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M.Ed. in Health Education
M.Ed. in Health Education

Course Descriptions

For a full list of graduate course descriptions, go to our course descriptions page.

Health Education

HL 5150 Eating Disorder Clinical - 1-3 credits
This clinical experience is a capstone course for those enrolled in the eating disorders certificate program. Students will be able to choose a focus on awareness, prevention and education experience or a clinical experience working in an eating disorders treatment facility for 120 hours.
Prerequisite: 12 credits of Eating Disorders certificate program.

HL 5160 Eating Disorders: Awareness, Prevention and Education - 3 credits
The focus of the course will be on increasing the student's knowledge of awareness, education, prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Discussion will include diagnostic classifications; causes of eating disorders; history, prevalence and treatment approaches to eating disorders; a discussion of a wellness/holistic approach to medical, nutritional and psychological therapies; special populations i.e. women, children, males, athletes; prevention programs; resources; the latest research and information on becoming a coordinator of Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention Week.
Also presented as CO 5160.

HL 5170 Treatment Modalities for Eating Disorders - 3 credits
This course will be an in-depth study of the dynamics of eating disorders followed by an overview of the dominant counseling approaches used in eating disorders treatment and management. The focus will include diagnosis, psychological assessments, psychotherapeutic and other interventions, as well as clinical issues encountered in treatment.
Prerequisite: CO/HL 5160. Also presented as CO 5170.

HL 5180 Nutrition Fundamentals and Counseling in the Recovery of Eating Disorders - 3 credits
This course will focus on nutritional education issues relevant to those interested in health and wellness for the general population, as well as those working with eating disorders clients. Discussion will include basic concepts of nutrition science and nutritional needs, evaluation of weight management methods, investigation of food facts and fallacies, different diet plans, i.e. vegetarian, sports nutrition. Information will be presented on how the nutritionist, counselor or health educator applies nutritional information to their clients or students. The course will also include how to present information in nutritional counseling and education for the eating disorder client.
Prerequisite: CO/HL 5160 or permission of instructor. Also presented as CO 5180.

HL 5190 Medical and Physiological Aspects of Eating Disorders - 3 credits
The focus of the course will be to increase the student's knowledge of the effects eating disorders have on the body's medial systems and the physiologic function. Discussion will include diagnostic criteria and a multidisciplinary, integrative approach to assessment and management of each disorder. Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of each body system, as well as prevention and treatment of medical complications.
Prerequisite: CO/HL 5160. Also presented as CO 5190.

HL 5200 Aging and Physical Activity - 3 credits
This course will be an examination of neurological, physiological, and psychosocial changes occurring during middle and late adulthood that can affect health, as well as implications for the planning, implementation and evaluation of physical activity programs for the adult population.

HL 5300 Health Behavior: Theory and Application - 3 credits
Provides graduate students an introduction to health behavioral and social science theories, premising that health behavior and behavior change programs are most beneficial when provided within a theoretical framework. Social and behavioral science theory, research and practice as related to promoting and maintaining health behaviors will be emphasized.

HL 5400 Health Counseling and Behavioral Change - 3 credits
Focuses on understanding of the "helping relationship" and on identifying significant problem areas that face health educators/counselors. Students will work toward developing an understanding of and the facility to address given critical issues. Unscheduled.

HL 5560 Special Topics in Health Education - 1–3 credits
An in-depth study of a particular topic, contemporary issue or concern. The course will be taught by a specialist within the field being studied or as an alternative methodology. A faculty member will coordinate a series of guest speakers who will meaningfully address the topic. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated with permission of the instructor. Offered according to demand.

HL 5750 Individual Re search: Health Education - 1–3 credits
Designed so that students may pursue, in depth, a personal interest in the field of allied health. Students, working with a faculty advisor, carry out research from design to completion. The final product must be approved by the faculty advisor and/or faculty committee. Offered according to demand.

HL 5800 Practicum in Health Education - 1–3 credits
Field experience in an agency or institution involved in the planning and evaluation of health education. Work experience guided by qualified supervisors in conjunction with Plymouth faculty. Periodic written reports, field-based projects and comprehensive portfolio review. Offered according to demand.

HL 5910 Independent Study in Health Education - 1–3 credits
Enrichment of the background of students in education through the pursuit of a special topic pertinent to their interests and abilities. A chance for an in-depth study of a problem in the field of education. Consent of a faculty supervisor, department chair and the Associate Vice President is required.

Health Promotion

HP 5010 Introduction to Health Education and Health Promotion - 3 credits
Provides health educators with the opportunity to interpret concepts, purposes, philosophies and theories of health education and wellness. Students will investigate physical, social, emotional and intellectual factors influencing health behavior.

HP 5020 Designing and Implementing Health Promotion Programs - 3 credits
Provides students with the information and resources that will enable them to develop skills in program planning for health promotion. Needs assessment, goal and objective formulation, instructional methods and materials, program implementation and evaluation will be included. Summer.
Prerequisite: HP 5010.

HP 5030 Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs - 3 credits
Gives students the tools and skills they need to design and conduct health program valuations. Evaluation purposes, levels, methods, designs and measurement issues will be covered. Summer of odd years.
Prerequisite: HP 5020 and ED 5030.

HP 5070 Community Health Promotion - 3 credits
The focus of this course will be to review basic program planning skills, implementation and evaluation of community and worksite health promotion programs. The class will plan, implement and evaluate a health promotion program, i.e. wellness fair or workshop. Students will learn grant writing skills, pamphlet/newsletter development and will be introduced to the field of wellness/health coaching and facilitator trainings, e.g. smoking cessation.

HP 5080 Women's Health Issues - 1–3 credits
Identifies and discusses various women's health topics relevant to our everyday lives. Helps provide learning experiences and guidance relevant to the needs, concerns, interests and aspirations that arise out of various health issues relevant to all women. Unscheduled.

HP 5090 Mind Body Techniques for Stress and Health - 3 credits
The focus of this course will be to introduce the student to mind-body techniques for stress management and health issues. Some of the techniques will include yoga, breathing, meditation, progressive relaxation, imagery and massage as well as an introduction to the field of integrative medicine. Some of the therapies discussed will include energy medicine, aromatherapy and acupuncture. Will be accepted as one credit in stress management.

HP 5200 Nutrition - 1 credit
A nutritional education course with a special focus on the issues relevant to students of physical education and health education. A survey of concepts in nutrition science will be applied to the support of general wellness and active lifestyles. Offered spring term of even years.

HP 5210 Fitness Principles - 1 credit
The fitness component is designed to provide the student the opportunity to experience, research and develop a variety of fitness activities for use in his/her future career as a health educator. The elements of physical fitness and total body wellness will be discussed and applied in diverse ways. Each student will develop and compile fitness methods appropriate for a variety of populations and settings. Offered spring term of even years.

HP 5220 Disease and the Environment - 1 credit
This course will discuss common diseases and disorders and the web of causation and wellness models related to disease and the environment. Diseases discussed will include chronic diseases, communicable diseases, as well as some mental health diseases. Offered spring term of even years.

HP 5230 Substance Abuse - 1 credit
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of contemporary drug use and abuse. Course content includes the determinants of drug abuse, psychological, physiological, societal and pharmacological aspects of drugs, prevention and treatment of drug addiction, as well as information about specific drugs.

HP 5240 First Aid and CPR - 1 credit
The focus of this course is to identify content, resources, materials and instructional strategies for providing consumer education to various populations. Students will discuss key issues including legal and ethical considerations, curriculum development and resources for the school and community setting. The relationship of consumerism and health will be the underlying theme of this professional preparation course. This is an online course and is offered each term.

HP 5250 Consumer Health - 1 credit
The focus of this course is to identify content, resources, materials and instructional strategies for providing consumer education to various populations. Students will discuss key issues including legal and ethical considerations, curriculum development and resources for the school and community setting. The relationship of consumerism and health will be the underlying theme of this professional preparation course. This is an online course and is offered each term.

HP 5260 Mental Health and Sexuality - credits
This course is designed to provide students with information relevant to contemporary mental health issues and human sexuality issues. Students will be able to identify resource, personnel and agencies pertinent to these issues. Current theories of behavioral change will be examined. Offered spring term of even years.

HP 5560 Special Topics in Health Promotion - 1–4 credits
This course will cover various topics in Health Promotion.

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This page was last revised: 1/3/2008