AI for Public Health Initiative
Courses Teaching AI and Digital Public Health
In the Zuckerman College of Public Health, we are determined to equip our graduates with AI competency to prepare them for the digital workforce of tomorrow. AI practices will span across public health services, health departments, and agencies at all levels where data-informed policies matter. Our courses will build understanding of new digital data sources and AI literacy, ensuring that our public health professionals become critical thinkers and engaged partners with computer scientists and engineers.
Digital Epidemiology GHI/EPID 526
Offered in-person, Fall 2025
This course will explore the evolution of epidemiology, from its foundations to the modern era where digital tools, novel data and platforms, and artificial intelligence are integral. We will examine how the Internet, social media, mobile technologies, and other digital data sources are reshaping the way we track, predict, and control disease spread. Students will learn about the role of digital surveillance systems and the impact of real-time data reporting on public health decision-making.
Digital Public Health GHI 240
General Education course under review, may be approved by Fall 2025
The "Digital Public Health" course offers an innovative exploration into how digital technologies are reshaping public health. This general education course welcomes students from all backgrounds to understand the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) within public health's core functions, policy development, resource allocation, and health services. Through a mix of lectures, interactive discussions, and real-world case studies, students delve into the digital transformation of public health, examining its implications for ethics, equity, and access. By the end, participants will be well-prepared to contribute to public health in the digital age, whether their future careers lie in health care, technology development, policy-making, or beyond. This course is a gateway for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the evolving landscape of public health.
Foundations of Public Health Applications of Artificial Intelligence GHI XXX
Under college review, may be approved by Spring 2026
This course introduces students to the concepts, methods, and ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques applied to public health domains. The curriculum emphasizes data acquisition and preparation, prompt engineering, large language models, data evaluation and analysis, and implementation workflows using Generative AI.