Course Structure
The Public Health program at Indian Institute Of Public Health Gandhinagar is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field through an integrated curriculum that spans multiple disciplines. The program is structured over eight semesters, ensuring a balanced progression from foundational sciences to specialized knowledge and practical application.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHYS101 | Introduction to Physical Sciences | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | CHEM101 | Chemistry for Health Sciences | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | BIO101 | Basic Biology for Public Health | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | MATH101 | Mathematics for Public Health | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | STAT101 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHYS102 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 2 | SOC101 | Social Sciences for Public Health | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | EPI101 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | ENV101 | Environmental Health Fundamentals | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | BEH101 | Behavioral Science in Public Health | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | PHYS103 | Biochemistry for Health Sciences | 4-0-0-4 | BIO101 |
| 3 | MAT101 | Maternal and Child Health | 3-0-0-3 | EPI101 |
| 3 | INF101 | Infectious Disease Control | 3-0-0-3 | EPI101 |
| 3 | HEC101 | Health Economics and Policy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | CLM101 | Climate Change and Health | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | DIG101 | Digital Health Technologies | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | OCU101 | Occupational Health and Safety | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | MEN101 | Mental Health and Substance Abuse | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | GLB101 | Global Health Governance | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | LAB101 | Public Health Laboratory Practices | 0-0-6-3 | - |
| 5 | RES101 | Research Methods in Public Health | 3-0-0-3 | EPI101, STAT101 |
| 5 | MIN101 | Mini Project I | 0-0-6-3 | - |
| 6 | MIN201 | Mini Project II | 0-0-6-3 | - |
| 6 | THESIS101 | Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project | 0-0-6-6 | - |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
Advanced departmental electives in the Public Health program offer students opportunities to explore specialized areas of interest and deepen their understanding of specific domains within public health. These courses are designed to build upon foundational knowledge acquired during earlier semesters and prepare students for advanced research or professional practice.
Maternal and Child Health (MCH): This course delves into the complexities surrounding maternal and child health, examining biological, social, and economic determinants that influence health outcomes. Students learn about prenatal care, immunization programs, nutrition interventions, and family planning services. The course also explores cultural attitudes toward childbirth and parenting, providing students with insights into community-based approaches to improving maternal and infant mortality rates.
Infectious Disease Control: Designed for students interested in epidemiology and outbreak response, this course covers the principles of infectious disease surveillance, pathogen biology, and intervention strategies. Students engage in simulations of outbreak scenarios, learning how to collect data, analyze transmission patterns, and implement control measures. Case studies from recent global outbreaks provide real-world context and reinforce theoretical concepts.
Health Economics and Policy: This course equips students with analytical tools for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of health interventions and analyzing policy impacts on population health outcomes. Topics include healthcare financing models, resource allocation strategies, and regulatory frameworks governing public health programs. Students learn to apply economic principles to decision-making processes in public health settings.
Climate Change and Health: As climate change continues to pose significant threats to global health, this course explores the relationship between environmental shifts and human health outcomes. Students examine how rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecosystem degradation affect disease patterns, access to clean water, and food security. The course also investigates adaptation strategies and mitigation efforts that can reduce health risks associated with climate change.
Digital Health Technologies: With the rapid advancement of technology in healthcare, this course focuses on digital tools and platforms used to improve health outcomes and access to care. Students explore topics such as mobile health applications, electronic health records, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence in healthcare delivery. Practical exercises involve designing digital solutions for specific public health challenges.
Occupational Health: This course examines the intersection of workplace safety and public health. Students learn about occupational hazards, risk assessment procedures, ergonomics, and legal frameworks governing worker protection. Through case studies and fieldwork, students gain practical experience in identifying and addressing workplace health issues.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Addressing the growing burden of mental illness and substance use disorders globally, this course provides a comprehensive overview of mental health promotion, stigma reduction, addiction treatment, and community-based interventions. Students engage in discussions about policy frameworks supporting mental health services and explore innovative approaches to addressing mental health challenges.
Global Health Governance: This course explores the role of international organizations, treaties, and policies in shaping global health agendas. Students study the structure and functions of WHO, UNICEF, and other global health entities, examining their contributions to disease prevention, health equity, and emergency response efforts.
Environmental Health: The course covers environmental factors that influence human health, including air pollution, water quality, chemical exposure, and waste management. Students learn about regulatory standards, risk assessment methods, and mitigation strategies for environmental health hazards.
Community Health Nursing: This course prepares students for roles in community-based healthcare delivery. Topics include community assessment, health education programs, immunization campaigns, and chronic disease management. Practical components involve fieldwork in local communities to implement health interventions.
Public Health Ethics: As public health professionals often face ethical dilemmas related to resource allocation, confidentiality, and individual rights versus collective welfare, this course explores ethical principles guiding public health practice. Students examine real-world cases involving public health ethics and develop frameworks for navigating complex moral issues.
Health Information Systems: This course focuses on the design and implementation of information systems used in public health settings. Students learn about data collection methods, database management, and reporting mechanisms that support decision-making processes in public health programs.
Public Health Informatics: Designed for students interested in leveraging technology for health outcomes, this course covers topics such as data analytics, visualization tools, and decision support systems in public health. Students gain hands-on experience with software and platforms used in health informatics.
Global Health Research: This course provides an overview of research methodologies used in global health settings, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, mixed-methods designs, and ethical considerations. Students learn to design and conduct independent research projects aligned with public health priorities.
Health Communication: Effective communication is essential for successful public health interventions. This course teaches students how to craft messages that resonate with diverse audiences, develop media campaigns, and utilize social media platforms for health promotion.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The Public Health program at Indian Institute Of Public Health Gandhinagar places a strong emphasis on project-based learning as a cornerstone of academic development. This approach integrates theory with practical application, enabling students to engage deeply with real-world challenges in public health and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Mini-projects are assigned during the third and fourth semesters, allowing students to apply concepts learned in core courses to specific problems or interventions. These projects typically involve collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations, providing students with exposure to professional environments and stakeholder engagement processes.
The final-year thesis/capstone project represents the culmination of the program's academic journey. Students select a topic relevant to public health practice and conduct an original research study under the guidance of faculty mentors. The process includes literature review, methodology development, data collection and analysis, and presentation of findings.
Evaluation criteria for projects are based on several factors including relevance to public health challenges, methodological rigor, clarity of communication, creativity in addressing problems, and potential impact on communities or policy decisions. Students are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary approaches that draw upon insights from multiple fields.
Faculty mentors play a crucial role in guiding students throughout the project process, offering feedback on research design, helping navigate ethical considerations, and facilitating connections with relevant professionals in the field. The mentorship component ensures that students receive personalized support tailored to their individual goals and interests.