This course meets components of the following Health Education Responsibilities as established by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.

Select a  disease or health-related condition to study

Review the current descriptive and analytical data sources on that condition,

Write a paper (5-12 pages with references) that presents that information in a logical sequence,

Information covered should include:

• Title should read: "Epidemiology of ______"
• Introduce the topic and describe it's importance to human health
• Provide current descriptive epidemiology of this condition

                -    Who gets this condition (what age, race, or sex, and where do they live)
                -    How is this condition expressed (describe the signs or symptoms)?

• Present the most current national and local prevalence and incidence (if available)
• Discuss the currently established risk factors associated with the disease (use current studies to provide this information)
• Discuss the established or suspected causes for the disease
• Conclusion - summarize your findings in a comprehensive statement
• Bibliography of references

All statements of fact should be referenced in the text and in listed in your bibliography using the American Medical Association (AMA) style format.

Other relevant issues:
Attendance: Attendance will be recorded for each class period, according to university policy. If you miss a class, you are responsible for all material covered. Missing class may significantly influence your grade. I will withdraw you from the class on the appropriate date if you have missed more than 10% of the class sessions. A class absence will be excused if you have contacted me before classtime or if you have experienced a rare personal event. Arriving to class more than 10 minutes late is considered an absence.
Grading: A = 90%; B = 80%; C = 70%, etc. Grades are calculated on a percentage scale with number points received over number of points possible. Grades will be posted on Blackboard. Exam make-ups will be made for excused absenses only and will be offered only once following the exam. No make-ups are allowed for missed quizzes or in-class assignments. No "extra-credit" assignments are provided. Due dates are strictly followed. Assignments turned in after the due date will NOT be accepted. Unless otherwise noted, assignments are due in-hand at class time. However, assignments may be turned in before the deadline date.
Writing Style: All assignments will be typed unless other instructions are provided. All written material should be typed in no less than Times Roman 10 point.
Academic Integrity: Your written and oral communication provided in this course should represent the best compilation of your own thinking and communication style. Obtaining ideas from other professional sources is common, however, those ideas should be used to develop your own ideas and opinions. In each case, those sources must be acknowledged or credited by an appropriate reference. Other forms of academic dishonesty include cheating on an exam, submitting the same work for two courses, collaborating with someone else on an assignment that requires independent work, and allowing others to copy or use your work. Plagiarism is failing to credit sources other than your own. This includes coping material from a book or article, downloading information from the internet, obtaining material from another source (online or purchase). Expression of dishonesty in any form are not good for your karma, and will, in this course, result in an F for the course or the assignment.
Classroom Behavior: Free discussion, inquiry and expression is encouraged in this class. Behaviors that distract fellow students or the instructor is strongly discouraged. Examples include arriving late or packing up in anticipation of leaving early; talking while others are speaking; using noisy electronic devices; or other activities that interferes with the normal flow of the class. Be mindful of these behaviors and work to reduce their occurance. Classrooms are also not the place for children, friends, or relatives that have not enrolled in the course.
SLU Email Policy: SLU policy dictates that all email correspondence between faculty and students be done using the SLU email system. As a result, the instructor will not communicate via email with you using addresses other than the SLU system. You will need to check your email frequently.
Cell phones must be turned OFF completely during class time –VIBRATE is not allowed. All students deserve a quiet environment. Five points may be deducted from your final grade each time your cell phone is seen or heard during class.
Study tips: Read the chapters ahead of time and read through your notes as soon as you can after the class. Review your notes again before the next class. Think of questions as you read the text or notes and ask them the next class period.
Modifications: If you are a qualified student with a disability seeking accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act, you are required to self-identify with the Office of Student Life, Room 203, Student Union. No accommodations will be granted without documentation from the Office of Disability Services.