Public Health
The Public Health program introduces students to the fields of public health and health science. "Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases." (CDC, 2020). Public health is about prevention. Through the investigation of health problems, public health professionals figure out the what, where, how, who, and why of illness and injury. They then develop and deliver interventions to reduce the incidence of disease and promote healthy lifestyles. Examples of public health professions include health educator, epidemiologist, public health nurse, environmental scientist, emergency manager, data analyst, biostatistician, and health communications specialist—any job that promotes health within a community. There are three awards available: Associate of Science for Transfer—Public Health Science; Associate of Arts—Public Health, General Studies; and Certificate of Achievement—Public Health.
Department Contact Information
Diane Brown, MPH, MPW Department Chair
dbrown226@occ.cccd.edu
Anna Hanlon, MS, MPH, EdD
ahanlon@occ.cccd.edu
Credit Courses
PUBH A1003 Units (54 lecture hours)
Personal Health
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL A100.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This course focuses on the exploration of major health issues and behaviors in the various dimensions of health. Emphasis is on positive health behaviors and personal responsibility. Topics include mental health, stress, drugs, alcohol, smoking, exercise, nutrition, weight control, chronic and infectious diseases, sexuality, consumer health, violence, aging and environmental health. Enrollment Limitation: HLED A100; students who complete PUBH A100 may not enroll in or receive credit for HLED A100. C-ID: PHS 100.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A100
- Associate in Arts General Education 2025-2026
- Athletic Training Level 1, Certificate of Achievement
- Kinesiology, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
- Professional Mariner, Certificate of Achievement
- Public Health
- Public Health (PUBH)
- Public Health, Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T)
- Public Health, Certificate of Achievement
PUBH A1602 Units (18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours)
Peer Health Education Level 1
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
This course prepares students to serve as a member of the Peer Health Action Team (PHAcT) at OCC. Topics covered include strategies for behavior change, referrals, programming, presentation, and group success. Students will be certified as Peer Health Educators through BACCHUS national certification exam. 36 hours in the classroom; 36 hours arranged. Enrollment Limitation: HLED A160; students who complete PUBH A160 may not enroll in or receive credit for HLED A160.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A160
PUBH A2003 Units (54 lecture hours)
Introduction to Public Health
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL C1000.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This course presents an overview of the disciplines of community and public health. Topics include the basic concepts and terminologies of public health; an overview of various public health professions and organizations; the study, prevention, and control of diseases in the community; the analysis of the social determinants of health; strategies for eliminating disease, illness, and health disparities among various populations; community organizing and health promotion programming; school health promotion; environmental health and safety; and an overview of the healthcare delivery system in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on developing knowledge and preliminary skills to advocate for community and public health effectively. Enrollment Limitation: HLED A200/PUBH A200H; students who complete PUBH A200 may not enroll in or receive credit for HLED A200 or PUBH A200H. C-ID: PHS 101.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A200
PUBH A200H3 Units (54 lecture hours)
Introduction to Public Health Honors
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL C1000.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This course presents an overview of the disciplines of community and public health. Topics include the basic concepts and terminologies of public health; an overview of various public health professions and organizations; the study, prevention, and control of diseases in the community; the analysis of the social determinants of health; strategies for eliminating disease, illness, and health disparities among various populations; community organizing and health promotion programming; school health promotion; environmental health and safety; and an overview of the healthcare delivery system in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on developing knowledge and preliminary skills to advocate for community and public health effectively. Enrollment Limitation: HLED A200/PUBH A200; students who complete PUBH A200H may not enroll in or receive credit for HLED A200 or PUBH A200.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A200H
PUBH A2023 Units (54 lecture hours)
Drugs, Health, and Society
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL A100.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Examination of the use, misuse and abuse of drugs, both licit and illicit, in American society and the pharmacologic, neurologic and physiologic effects of selected substances on the human brain. Includes psychosocial, legal, historical, political, social, economic and health related aspects; drug dependency, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention education. Focuses on the impact of psychoactive drugs on the individual and society, including the epidemiology and toxicology of substance abuse and its relevance to personal and public health. Epidemiologic data on the prevalence, incidence, and trends of smoking, alcohol, prescription and other drug dependencies in the U.S. will be covered, as well as risk factors associated with the use and abuse of these substances. Current options for recovery and a survey of local resources will be reviewed. Enrollment Limitation: HLED A122; students who complete PUBH A202 may not enroll in or receive credit for HLED A122. C-ID: PHS 103.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A202
PUBH A2033 Units (54 lecture hours)
Health and Social Justice
Advisory: ENGL C1000.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This course provides an introduction to the health inequities in the United States that stem from unequal living conditions. Students will explore how education, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, and gender and other social factors shape health epidemics and policy development. The basic skills necessary for advocating for health and social justice will be theoretically demonstrated. C-ID: PHS 102.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A203
- Associate Degree California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) 2025-2026
- Associate in Arts General Education 2025-2026
- OCC Associate in Science General Education 2025-2026
- Public Health
- Public Health (PUBH)
- Public Health, Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T)
- Public Health, Certificate of Achievement
- Spanish, Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)
PUBH A2053 Units (54 lecture hours)
Introduction to Health and Healthcare Careers
Advisory: English, one level below transfer (ie, eligibility for English composition (CID ENGL 100) and reading a course with an exiting skill of ability to read a college level text.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
This course provides an overview of healthcare careers and their respective career paths, educational requirements, skill requirements, and professional responsibilities. Essential skills required by health-related professions, such as emphasizing personal attributes, demonstrating professionalism, engaging in teamwork, and building communication skills, will be covered. Students will evaluate the pros and cons of careers they are interested in pursuing to guide them in making educational and career decisions for various public health and healthcare occupations.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A205
PUBH A2063 Units (54 lecture hours)
Holistic Health: Health and Healing Systems
Advisory: English, one level below transfer (ie, eligibility for English composition (CID ENGL 100) and reading a course with an existing skill of ability to read a college level text.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This course explores the holistic nature of health. Health, disease, healing, and healers will be examined from a cultural perspective, comparing the perspectives, approaches, and practices of Western and non-Western medicine. The role of a variety of factors that influence disease risk and health outcomes will be addressed.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A206
PUBH A2083 Units (54 lecture hours)
Investigating Disease Outbreaks and Epidemics
Advisory: English, one level below transfer (ie, eligibility for English composition (CID ENGL 100) and reading a course with an exiting skill of ability to read a college level text.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This introductory course examines the social, cultural, political, and historical impact of epidemics and disease outbreaks. It will include the applications of epidemiology to public health practice and our society, and the study of the ethical and social context of epidemiology through great works of literature and selected historical narratives.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A208
PUBH A2093 Units (54 lecture hours)
Global Health
Advisory: English, one level below transfer (ie, eligibility for English composition (CID ENGL 100) and reading a course with an exiting skill of ability to read a college level text.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This course introduces the broad and growing field of global health, global health challenges, programs, and policies. Students will discuss how health and illness are defined and explore the biological, cultural, social, and political factors that influence health at a global level. Topics include comparative health systems; emerging global health priorities, such as infectious conditions, poverty, conflicts, and emergencies; social determinants of health; health systems reform; and major global health initiatives for disease prevention and health promotion. An emphasis is placed on global health ethics, health inequities, and issues of social justice.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A209
PUBH A2103 Units (54 lecture hours)
Navigating the U.S. Health Care System, Health Insurance, Public Assistance, and Benefits Programs
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
This course provides students with an understanding of the U.S. healthcare system and health insurance options to provide for efficient navigation through the healthcare system. Topics include the history of health insurance in the U.S. and the role of government in healthcare; the U.S. healthcare workforce; basic health insurance terminology; types of insurance and the healthcare marketplace; different types of care, including outpatient, ambulatory and long-term care; public assistance programs and disability programs; and, ethical and bioethical issues.
Enrollment Limitation: INHL A210; students who complete PUBH A210 may not enroll in or receive credit for INHL A210.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A210
PUBH A2133 Units (54 lecture hours)
Social Determinants of Health, Disparities and Equities
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This course will examine personal and social determinants of health through the examination of the role individuals play in their own health and well-being, along with the impact of environmental, social, structural, and cultural factors that play a role both in individual and community and public health. Health disparities and inequities in sexually diverse, gender, racial, and minority populations will be explored, and culturally competent ideas to bridge the health equity gap and improve population health will be developed.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A213
PUBH A2144 Units (72 lecture hours)
Public Health Statistics
Advisory: English, one level below transfer (ie, eligibility for English composition (CID ENGL 100) and reading a course with an existing skill of ability to read a college level text.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
This course emphasizes the calculation, interpretation, and application of descriptive and inferential statistics in public health and related fields. Topics include statistical principles and the use of probability techniques, hypothesis testing, and predictive techniques to facilitate evidence-based practices. Topics include descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions, statistical inference; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance, chi-square, and t-tests. Application of statistical concepts will incorporate data from public health sources, including research and governmental datasets. The application of technology for statistical analysis, including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings, will be covered.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A214
PUBH A2203 Units (54 lecture hours)
Techniques and Topics in Health Education
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
This course will provide students with the skills and knowledge to be successful health educators in both group and individual setting. Topics will include the principles and practice in the planning, facilitation, and evaluation of public health education and training. This course covers basic theories and participatory training methods, with a focus on meeting the needs of diverse communities and adult learners. Enrollment Limitation: INHL A220; students who complete PUBH A220 may not enroll in or receive credit for INHL A220.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A220
PUBH A2303 Units (54 lecture hours)
Assessing and Analyzing Health Information
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Students develop the skills and knowledge required to locate and critically appraise different sources of health information, including online sources, video, print, and others. The review of measurements and methods to access public health data in surveillance systems and vital records will be explored, along with an overview of public health informatics. Enrollment Limitation: INHL A230; students who complete PUBH A230 may not enroll in or receive credit for INHL A230.
Catalog Program Pages Referencing PUBH A230
PUBH A2602 Units (18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours)
Peer Health Education Level 2
Grading Mode: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Second-semester course for students who have completed PUBH A160/HLED A160 and have been certified as peer health educators by BACCHUS. Students will continue their development of skills related to health promotion program planning and implementation. Emphasis will be on leadership and organizational skills, bystander intervention, and health topic content, ie, alcohol, sleep, nutrition, exercise, etc. Students will serve as members of the Peer Health Action Team (PHAcT) at OCC. Enrollment Limitation: HLED A260; students who complete PUBH A260 may not enroll in or receive credit for HLED A260. 36 hours in the classroom; 54 hours arranged.