In designing health interventions and programs, decision makers must structure and clarify complex policy issues and explore the implications of different courses of action in the face of dynamic complexity and uncertainty. This advanced course introduces three model-based analytical methods-system dynamics, risk analysis and decision analysis-to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to formulate and use models for policy analysis. The course develops hands-on skills with two practical modeling building and simulation software programs, Stella and Crystal Ball, for application to public health and health care systems problems. Examples of public health applications may include infectious disease control and prevention, such as HIV/AIDS, obesity prevention, drug use, and health effects of exposure to environmental chemicals. The course is suited for students interested in career opportunities in health policy research and analysis.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the Student Link for the most up-to-date course information.