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601.731.86
Spatial Analysis for Public Health

Location
Internet
Term
1st Term
Department
MAS Office
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

None

Description
Introduces the field of spatial analysis for public health. Examines concepts through the use of ArcGIS Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping software as a tool for integrating, manipulating, and displaying public health related spatial data. Covers GIS topics including mapping, geocoding, and manipulations related to data structures and topology. Introduces the spatial science paradigm: Spatial Data, GIS, and Spatial Statistics and uses selected case studies to demonstrate concepts along the paradigm. Focuses on using GIS to generate and refine hypotheses about public health related spatial data in preparation for follow up analyses.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Conduct GIS spatial analysis by inputting, manipulating, querying, and displaying spatial data with use of the ArcGIS software
  2. Perform geocoding of address information to both the spatial point and area level resolution
  3. Create and critique maps appropriate for addressing public health related objectives
  4. Identify the key differences between a GIS spatial analysis and a spatial statistical analysis as it is referenced in the spatial science paradigm
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 5% Quizzes
  • 65% Lab Assignments
  • 5% Participation
  • 25% Final Project
Enrollment Restriction
Restricted to students enrolled in MAS and Certificate in Spatial Analysis for Public Health
Special Comments

ArcGIS required software (one-year free license provided to JHSPH students) is made for the PC platform; MAC users will need to install a windows operating system to run ArcGIS.