Essentials of public health biology : biologic mechanisms of disease and global perspectives

Public health students at all levels need to understand the biological basis for public health.

New understandings of genetics, immunology, and brain function require basic knowledge of biology.

New preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic technologies cannot be successfully applied without a comprehension of the underlying biology.

Essentials of Public Health Biology starts by introducing students to basic concepts of cellular biology, immunology, and physiology which are key to appreciating the connections between biology and public health.

The authors build on these concepts to discuss the biological aspects of important public health problems from communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases to aging, nutrition, environmental exposures, and injuries.

Key Features:• Organized into three sections including fundamental concepts, applications, and connecting the science and public health• Examines fundamental biologic concepts of the disease process as they relate to important communicable and noncommunicable diseases observed globally in public health• Emphasizes the population perspective as the key to understanding the biology of epidemic disease and immunizations as well as issues of environmental risk• Filled with graphics, case studies, and in-depth examples to engage the reader in learning Essentials of Public Health Biology is part of the Essential Public Health series.

The text provides the basis for course work which addresses the Council on Education for Public Health expectations for accreditation and also serves as preparation for the certifying examination in public health.