This course introduces the basic elements of public health and public health action, along with related ethical and political issues. The course describes ways to define and measure health and illness, social and behavioral determinants of health, and health disparities including socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, gender, and age. Topics range from infectious disease outbreaks and control, the role of W.H.O and C.D.C., the role of diet and physical activity on health, and the expectations of emergency services and preparedness with public health.