FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Who is the target audience for the course?
• Why was the course developed?
• What is the date of original release of the course?
• I'd like to take the course. How do I get started?
• Can I use the course materials in my course?
• Is there any credit offered for completing the course?
• Is there a fee for taking the course?
• What topics are covered in the course?
• Will I be able to ask questions about course content?
• Why can't I access articles from the American Journal of Public Health that are linked from the Readings and References pages in some modules?
• What should I do if I need technical assistance while taking the course?

Who is the target audience for the course?

The course was designed to be taken by graduate students in public health, as well as by working public health professionals.

Why was the course developed?

The course was developed to promote the ethical practice of public health by teaching about the ethical principles of public health and by providing resources for creating an ethical climate in public health agencies and schools of public health.

What is the date of original release of the course?

The course was first made available in May 2004.

I'd like to take the course. How do I get started?

1. Click the "Technical Requirements" button on the left-hand side of the screen and review the technical requirements.
2. Download and install plug-ins, as needed.
3. Click the "Modules" button on the left-hand side of the screen and then click the link to "Module 1". Note: The modules are meant to be completed in order.
4. Once you have selected a module, review the introduction and objectives, view the presentation, review the readings, complete the exercises, and complete the evaluation.

Can I use the course materials in my course?

Yes, the course materials may be linked to from other courses. If you decide to use or link to them, please acknowledge their source by clearly stating the name of the course, the name of the instructor, and the name of the university. Also include the URL of the course home page. For example:

Public Health Ethics
James C. Thomas, MPH, PhD
School of Public Health
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
http://www.sph.unc.edu/oce/phethics

Is there any credit offered for completing the course?

Currently, there is no credit being offered for completion of the course. However, plans are being made to apply for CEUs (continuing education credits). Please check back here for updates on the availability of CEU credits.

Is there a fee for taking the course?

No, the course is free.

What topics are covered in the course?

Module 1: Distinguishing Public Health Ethics from Medical Ethics
Topics: The relationship between theoretical and practical ethics; the application of medical ethics to a specific case study (the fluoridation debate); and then the application of public health ethics to the case study (fluoridation debate).

Module 2: Values and Beliefs Inherent to a Public Health Perspective
Topics: The reasons for understanding the values and beliefs of public health; the eleven values and beliefs that are stated in the materials of the Public Health Code of Ethics; and examples of each from the lecturer's experiences in public health and from cartoons.

Module 3: The Public Health Code of Ethics
Topics: The 12 principles for the ethical practice of public health; explanations and a practical application of each principle; and suggestions of how to use the Public Health Code of Ethics.

Module 4: Law and Ethics in Public Health
Topics: The relation between law and ethics; the federal, state, and local legal powers in public health; and how public health ethics relates to the powers given to public health by the law.

Will I be able to ask questions about course content?

The instructor who created the course materials will make every effort to respond to emails but cannot guarantee he will be able to respond to all of them. If you have a question about the course, please email Jim.Thomas@unc.edu.

Why can't I access articles from the American Journal of Public Health that are linked from the Readings and References pages in some modules?

If you have a current subscription to the American Journal of Public Health then the links should work for you.

What should I do if I need technical assistance while taking the course?

First, review the "Technical Requirements" to make sure you have all of the necessary plug-ins installed on your computer. If you have done this and still continue to have technical problems, please email OCE support. Before emailing, though, please review Troubleshooting Technical Problems.