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 the capstone experience for students in the Bachelor of One Health degree. Students will integrate and refine their knowledge and skills in One Health and apply them to explore and address an authentic One Health challenge in collaboration with an external organization or community. Topics will vary among semesters and focus on challenges at the intersection of animal, human and environmental health such as environmental protection, zoonotic disease, biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems and climate change adaptation. Working in groups, students will implement a One Health problem solving framework involving systems analysis, informational interviews, gap analysis, solution ideation and developing an action plan based on One Health criteria.