Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health)

Philosophy

Cape Breton University is committed to leadership and support in meeting the educational, cultural, and developmental needs of its students and communities.

CBU recognizes that public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical and mental health. This implies a social infrastructure ensuring every individual in the community a standard of living adequate for the maintenance of health.

Public health is what we, as a society, do collectively, to ensure conditions for people to be healthy. Environmental public health is the component of public health that comprises those aspects of human health, including quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, social, and psychosocial factors in the environment. It also refers to the theory and practice of assessing, correcting, controlling and preventing those factors in the environment that can potentially adversely affect the health of present and future generations.

Educational experiences provide learning opportunities that foster excellence in public health and environmental health practice and promotes the development of continued personal, professional, and lifelong learning skills.

Goals

The development and maintenance, through consultation, evaluation, and critical review, of the finest program of environmental public health CBU can deliver.

The Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) program will contribute to the promotion of the principles of public health for the benefit of students, the university, and the community.

Graduates of the program will gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function competently as entry level public health professionals and the technical competencies required by a Public Health Inspector or Environmental Health Specialist.

Commitment to the practice of public health will stimulate the student to a lifetime of continued learning and dedication to the advancement of public health.

Graduates should exhibit the development of interpersonal skills and the qualities of integrity, reliability, accountability, and tolerance upon which credibility is established.

Objectives

To:

Provide the most current technical and scientific information in course materials to facilitate student understanding and insight into public health issues.

Foster the concept of teamwork and identify the role of the PHI on the public health services team.

Foster the development of proficiencies in oral and written communication and an appreciation of the elements of group dynamics.

Promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Encourage students to develop leadership abilities and strength of character to become positive examples in their communities.

Encourage student-faculty communication and interaction in matters affecting the program.

Encourage free expression, participation, and to foster an atmosphere of active learning in which students assume a significant role in their education.

Emphasize the roles of health education, community development, population health and advocacy in the promotion of public health principles.

Encourage an examination of the principles and processes of risk-based assessment, priority-setting activities, policy development, and administration of public health programs, including the rationale underlying federal and provincial legislation.

Encourage interaction with practicing professionals and professional organizations dedicated to public health research, information, and program delivery.