In the spring semester, new groups are formed to undertake analytic projects for real-world clients in government and nonprofit agencies. These teams, working under the supervision of faculty members, write a report analyzing an actual environmental policy or management problem faced by their clients. Again, projects selected will be relevant to the cohort’s two earth systems problem themes.
See CLS curriculum guide.
This course has two primary objectives: first, to provide a structured way to think about—and conduct research in—the field of sustainable development. Second, to introduce formal models of dynamic, coupled human and environmental systems.
Interdisciplinary research is an approach to advancing scientific knowledge in which researchers from different disciplines work at the borders of those disciplines in order to address complex questions and problems. Successful interdisciplinary efforts require mastery of specific competencies. This seminar will introduce students to competencies in interdisciplinary research through a combination of readings, case studies, and lectures in each necessary aspect, chosen from fields essential to successful interdisciplinary research. It is intended to assist learners to understand why and how different professional disciplines must work together to generate and disseminate knowledge. We will examine: different conceptualizations of interdisciplinary; barriers to and facilitators of interdisciplinary research; approaches, benefits, and limitations of collaboration and team science; methods for measuring interdisciplinary collaboration; the intersection of translational and interdisciplinary scientific strategies; and individual researchers' experiences with and evaluations of their own interdisciplinary scientific projects. Learners will develop a set of skills to be effective members and leaders of interdisciplinary research teams.
Research work culminating in a creditable dissertation on a problem of a fundamental nature selected in conference between student and adviser. Wide latitude is permitted in choice of a subject, but independent work of distinctly graduate character is required in its handling.
All graduate students are required to attend the departmental colloquium as long as they are in residence. Advanced doctoral students may be excused after three years of residence. No degree credit is granted.
This course is intended to provide a strong foundation in the concepts of genetics and clinical applicability of genomic concepts commonly seen in advance practice nurses’ clinical practice. Both classical Mendelian and molecular genetics will be examined, in order to provide a knowledge base that will enable the advanced practice nurse to integrate genetic and genomic knowledge into clinical practice. Using a case discussion approach, clinical issues of genetics testing, genetic exceptionalism, individualized risk assessments and predictions are explored throughout their life span.
Critical Thinking and Analysis in Environmental Health Sciences is a culminating experience for EHS students in which they will synthesize the knowledge and experiences they have gained in their MPH core, department specialization and certificate coursework. The primary objective of this course is to enable students to critically examine and analyze a body of scientific knowledge and to effectively communicate such knowledge to lay and scientific audiences. An interactive, highly participatory experience, it typically focuses, in depth, on one or two topics within the field of Environmental Health Science that are of current national and international interest and represent a major human public health concern. The Capstone course will reinforce fundamental concepts acquired through prior departmental and certificate based coursework related to the underlying scientific basis of human health concerns arising from environmental exposure. The pedagogical approach of this course will utilize a combination of outside reading, didactic instruction, engaging class discussion and team-based learning. Students will be required to critically evaluate current knowledge and present, both orally and in writing, the broad outlines and specific aims of a research proposal to address critical gaps in understanding. At the completion of this course, students are expected to be able to critically evaluate and assess scientific evidence as well as successfully conceptualize, create and defend a research proposal. The ability to communicate research concepts and clear, cogent and well thought out research proposals, either orally and written, are essential for many students preparing entry into the workforce, whether in government service, profit or non-profit corporations, academia, scientific research, policy and planning, administration or regulatory affairs. Graduating EHS MPH students are expected to have considerable facility in public speaking skills, interpretation of scientific literature, critical thinking and analysis of published research findings. Each semester, in consultation with the class, a relevant and timely topic is selected to examine in depth. Creation of a NIEHS-style grant application concerning a previously unaddressed topic is an important component of this class.
This course is designed for advanced graduate students in need of introduction to non-Buddhist as well as Buddhist sources for the study of pre-modern Japanese religion. The following represents a sample syllabus centering upon the themes of astrology and divination in early Japanese religion.
Required of doctoral candidates.
Required of doctoral candidates.