Course Structure Overview
The Public Health program at The University Of Trans Disciplinary Health Sciences And Technology Bangalore is structured over eight semesters, with a carefully balanced mix of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory experiences. This comprehensive framework ensures that students develop both broad foundational knowledge and specialized expertise in their chosen areas of interest.
Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | PH101 | Introduction to Public Health | 3-0-0-3 | None |
1 | PH102 | Basic Biology and Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | None |
1 | PH103 | Social Sciences for Health Professionals | 3-0-0-3 | None |
1 | PH104 | Health Information Systems | 3-0-0-3 | None |
1 | PH105 | Introduction to Research Methodology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
1 | PH106 | Lab: Basic Biology and Chemistry | 0-0-3-1 | PH102 |
2 | PH201 | Epidemiology | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, PH102 |
2 | PH202 | Biostatistics | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, PH102 |
2 | PH203 | Environmental Health | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, PH102 |
2 | PH204 | Health Policy and Management | 3-0-0-3 | PH101 |
2 | PH205 | Global Health Challenges | 3-0-0-3 | PH101 |
2 | PH206 | Lab: Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 0-0-3-1 | PH201, PH202 |
3 | PH301 | Infectious Disease Control | 3-0-0-3 | PH201, PH202 |
3 | PH302 | Health Economics and Financing | 3-0-0-3 | PH201, PH202 |
3 | PH303 | Maternal and Child Health | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, PH102 |
3 | PH304 | Health Communication | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, PH103 |
3 | PH305 | Community Health and Health Promotion | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, PH103 |
3 | PH306 | Lab: Infectious Disease Control | 0-0-3-1 | PH301 |
4 | PH401 | Global Health Security | 3-0-0-3 | PH201, PH202 |
4 | PH402 | Health Informatics | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, PH201 |
4 | PH403 | Public Health Nutrition | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, PH102 |
4 | PH404 | Occupational Health | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, PH203 |
4 | PH405 | Mental Health and Psychosocial Support | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, PH103 |
4 | PH406 | Lab: Health Informatics | 0-0-3-1 | PH402 |
5 | PH501 | Advanced Epidemiology | 3-0-0-3 | PH201, PH202 |
5 | PH502 | Health Data Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | PH202, PH402 |
5 | PH503 | Health Program Evaluation | 3-0-0-3 | PH201, PH202 |
5 | PH504 | Health Law and Ethics | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, PH103 |
5 | PH505 | Research Proposal Writing | 3-0-0-3 | PH105 |
5 | PH506 | Lab: Advanced Health Data Analytics | 0-0-3-1 | PH502 |
6 | PH601 | Capstone Project | 3-0-0-3 | PH501, PH502 |
6 | PH602 | Internship | 0-0-0-6 | PH101, PH201 |
6 | PH603 | Advanced Topics in Public Health | 3-0-0-3 | PH501, PH502 |
6 | PH604 | Thesis | 0-0-0-9 | PH505 |
6 | PH605 | Professional Development | 3-0-0-3 | PH101 |
6 | PH606 | Lab: Capstone Project | 0-0-3-1 | PH601 |
7 | PH701 | Advanced Capstone Project | 3-0-0-3 | PH601 |
7 | PH702 | Research Methods in Public Health | 3-0-0-3 | PH501, PH502 |
7 | PH703 | Global Health Governance | 3-0-0-3 | PH201, PH204 |
7 | PH704 | Health Systems Strengthening | 3-0-0-3 | PH204 |
7 | PH705 | Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 3-0-0-3 | PH501, PH502 |
7 | PH706 | Lab: Health Systems Strengthening | 0-0-3-1 | PH704 |
8 | PH801 | Thesis | 0-0-0-9 | PH604 |
8 | PH802 | Internship | 0-0-0-6 | PH602 |
8 | PH803 | Advanced Topics in Public Health | 3-0-0-3 | PH701 |
8 | PH804 | Professional Development | 3-0-0-3 | PH505 |
8 | PH805 | Graduation Ceremony | 0-0-0-0 | PH801 |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
Advanced departmental electives provide students with opportunities to explore specialized areas within public health. These courses are designed to build upon foundational knowledge and offer in-depth exploration of contemporary issues and emerging trends in the field.
Advanced Epidemiology: This course builds upon basic epidemiological principles to explore complex study designs, advanced statistical methods, and emerging applications in public health research. Students will learn to design and analyze studies using modern techniques such as meta-analysis, systematic reviews, and causal inference methods. The course emphasizes real-world applications, with students working on projects that address current public health challenges such as chronic disease burden, health disparities, and emerging infectious diseases. Through this course, students will develop the skills necessary to conduct independent research and contribute to evidence-based policy development.
Health Data Analytics: In an era where data is increasingly central to public health decision-making, this course focuses on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data using advanced analytical techniques. Students will learn to use programming languages such as R and Python, and gain hands-on experience with databases, data visualization tools, and machine learning algorithms. The course includes practical components such as data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, predictive modeling, and statistical inference. Students will work on real datasets from government health departments, research institutions, and international organizations to understand how data can be used to inform public health interventions and improve population health outcomes.
Health Program Evaluation: This course provides students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to evaluate the effectiveness of public health programs and interventions. Students will learn various evaluation methodologies, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs, cost-effectiveness analysis, and program monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The course emphasizes the importance of context-specific evaluation and the use of mixed methods to assess program impact. Students will engage in hands-on projects where they design and implement evaluation plans for actual public health programs, gaining practical experience in program assessment and improvement.
Health Law and Ethics: This course explores the legal and ethical frameworks that govern public health practice and policy. Students will examine issues such as individual rights versus public health interests, ethical dilemmas in global health, and the role of law in health system governance. The course covers topics such as informed consent, confidentiality, health equity, and the regulation of health products and services. Through case studies and discussions, students will develop a deep understanding of how legal and ethical considerations shape public health practice and influence policy decisions at local, national, and international levels.
Research Proposal Writing: This course is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to develop and write effective research proposals. Students will learn to identify research gaps, formulate research questions, design study protocols, and write comprehensive grant proposals. The course emphasizes the importance of clarity, rigor, and feasibility in proposal development. Students will receive feedback on their proposals from faculty members and peers, and will have opportunities to present their work to the broader academic community. The course culminates in the submission of a final research proposal that can be used for funding applications or as part of a thesis project.
Health Informatics: This course explores the intersection of information technology and public health, focusing on how digital tools and systems can be used to improve health outcomes. Students will learn about electronic health records, health information systems, data privacy and security, and the use of mobile health technologies in public health settings. The course includes practical components such as database design, data integration, and system implementation. Students will work on projects that involve designing and evaluating health information systems, and will gain experience in using health data to support decision-making and improve service delivery.
Global Health Governance: This course examines the structures, processes, and actors involved in global health governance. Students will explore the roles of international organizations, governments, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities in shaping global health policy and practice. The course covers topics such as health diplomacy, global health financing, and the implementation of international health agreements. Through case studies and simulations, students will understand how global health governance affects local health systems and how health issues are negotiated and resolved at the international level.
Health Systems Strengthening: This course focuses on the principles and practices of strengthening health systems to improve service delivery and health outcomes. Students will learn about health system components, including financing, service delivery, human resources, and governance. The course emphasizes the importance of context-specific approaches and the use of evidence-based interventions to strengthen health systems. Students will engage in practical exercises that involve analyzing health system performance and developing strategies for system improvement.
Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship: This course introduces students to the concepts and practices of innovation and entrepreneurship in public health. Students will learn about the process of identifying health problems, developing innovative solutions, and creating sustainable enterprises that address public health needs. The course includes guest lectures from successful public health entrepreneurs, case studies of innovative health startups, and hands-on activities such as business model development and pitch preparation. Students will also explore the regulatory and ethical considerations involved in health innovation and entrepreneurship.
Advanced Topics in Public Health: This course allows students to explore emerging and interdisciplinary topics in public health. The content varies each semester based on current trends and faculty expertise. Topics may include health equity, climate change and health, digital health innovations, global health security, and health workforce development. Students will engage in critical discussions, research projects, and presentations that deepen their understanding of complex public health issues and prepare them for leadership roles in the field.
Project-Based Learning Framework
The Public Health program at The University Of Trans Disciplinary Health Sciences And Technology Bangalore places a strong emphasis on project-based learning, recognizing that real-world public health challenges require practical solutions and collaborative approaches. This framework is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing students to address complex health issues in diverse settings.
Project-based learning begins in the second year with the introduction of mini-projects that allow students to apply foundational concepts to real-world scenarios. These projects are typically conducted in small teams and are supervised by faculty members with expertise in relevant areas. Students are encouraged to choose projects that align with their interests and career goals, while ensuring that they contribute to meaningful public health outcomes.
The final-year thesis/capstone project represents the culmination of students' academic journey and provides an opportunity to conduct original research or implement a comprehensive public health intervention. Students work closely with faculty mentors to develop their projects, which often involve collaboration with external organizations such as government agencies, non-profits, or private sector entities. The project may involve data collection, analysis, program development, or policy advocacy, depending on the student's focus area.
Students select their projects and faculty mentors through a structured process that considers their academic performance, interests, and career aspirations. Faculty mentors provide guidance throughout the project lifecycle, offering expertise, resources, and feedback to ensure that students produce high-quality work that contributes to the field of public health.
Assessment criteria for project-based learning emphasize both the process and the outcome. Students are evaluated on their ability to identify public health problems, design appropriate interventions, collect and analyze relevant data, and communicate their findings effectively. The final project presentation and report are key components of the evaluation, with students demonstrating their ability to synthesize knowledge and apply it to practical challenges.