Health Sciences

This course buildes competency in understanding and interpreting a range of different research methods and results. Through the analysis of various research papers, students will need to use critical thinking and logical reasoning to either agree, disagree, or seek further clarification of conclusions provided in the research discussion sections.

CIEE supports qualified students who wish to pursue an academically rigorous independent research project while abroad. In order to enroll, students must submit a research proposal including a clearly defined research topic,
explanation of research plans, description of preparation in the planned area of study, list of resources, tentative outline of a final paper, and suggested schedule of progress. Students complete a total of 100-120 hours of
research and meet regularly with an advisor to complete an academically rigorous, ethically sound, and culturally appropriate research project and final research paper. Approval for participation in Directed Independent Research
must be obtained from CIEE and the student's home institution prior to arrival on the program.

This is an independent research course with research arranged between the student and faculty member. The specific research topics vary each term and are described on a special project form for each student. A substantial paper is required. The number of units varies with the student’s project, contact hours, and method of assessment, as defined on the student’s special study project form.

People eat in order to survive. Eating patterns also tell a story of personal preferences, socio-economic status, and cultural or ethnic background. In this class, students will gain insight into the historical background of several culinary traditions in Germany, their role in modern-day multi-ethnic German society, and contemporary issues related to food consumption and sustainability in food supply. Topics such as obesity, eating disorders, food allergies, food regulation, and the rise of the "gluten-free" trend place the themes in a public health framework.

This course examines how infectious agents interact with human hosts at the molecular, cellular, individual patient and community levels to cause diseases and how the hosts attempt to combat these infections. 

This course explores the impact of demographics, infrastructure, political and public will, global economic conditions, and geopolitical circumstances on healthcare systems. Topics include evidence-based health policy research and the need to carefully assess healthcare delivery systems in individual countries to identify initiatives, patterns, and mechanisms that have most likely contributed to successful reforms and sustainable financing arrangements. Students examine comparisons among European Union and other actors with special reference to the debate on health care in the United States. Students learn about, assess and understand these unique interests, needs, and historical experiences that shape current health care at the national level. Visits to private and public health institutions in all student locations are included and compared for a multinational/multicultural understanding.

This course examines the techniques and uses of epidemiology in preventing poor health, health planning and evaluation.

This course examines historical changes and the role of health and disease in the contemporary world. Topics include: health and disease in the Middle Ages and Renaissance-- modern medicine in context; scientific knowledge of disease; from public hygiene to social medicine; official medicine and folk medicine; prevention of disease; institutions; other medicines; current challenges.