, public health, and related fields. Potential career paths include:
- Environmental Analyst
- Environmental Policy Advisor
- Public Health Officer
- Science Writer
- Health Geographer
- Epidemiologist
- Sustainability Consultant
