SPPH Featured Courses
We invite you to check out these Term II Winter 2024-2025 Courses that have space available!



SPPH 501: Analysis of Longitudinal & Correlated Data

Unlock the world of advanced data analysis with SPPH 501! Dive into methods for analyzing longitudinal and correlated data, with a special focus on statistical modeling techniques like generalized linear mixed models, Bayesian hierarchical models, and more. This course combines conceptual learning with hands-on practice in statistical computing, using R and WinBUGs. Ideal for those interested in understanding how health outcomes relate to their determinants through sophisticated modeling approaches.

By the end, you’ll be equipped to translate complex health-related concepts into statistical models and apply various analytical methods to real-world data. The course includes a flexible final project, providing the opportunity to apply what you learn to a topic that interests you.

Pre-requisites include SPPH 400 and 500 or their equivalents.

Instructor: Dr. Ying C. MacNab

Days: Tuesdays
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM



SPPH 520: Control of
Communicable Diseases

Join SPPH 520 to delve into the world of communicable diseases! This course explores the unique features of infectious disease epidemiology, outbreak investigation, and effective control measures. You’ll learn to design intervention programs, investigate outbreaks, and understand how social determinants impact disease spread.

With a focus on hands-on learning, the course features interactive workshops, assignments, and a mid-term exam. You’ll also have the chance to present on key topics related to disease control, allowing for an immersive and practical approach to learning.

Pre-requisites include introductory epidemiology and statistics courses.

Instructors: Dr. David Patrick

Days: Mondays
Time: 9:00 AM – 12 :00 PM



SPPH 523: Global Health and Human Security

Explore the intersection of health and global forces with SPPH 523. This course examines how issues like poverty, conflict, and climate change shape global health and human security. You’ll critically analyze topics like health equity, governance, and the impacts of policy on public health. Engaging lectures, student-led discussions, and guest expert presentations make this course ideal for those interested in the global dimensions of health.

Key components include a reflective journal, a world café-style discussion, presentations, and a final research paper that will deepen your understanding of the broader challenges and solutions in global health.

Instructor: Dr. Jerry M. Spiegel

Days: Mondays 
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

SPPH 581C: Methods for Analyzing Routinely Collected Data


Master the skills needed to analyze complex health data with SPPH 581C! This course introduces students to both traditional statistical methods and advanced machine learning techniques, such as cluster analysis, regression trees, and spline models. You’ll work hands-on with large clinical and administrative datasets using SAS, developing skills in data manipulation, cleaning, and analysis.

Ideal for students with a background in multivariate statistics and experience with programming languages like R, this course provides a practical, data-driven approach to health services research in Canada.

Instructor: Dr. Jason M. Sutherland

Days: Mondays
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

SPPH 303: Environmental Impacts on Health


Explore how the environment shapes human health with SPPH_V 303. From harmful exposures like air pollution and pesticides to the health benefits of urban green spaces, this course dives into both the risks and rewards our environment presents. You’ll learn about topics such as climate change, environmental justice, and how tools like epidemiology and risk assessment inform public health policies. Whether you are interested in the effects of water quality, air quality, or urban design on well-being, this course offers a broad and insightful introduction to environmental health issues.

Engage deeply with a topic of your choosing and see firsthand how the intersection of health and the environment impacts our lives both locally and globally. Ideal for students from any disciplinary background looking to understand and impact public health.

Instructor: Dr. Eric Coker

Days:  Mondays & Wednesdays
Time: 4:00-5:30 PM

SPPH 512: The Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials


Ethical considerations, intention-to-treat versus efficacy trials, principles of sampling and exclusion, methods of allocation and techniques of randomization, parallel versus cross over design, monitoring treatment outcomes, adverse effects, stopping rules, analytic techniques and data interpretation, and logistical issues in the management of clinical trials.

Ethical considerations, intention-to-treat versus efficacy trials, principles of sampling and exclusion, methods of allocation and techniques of randomization, parallel versus cross over design, monitoring treatment outcomes, adverse effects, stopping rules, analytic techniques and data interpretation, and logistical issues in the management of clinical trials.

Instructor: Dr. Khumbo Kalua 

Days: Tuesdays
Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

SPPH 581Z: Global Health Policy

Global health has recently been at the forefront of public policy debates around the world. Yet, despite this attention, international cooperation around health remains elusive, and health inequities continue to persist within and across countries. In this course, we will explore the institutions, politics and power dynamics shaping global health policy and driving health inequities globally and within countries.

Students will unpack contemporary debates on the definition of global health, examine the architecture for global health governance, and explore politics, actor power and policy processes that shape health policy globally and nationally. We will also delve into the contextual and structural factors shaping global health policy, including colonial and postcolonial frameworks, social movements, foreign policy, economic models and knowledge hierarchies.

Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of contemporary debates in global health policy landscape, including pandemic preparedness and response, universal health coverage, conflict and migration, health worker labor markets and health data governance.

Co-offered with PPGA 569 Global Health Policy.

Instructor: Dr. Veena Sriram.

Days: Wednesdays
Time: 2:00 pm-5:00pm