This course introduces One Health, an approach to understanding, managing and mitigating local and globally complex societal challenges at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health. The course will examine the scope and integrative nature of One Health and its historical development; explore concepts of health from scientific and socio-cultural perspectives; introduce a basic framework for Open Health inquiry; and relate current challenges such as climate change, pollution and environmental contamination, emerging and zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, bio- and cultural diversity loss, and food insecurity to a One Health perspective. Key skills such as systems thinking, communication and professionalism in the field of One Health will also be developed.

In this course, students will critically examine a series of case studies in One Health such as emerging infectious and foodborne diseases, climate change and resource management policy; biodiversity and human health, and food security. Each case will involve an analysis of context, key background, methodologies, strengths, and challenges associated with past practices, decision making processes, and identification of future opportunities for implementing a One Health approach. Through individual efforts and multidisciplinary teamwork, students will evaluate how system-thinking has and could be used to advance our understanding of these challenges, and will consider economic, social as well as scientific factors contributing to the progress made to date.

In this course, students will examine an emerging or topical issue in One Health from the perspective of their selected area of emphasis. Topics will vary among years and will reflect the research or professional interests of the course instructor(s). Students will analyze the selected topic from a general One Health perspective by establishing and refining the problem and identifying key concepts and components related to animal, environmental and human health. They will then explore the potential value and impact of a One Health approach within their area of emphasis and contrast that with current practices. In the process of investigating this issue, skills such as systems thinking, communication and critical thinking will be reinforced in preparation for the independent capstone experience. Upcoming topics will be posted in advance on the One Health and CBS-ADA websites.

This course is a capstone experience for One Health students that will incorporate knowledge, skills and practices introduced and re-enforced throughout the One Health program. In this course, students work in teams to explore and address an authentic, One-Health problem using an integrative and interdisciplinary approach. Topics will vary among semesters and will focus on current One Health issues as they relate to emerging disease and public health policy; biodiversity and land planning; climate change and agricultural practices. Students will explore the underlying basis for the problem, the current state of understanding, social implications, and develop an original 'solution' in collaboration with key stakeholders on- and off-campus.