Intro & Course Overview — BSPH 2350 Notes

Course: $2350$ Public Health Principles and Populations
Instructor: Professor Corbett
Format: online, six sections; content via Canvas; emphasis on connecting public health concepts to real-world contexts
Instructor focus: help students find their fit, practical application, and strong communication skills

Introduction discussion: due date around the $20$ th (tomorrow night per chat) for the online class; instructor will align upcoming due dates to Sunday scheme
Discussion boards: initial discussion due on $Thursday$ ; responses due on $Sunday$ ; major assignments due on $Sunday$ (as discussed, may be adjusted)
Calendar: recommended as your friend; current calendar may have inconsistencies across six sections
Coursework cadence: six sections; plan for potential misalignment across sections due to prior curriculum changes

Six sections in BSPH program; content delivered through Canvas; PowerPoint lectures accompany quizzes
Essential tools: you will need access to PowerPoint, Word, and Microsoft Office; Google Docs/Slides and Canva are acceptable if you convert to PowerPoint for submissions
Templates: templates for major documents (e.g., research outline, PowerPoint notes) available or to be provided
Textbooks: two editions available (Seventh edition vs Sixth edition); content also covered in Canvas; cost considerations discussed; buy if beneficial after initial assignments
PowerPoints: download lecture PowerPoints; notes at the bottom of slide notes contain instructor content for quizzes

Required: PowerPoint, Microsoft Office (PowerPoint and Word)
Alternatives: Google Docs/Slides, Canva (convert to PowerPoint when submitting)
Textbook: Seventh edition preferred for new content; Sixth edition may still be referenced
Syllabus: important to read; some errors found and corrected by instructor

Major assignments: group contract, research outline (templates provided), PowerPoint draft, PowerPoint presentation (pre-recorded), etc.
Reflections: reflection paper and an experience trip/interview report (interview with a public healt professional) to be completed later
Final exam: none; course uses ongoing assessments
Late work: acceptance with late penalties; communicate issues ASAP for possible accommodations
Extra credit: multiple avenues; key one is course evaluations
- Evaluation response rates as extra credit: 50% → +1 point (for all students), 60% → +1.5, 70% → +2, 80%+ → +3
Grading policy: department-wide policy does not round up; e.g., an 89.9 final score yields a B unless offset by extra credit or other adjustments

Extra credit opportunities exist beyond course evaluations; instructor emphasizes using these to recover from unavoidable setbacks
Attendance: virtual attendance via Teams; presence tracked; no extra credit for brief log-ins; some flexibility for extenuating circumstances

Department policy: no Generative AI used for core assignments in this class
Instructor stance: AI tools can be tips and ideation aids, but cannot replace original work; be aware of reliability and citation requirements
Common tools discussed: ChatGPT (conversational, can summarize and synthesize), Gemini (succinct, sources-focused but limited document reading), Copilot (Microsoft ecosystem helper, generally more constrained), Grok (Elon Musk’s tool, less reliable for accuracy), Claude (introductory guidance; limited capabilities compared to others)
Practical guidance: use AI as a research ideation aid, verify with sources, do not rely on AI to complete homework; focus on developing independent critical thinking and source verification

Communication expectations: clear subject lines including course number and section (e.g., KINE2350-004) when emailing
Group work: groups assigned in this online course; you can request changes if needed; instructor actively monitors group dynamics and supports resolution
Reach out early: contact instructor for group issues, scheduling, or resource recommendations; TAs may be limited, so direct communication is encouraged
Read instructions carefully: instructors aim to make assignments clear and student-friendly
Be present and engaged: treat virtual coursework with accountability; own your education

Instructor background: BSPH alum, urban health focus; emphasizes finding your fit and practical application of public health concepts
Teaching philosophy: aims for lasting impact; connect classroom learning to real-world public health challenges and teamwork
Office hours and contact: available via email to set up times; office in PE Building; campus presence varies; map available in syllabus