Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - HSCI 424 D100

Strategic Applications of GIS in Health (4)

Class Number: 2628

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Wed, Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2019
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    A minimum of 60 credits and HSCI 330 and one of STAT 302 or STAT 305.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The use of mapping strategies and geographic information systems in identifying disease patterns and health risks. The relation of health problems to the distribution of markers of exposure, susceptibility, and health impact, and resulting risk management strategies for intervention, mitigation, and disease prevention.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines GIS analysis and Remote Sensing methods, taking examples of the socio-environmental factors for social, mental and physical health of people. The concept of scale is introduced, as the case studies include neighborhood, town, city, regional and continent sized examples. The GIS is focussed on statistical analysis and the creation of analytical maps, while the remote sensing uses GIS software to analyze satellite images. Both examine the environmental and social issues surrounding health care and policies. This is an introductory course in the broad field of GIS applications to health topics. Topics will define GIS and associated sciences such as remote sensing and spatial statistics, and the spatial analysis of health issues will be presented, looking at the parameters that may be used for spatial analyses. Practical lab exercises may be used to illustrate the key points.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completion of this course students will be able to: 1. Define key terms and describe methods used in GIS, spatial statistics and parameters for the assessment of health issues at international, national and local levels. 2. Interpret scientific research on GIS applications to health issues.

Grading

  • First Assignment 30%
  • Second Assignment 30%
  • Final Project 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Students will have a desktop computer with ArcMap software for the GIS exercises. Microsoft Excel and Google will also be used. Selected articles will be placed online for students

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be given to the class as it progesses.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Readings will be given to the class as it progresses. 

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS