This course introduces students to the principles and practices of public health as they are applied to the health and development of women, infants, children and adolescents. Selected current topics, such as asthma, adolescent pregnancy, infant mortality, and family mental health, are studied in depth and used to illustrate how problems are understood, their distribution in diverse populations, and the content and quality of programs required to address them. Throughout the course, special attention is given to the impact of poverty, poor access to health care, and racial inequities on the health of families, as well as to the strengths that individuals and communities bring to the creation of solutions. By the end of the course students will be able to formulate an MCH-related public health question, conduct and write a literature review, write a policy memo, and critically assess a community organization based on a site visit. MC725 is the first required course in the MCH sequence.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the Student Link for the most up-to-date course information.