5 credits
Health professionals use research skills to develop programs and interventions that enhance the health of communities and demonstrate the efficacy of programs to community partners. In this course, students engage in practical application of research methods that inform health programs, policy, and practice. Specific topics covered include study designs, sampling, identification of variables, methods of data collection and analysis, key concepts in measurement (including reliability and validity), program evaluation, culturally appropriate community-based participatory research, funding sources, and research ethics. As a major assignment in this course, students develop a proposal for a community health intervention.