Course Summary
This course delves into the systems science approach to understanding obesity and its causes. It covers topics such as the social determinants of health, the food industry's role in obesity, and policy interventions. By the end of the course, students will have a holistic understanding of obesity and be able to identify potential solutions.Key Learning Points
- Gain a deep understanding of the systems science approach to obesity
- Explore the social determinants of health and their impact on obesity
- Examine the role of the food industry in contributing to obesity
- Learn about policy interventions and potential solutions to obesity
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a systems science approach to understanding obesity
- Analyze the social determinants of health and their impact on obesity
- Identify potential solutions and policy interventions for obesity
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic understanding of public health and nutrition
- Familiarity with scientific research and methods
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online self-paced
- Video lectures
- Quizzes and assignments
Similar Courses
- Nutrition and Physical Activity for Health
- Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health
- Introduction to Health Policy
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Marion Nestle
- David Katz
- Michael Pollan
Related Books
Description
Systems science has been instrumental in breaking new scientific ground in diverse fields such as meteorology, engineering and decision analysis. However, it is just beginning to impact public health. This seminar is designed to introduce students to basic tools of theory building and data analysis in systems science and to apply those tools to better understand the obesity epidemic in human populations. There will also be a lab in which students will use a simple demonstration model of food acquisition behavior using agent-based modeling on standard (free) software (netlogo). The central organizing idea of the course is to examine the obesity epidemic at a population level as an emergent properties of complex, nested systems, with attention to feedback processes, multilevel interactions, and the phenomenon of emergence. While the emphasis will be on obesity, the goal will be to explore ways in which the systems approach can be applied to other non-communicable diseases both nationally and internationally.
Outline
- Module 1
- Welcome to the Course
- Obesity, The Facts of the Case (Or Why Obesity Pushes Our Buttons) - Tom Glass
- Beyond the Usual Suspect: Why This Case Is Hard To Crack
- Explanations: The Food Supply, A System of Interest
- Obesity in Human Populations Through a Systems Science Lens - Tom Glass
- Taking a Systems Perspective: 5 Key Features
- What is so "Systemy" About Obesity?
- Module 1
- Module 2
- What Is a Complex System?
- Nuts and Bolts of System Dynamics Models
- Developing a Stock and Flow Model
- Policy Resistance
- Coding tutorial for systems dynamics model
- From stock and flow diagram to developing a SD model in Vensim
- Important: Models for Lab Assessment
- Module 2 Quiz
- Lab 1 Quiz
- Module 3
- What Are Social Networks?
- Social Network Analysis
- Obesity & Social Networks
- Neighborhoods and Noshing: Foraging and the Food Environment
- Why Should We Care About Neighborhoods for a Systems Science of Obesity
- Foraging Theory: A Unifying Framework?
- Lecture 6: What's price (and income) got to do with it?
- Less money, more problems?
- Taxman: Can Price Manipulations Be Used to Promote Healthful Eating
- Module 3 Quiz
- Module 4
- Agent-based modeling: A simpler way to understand complexity
- Why agent-based modeling?
- Development of a Simple Model with Environment, Peer Networks, and Agent Behaviors
- Food Foraging ABM:Embedded in a GIS-Based Environment
- Lab 2 Part 1: Tutorial on building ABMs in Netlogo environment
- Lab 2 Part 2: ABM for Food Store; Food Foraging ABM
- Lab 2 Part 3: Income-Diet model example with extensions
- Congratulations!
- Important: Models For Lab Assessment 2
- Learn more about the Global Obesity Prevention Center
- Module 4 Quiz
- Lab Quiz 2
Summary of User Reviews
Users have praised the Systems Science and Obesity course for its in-depth coverage of the topic and the interactive learning materials provided. This course truly provides a comprehensive understanding of obesity and its underlying causes.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
in-depth coverage of the topicPros from User Reviews
- Interactive and engaging learning materials
- Excellent coverage of the topic
- Helpful resources provided
- In-depth analysis of the causes and consequences of obesity
Cons from User Reviews
- Some users found the content to be too technical
- Not suitable for beginners in the field
- Limited discussion of potential solutions to obesity
- Some users experienced technical difficulties with the platform
Jessica Jones-Smith
4.6 Raiting
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