CPH 401 Introduction to Mapping for Public Health Online; 3 credit hours Summer 2015 June 1-July 1, 2015 Instructor: Stephanie Springer, MPH Lecturer, Health Promotion Sciences Office: Drachman Hall, room A302 Phone number: (520) 626-3207 Email: stephks@email.arizona.edu Office hours: By appointment Course Description: This course will provide an introduction to public health mapping. Course content includes fundamental mapping concepts, current applications of mapping within the public health field, and exercises to gain practical experience using web-based GIS technology to communicate public health messages. This is a writing emphasis course. This course prepares public health students for GIS lab-focused courses, including the University of Arizona s GEOG/RNR 403, GEOG/RNR 416a, and GEOG/RNR 417. Intended Audience: Public health majors who have an interest in mapping, geographic information systems, and cartography. Prerequisites: Course pre/co-requisite: CPH 309 Introduction to Epidemiology or instructor permission. Course Format: The course is presented fully online. There are no face-to-face or real-time meetings required. Instructional Objectives: Through an interactive process that involves engagement with course content, discussion with peers, and the completion of mapping and writing assignments, students will: Demonstrate historical knowledge of mapmaking Define and discuss fundamental and technical concepts related to public health mapping, geographic information systems (GIS), and cartography Identify sources for health-related spatial data and maps Collect and record spatial and attribute data for public health mapping uses Identify and evaluate the characteristics of effective maps used in public health settings Construct maps using web-based GIS technology for communicating public health messages to diverse audiences Interpret and describe map results to a non-technical audience Understand and analyze applications of GIS in the public health field Engage in dialogue regarding limitations of public health mapping Develop and demonstrate foundational knowledge and skillset for success in advanced public health mapping, GIS, and cartography courses and work experiences Create a portfolio from course-related exercises 1
College of Public Health Undergraduate Competencies: This course provides an overview of a broad range of public health topics. By the end of the course, students will be able to: Describe the historical development of public health systems and their role in society Use epidemiological principles to describe and analyze causes of disease and illness Use basic biostatistical approaches and other modern methodological frameworks to design and test hypotheses Appropriately incorporate determinants of health (environmental, social, cultural, behavioral, and biological) when studying the causation of disease and access to health services Provide an environmental description for the major causes of communicable and non-communicable diseases and their pathology Write appropriately for an entry level position in the field of public health Distinguish between the roles that morals, ethics, and law have on public health Required Materials: To be successful in the course, students will need: A computer with working speakers and equipped with a complete office software package such as Microsoft Office. Students will NOT be able to complete class assignments successfully on a smartphone or tablet. o Mac users: please note that one dropbox assignment (assignment #8) is not able to be completed on a Mac due to the mapping software, so Mac users will have to find an alternative computer to complete that one assignment. Suggested alternatives for this include visiting computer labs in the UA library or your local library. A reliable internet connection that has the ability/speed to stream videos. There is no required textbook - all reading materials will be posted to D2L. Special note on accelerated, online courses: An accelerated and online course like this one requires you to be self-motivated, dedicated, and organized. Because this is an upper division course, there is a significant amount of challenging work involved. Plan to check D2L every day and expect to spend about 25-30 hours/week on course module activities and assignments (remember, we are cramming a full semester course into 4.5 weeks!). Review the syllabus and think carefully about if you can accept this intense, focused workload, especially if you have a lot of other commitments in your life during the same time period. Course Communication: All course information will be made available through the UA s online course management system, Desire2Learn (aka D2L). Per UA policy, any communication via email will be sent to the student s official UA email. Students are welcome to make appointments with the instructor to enhance their learning and/or to clarify course information. D2L: Students are expected to check D2L for all course information and announcements. To access D2L, go to http://d2l.arizona.edu/ and enter your NetID login and password. Under the My Courses tab, choose CPH 401. You should now be on the course homepage If you have difficulty with D2L, please visit the D2L Tool Guides page and review the supported browser information page 2
UA Email: As noted, primary communication for this course is through the D2L course page. However, any email correspondence that is not general and is specific between the student and instructor will be sent to the student s UA email account. When contacting the instructor by email, please include CPH 401 in the subject line. Between 9 am and 5 pm on weekdays, the instructor checks email every couple of hours. Office Hours: Students may email the instructor to make in person, telephone, Skype, or Google+ appointments which are available Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4:30 pm. Computer or Technology Issues: The instructor is the content person and will assist you in learning about mapping within a public health context. You are responsible for making sure that your computer and technology is up to date and to problemsolve any logistical problems that may be experienced. The UA has several resources (the 24/7 IT Support Center and D2L Help) available to help you with any issues. Note: While assistance is available all the time through the 27/7 IT Support Center, D2L Help is only available during business hours. Course Activities and Assignments: Having time planned each day and throughout the week for your involvement in this accelerated online course will help you stay on track in the learning experience. More detailed information about all assignments and grading rubrics will be posted on the D2L site. Module Content You will review the instructor lecture (via video), reading assignments (textbook chapters, journal articles, news articles, etc.) and other media (online videos, interactive maps, etc.). Module Learning Quizzes You will complete a learning quiz after reviewing each module s content to ensure that you have viewed the video lecture, readings, and media. The quiz needs to be completed by the listed deadlines. Dropbox Assignments You will complete mapping and writing assignments and turn them in using the D2L dropbox by the listed deadlines. Many of these assignments will be part of your portfolio. The dropbox will be linked to Turnitin.com to facilitate the check for plagiarism. Weekly Discussions You will engage in weekly discussions with your classmates by writing both reflections and reactions. o Reflection you will complete a guided reflection. Reflections need to be posted to the appropriate D2L discussion board by the listed deadlines. o Reaction you will respond to at least two classmate s discussion posts by the listed deadlines. Final Project For the final project, you will put together a portfolio, which will include a scenario where you are instructed to create a map, mapping and writing drop-box assignments completed throughout the course (you will get a chance to update and revise your assignments based on feedback you received from the instructor throughout the term), and a final assessment. This final project is due to the dropbox on D2L on July 1 by 5 pm. 3
Supplementary Materials: Additional materials are posted under the D2L content page References/Resources. If you discover a reading, map, or media you think is interesting and would like to share, please post it directly to the Interesting Read/Map/Media discussion board, and briefly state the relevance in your discussion post. If the material is determined relevant by the instructor, the student will receive 5 points extra credit (up to 10 points possible during the course). Student Evaluation: Students earn a grade for this course by completing module learning quizzes, dropbox assignments, weekly discussions, and the final project. Assignment Points Possible Weight Module Learning Quizzes 14 quizzes x 10 points each = 140 20% Dropbox Assignments 13 dropbox assignments x 20 points each 37% = 260 Weekly Discussions 5 discussions x 28 points each = 140 20% Final Project 1 final project x 160 points = 160 23% Total 700 points 100% Notes on Grades Grade Scale: A = 90-100%; B = 80-89%; C = 70-79%; D = 60-69%; E = 59% or less Students should check their earned grades frequently during the term. Students have five days after a grade is posted for a specific assignment to contact the instructor with their questions about a grade received. After five days have passed, the grade can t be changed. Due to the tight time frame of an accelerated course, students are only granted TWO late submission tickets. If a student misses the deadline for an assignment, please email the instructor within 24 hours to let me know that you would like to use one of your late submission tickets. You will then have the chance to earn full credit for that assignment without penalty for the late date as long as the assignment is turned in within 72 hours (three days) from the original deadline. After these two tickets are used, I will not accept late work for any remaining module learning quizzes, dropbox assignments, or weekly discussions. The late submission ticket is not allowed to be used for the final project. The grade for the final project will be automatically reduced by 10% for every 24 hours late the final project is turned in past the deadline. (For example, less than 24 hours late evaluated points minus 10%, 25-48 hours late evaluated points minus 20%, etc.) Remember, a late submission ticket is not allowed to be used for the final project. See the opportunity for 10 extra credit points listed above (see Supplementary Materials ). The key to success in this course is to stay on schedule, follow directions, and ask questions when clarification is needed. 4
Course Atmosphere and Expectations: In order to create a safe and collegial environment, we must maintain respectful interactions through our online communications. Questions and discussions are part of this class, but being disrespectful or bullying is never allowable. See the link to Netiquette Guidelines on the D2L site (in the Getting Started module). See also the University policy statements below the course schedule. Instructor Expectation of Students Participate on the course D2L website daily. Know course requirements as outlined in this syllabus and on the course D2L site. Be engaged in learning. Review assigned course module content. Complete course work as assigned and turn in assignments by the due date. Ask questions if content, activities, or assignments are unclear or difficult to understand. Maintain an environment of professionalism, mutual respect, and common courtesy. Challenge yourself and give your best effort. Student Expectations of Instructor Participate on the course D2L website daily and alert students of changes as soon as possible. Keep students informed of course objectives, content, and requirements. Provide clear feedback about academic progress and opportunities for improvement. Listen attentively to student concerns, interests, needs, and challenges. Model and facilitate an environment of professionalism, mutual respect, and common courtesy. Challenge myself, retain flexibility and fairness, and give my best effort. Student Expectations of Peers Mutually respect each other s backgrounds and abilities. Contribute in positive ways to the learning community. Refrain from crass or insensitive remarks and comments about peers. 5
Course Schedule Subject to Change: While there are no anticipated major changes to the course once it is underway, this syllabus and schedule is subject to change with reasonable advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor. Module Availability: Participation in this online course through timely listening of recorded modules and in active engagement in other course assignments are vital to the learning process. Each week s module content and assignments will be available on the D2L Content page at 12:00 midnight MST on the Saturday morning before the school week begins. This course requires significant self-direction and time management. Students are welcome to begin working on activities ahead of the listed deadlines to fit individual scheduling needs. NOTE: All times listed are in Mountain Standard Time (Tucson, AZ time). Week Module Module topics Assignments due this week 1 (June 1-5) Getting Course overview, syllabus Review module content started review, and online learning 1 Historical overview of mapmaking 2 Map basics: foundational concepts and definitions 3 Public health data: types and sources Module learning quizzes Getting started quiz due Monday (6/1) at 7 pm Module 1 learning quiz (aka Q1) due Tuesday (6/2) at 12 Q2 due Wednesday (6/3) at 12 Q3 due Thursday (6/4) at 12 Dropbox assignments Initial assessment due Monday (6/1) at 8 pm Creating mental maps due Wednesday (6/3) at 5 pm Exploring American Fact Finder due Friday (6/5) at 5 pm Discussions Getting Started Reflection due Monday (6/1) at 9 pm Getting Started Reactions due Tuesday (6/2) at 7 pm Week 1 Reflection due Thursday (6/4) at 7 pm Week 1 Reactions due Friday (6/5) at 7 pm 6
Week Module Module topics Assignments due this week 2 (June 6-12) 4 Linking attribute data to spatial data Review module content Module learning quizzes 5 Data representation: map Q4 due Monday (6/8) at 12 elements, types, and design Q5 due Tuesday (6/9) at 12 considerations Q6 due Wednesday (6/10) at 12 6 Mapping technologies Dropbox assignments Collecting public health data due Monday (6/8) at 5 pm Exploring PimaMaps due Wednesday (6/10) at 5 pm Exploring Google My Maps due Friday (6/12) at 5 pm Discussion Week 2 Reflection due Thursday (6/11) at 7 pm Week 2 Reactions due Friday (6/12) at 7 pm 3 (June 13-19) 7 Spatial relationships and spatial analysis 8 Epidemiology and environmental health applications 9 Health deliveries, policy, and access applications Review module content Module learning quizzes Q7 due Monday (6/15) at 12 Q8 due Tuesday (6/16) at 12 Q9 due Wednesday (6/17) at 12 Dropbox assignments Mid-point assessment due Monday (6/15) at 5 pm Exploring CDC Epi Info Maps due Wednesday (6/17) at 5 pm Exploring ArcGIS Online due Friday (6/19) at 5 pm Discussion Week 3 Reflection due Thursday (6/18) at 7 pm Week 3 Reactions due Friday (6/19) at 7 pm 7
Week Module Module topics Assignments due this week 4 (June 20-26) 10 Health behaviors and global health applications Review module content Module learning quizzes 11 Limitations and challenges Q10 due Monday (6/22) at 12 12 Where to go from here Q11 due Tuesday (6/23) at 12 Q12 due Wednesday (6/24) at 12 Dropbox assignments Exploring Community Health Profiles, locally and globally due Monday (6/22) at 5 pm Code of ethics due Wednesday (6/24) at 5 pm Mapping your life due Friday (6/26) at 5 pm Discussion Week 4 Reflection due Thursday (6/25) at 7 pm Week 4 Reactions due Friday (6/26) at 7 pm 5 (June 29-July 1) 13 Course review and other topics to be determined by the Summer 2015 class Wrapup/Final activities Work on final project Review module content Module learning quizzes Q13 due Monday (6/29) at 12 Dropbox assignments Secondary research report due Monday (6/29) at 5 pm Final project (portfolio and final assessment) due to dropbox by July 1 at 5 pm 8
Course and University Policy Statements: The following policies are in place to support student success Excused Absences: Because this is a fully online course, course assignments should be turned in on time and by the stated deadline. In cases of anticipated absences, students should work ahead. With that stated, please note that all holidays or special events observed by organized religions will be honored for those students who show affiliation with that particular religion; absences pre-approved by the UA Dean of Students (or Dean s designee) will be honored. Students with Disabilities: It is the University s goal that learning experiences be as accessible as possible. If students anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, students need to contact the UA Disability Resources Center (phone: 520-621-3268) to establish reasonable accommodations. If you have reasonable accommodations, please plan to meet with me by appointment within the first week of class to discuss accommodations and how the course requirements and activities may impact your ability to fully participate. Student Code of Academic Integrity: Integrity and ethical behavior are expected of every student in all academic work. This Academic Integrity principle stands for honesty in all class work. This principle is furthered by the Student Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures have been established. What counts as an academic integrity violation? Completing a quiz or assignment with a classmate or friend. Sharing or receiving quiz or assignment answers. Copying and pasting information from a web site or another source, and then revising it so that it sounds like your original idea. Quoting a passage without quotation marks or citations, so that it looks like your own. Paraphrasing a passage without citing it, so that it looks like your own. Hiring another person to do your work for you. Final Grade Appeal Policy: If the student disagrees with a grade, the student may submit the complaint in writing with supporting evidence to the instructor. Upon receiving a response from the instructor, the student may decide to accept the decision or may move forward with the grade appeal process. See: http://catalog.arizona.edu/2014-15/policies/gradappeal.htm Incomplete Grade Policy: Incomplete grades will be given only in special circumstances as outlined by UA policy. See: http://catalog.arizona.edu/2014-15/policies/grade.htm Grievance Policy: Should a student feel he or she has been treated unfairly, there are a number of resources available. With few exceptions, students should first attempt to resolve difficulties informally by bringing those concerns directly to the person responsible for the action and with the instructor. If the matter is still not resolved, the student is welcome to approach the College of Public Health s Assistant Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs. 9
Disruptive and Threatening Behavior in an Instructional Setting: Disruptive and threatening behavior is prohibited. The UA Dean of Students has set up expected standards for student behaviors and has defined and identified what is disruptive and threatening behavior. Students are expected to be familiar with the UA Policy on Disruptive Behavior in an Instructional Setting and the Policy on Threatening Behavior by Students. Smoking and Tobacco Policy: The University s Smoking and Tobacco Policy is designed to promote the health and wellness of all members of the University community, including visitors to campus, and it will prohibit the use of tobacco- and nicotinecontaining products on property owned or controlled by the UA. This includes the main campus, the Arizona Health Sciences Center, the Phoenix Biomedical Campus, UA South, all satellite campuses, University vehicles, and any property leased by the UA. Smoking cessation aids, such as nicotine gum, patches, and nasal spray, will be permitted, but all other forms of tobacco or nicotine including pipes, cigars, cigarettes and e- cigarettes, all types of smokeless tobacco, and water pipes will be prohibited. Statement of Copyrighted Materials: According to Section D (6) (a) of the UA s Intellectual Property Policy, instructors own the intellectual property for their course notes and course materials. Sharing and/or selling class notes and/or other course materials to other students or to a third party for resale is not permitted without the instructor s express written consent. Violations to the instructor s copyright are subject to the Code of Academic Integrity and may result in course sanctions. Additionally, students who use D2L or UA email to sell or buy these copyrighted materials are subject to Code of Conduct Violations for misuse of student email addresses. 10