Classes I'm Taking - Fall 2007

To keep my classes straight, here's a boring list of the classes I'm taking this semester, with the course description and professors.

BIOS 603 Introductory Biostatitics - Dr. Yau
Introduction to statistical methodology in the health field. Topics covered include presentation of data (graphs and tables), descriptive statistics, concepts of probability, estimation of parameters, hypothesis testing, simple linear regression, correlation, and the analysis of attribute data. The course is recommended for students needing a firm foundation in statistical methods either for their careers or for preparation for further quantitative courses.

EPID 603 EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS - Dr. Theall
The purpose of this course is to prepare students to function effectively as mid-level epidemiologists in public health agencies or other settings. The knowledge base and skills that are the focus of this course are fundamental to the scope of work expected of master's degree graduates in epidemiology. The course focuses on epidemiologic approaches to activities that are a routine part of public health practice.

INHL 604 HEALTH AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Dr. Khan
This course provides an introduction to social and economic development issues. The political and economic characteristics of developing countries; the process of and obstacles to economic growth are also explored. The relationships among health, nutrition and development are analyzed to illustrate the need for an intersectoral approach in development and health planning. Other important development issues including population problems, health care financing, food production and distribution, and international flow of capital are also discussed.

INHL 605 PRINCIPLES FOR POLICIES AND PROGRAMS IN POPULATION, HEALTH, AND NUTRITION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES - Dr. Mason and Dr. Eisele
This course provides an integrated introduction to the principles of designing large-scale programs in the fields of population, health, and nutrition in developing countries. The problems to be solved are first outlined, with the changing context of international collaboration. Then nine sessions, three each for nutrition, health, and population, systematically address problems, causes, strategies, and policy debates; program components in different contexts; and assessment, analysis, and design of actions in specific circumstances. Finally, common factors, contrasts, and synergies in programs in population, health, and nutrition are discussed. Case studies are used and discussed throughout to illustrate these points. The course aims to give an introduction useful for more detailed study of one or more of the health, population, and nutrition fields in other courses, as well as enough familiarity with basic ideas and language to allow effective interaction with those working in the other related fields.

INHL 615 PUBLIC NUTRITION AND HEALTH IN COMPLEX EMERGENCIES - Dr. Fink
Complex emergencies involving conflict, destitution, and often environmental crises, leading to large-scale population movements, are causing widespread malnutrition, disease, and high mortality among millions of people, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia. Some of this suffering can be prevented through more effective programs when the refugee and displaced populations become accessible to outside help. This course is designed to familiarize students with methods and approaches for coping with public nutrition and health problems in complex emergencies. It addresses the control of malnutrition (general and micronutrient) through general ration distribution and selective feeding programs, emergency public health measures, and key policy issues. Outside speakers with recent experience in this field contribute to specific topics and with illustrative case studies.

INHL 624 MONITORING AND EVALUATION IN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH - Dr. Keating
This course provides the student with the basic concepts and methodologies needed to undertake evaluation research. Major applications of evaluation research are covered: program planning, monitoring, impact and efficiency assessment. The focus of the course is on the practical issues in undertaking evaluation in developing country settings.

15 credits total!

Trying out a blog

In an attempt to keep my experiences organized and remember the things I do in New Orleans, I'm going to try to keep a blog of my time in New Orleans. Who knows how long this will last... 2 months, 18 months, 4 years (if I decide to attend medical school here!)...

This weekend was relaxing - I've tried to do something "New Orleans" every weekend I've been here. But this weekend was relaxing, eating, organizing and hanging out with some new friends. On Friday, I went to babysit for Malachi the Fourth, Boo boo, as he calls himself. He's adorable! He wanted to show me all his toys, especially his vacuum cleaner! So, I babysat for a bit then hung out watching TV and relaxing (after Mal went to bed). I spent the night, returning to my house around 7am (urgh) and promptly went back to bed. When I woke up the second time, Holly and I decided to go to Target and the La-Z-Boy store! They're both in Metarie, so we took I-10, the most annoying highway - the road is under construction and I feel like it will continue to be under construction FOREVER. But, we got to Metarie in one piece and found the much talked about, but never seen IHOP. It's amazing how such little things can make your day. After shopping unsuccessfully for hooks to hang my curtains and forgetting the items I needed to return (the primary reason for the trip), it was wonderful to go to IHOP and eat some pancakes :)

Tonight, I went over to the Patten brothers' house. They live off of Claiborne - so very far uptown. One day I will describe the basic geography of New Orleans and how people tell you directions. However, for now, they live very uptown, whereas I live at the bottom of uptown in the Lower Garden District. So, I took the St. Charles bus to their house and had a wonderful dinner! MMM, and I found out I like shrimp and mushrooms (but only with lots of garlic and onion). Came back home and worked and am now working on this.

Tomorrow promises to be a busy day - group project meeting at 12:30 till it's done and church at 6 then work all night. Finals and such are coming up and I have a lot of work to do!

Goodnight!