Charles Drew University, COSH UPH 509 An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems in Public Health Paul Robinson, PhD

Course Description This course will teach students about applications of geographic information systems (GIS) to study urban health concerns such as access to healthcare, disease clusters, and health status disparities. Skills in GIS operations such as address matching, buffering, layering, and spatial queries are developed through homework and case studies. Fundamentals of cartography and statistical aspects of spatial analysis are introduced. This course will teach students about applications of geographic information systems (GIS) to study urban health concerns such as access to healthcare, disease clusters, and health status disparities. Skills in GIS operations such as address matching, buffering, layering, and spatial queries are developed through homework and case studies. Fundamentals of cartography and statistical aspects of spatial analysis are introduced.

Course Objectives: At the end of the course students should be able to: At the end of the course students should be able to: Explain fundamental principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Explain fundamental principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Identify sources of health related geographic data. Identify sources of health related geographic data. Recognize the limitations and appropriateness of various spatial data sources. Recognize the limitations and appropriateness of various spatial data sources. Process, analyze, and visualize urban-health related spatial data and information using commercially-available GIS (geographic information systems) software. Process, analyze, and visualize urban-health related spatial data and information using commercially-available GIS (geographic information systems) software. Select, process, and interpret spatial databases that can be used to model complex systems that are related to urban health problems. Select, process, and interpret spatial databases that can be used to model complex systems that are related to urban health problems. Plan, conduct, and present a substantial research project that uses geographic data to address an urban health issue or problem. Plan, conduct, and present a substantial research project that uses geographic data to address an urban health issue or problem.

Format and Evaluation Format and Evaluation Lecture and discussion Lecture and discussion Laboratory exercises Laboratory exercises Quizzes and exams Quizzes and exams Semester research project Semester research project Midterm 15%, Final 35%, Quizzes 10%, Lab assignments 20% Research Project 30% Midterm 15%, Final 35%, Quizzes 10%, Lab assignments 20% Research Project 30%

My Qualifications PhD in geography with a concentration in geographic information systems and urban geography PhD in geography with a concentration in geographic information systems and urban geography 18 years of experience working with geographic data 18 years of experience working with geographic data 15 years of university teaching experience 15 years of university teaching experience 7 years of experience doing health related geographic research 7 years of experience doing health related geographic research