Looking to study public health at NOUN? Get the full NOUN Public Health Course Outline, syllabus, and admission requirements. Find out everything about NOUN Public Health Courses here.
The Public Health programme at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is designed to provide students with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to improve health outcomes in communities and populations. This programme integrates epidemiology, environmental health, health education, biostatistics, and public health laws to prepare students for various health-related careers.
With the flexibility of NOUN’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, students can study public health at their own pace while gaining valuable skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and health management. Whether you aspire to work in hospitals, research institutions, NGOs, government health agencies, or international health organizations, NOUN’s BSc Public Health programme provides a solid foundation.
Aims of the NOUN Public Health Programme
The BSc Public Health programme at NOUN aims to:
✅ Train professionals to develop, implement, and evaluate public health policies and programmes.
✅ Equip students with scientific knowledge and research skills to tackle public health challenges.
✅ Develop graduates who can analyze health data, identify risk factors, and design interventions to improve public health.
✅ Prepare students to work in various sectors, including healthcare, academia, and public administration.
✅ Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in epidemiology, health education, and disease prevention.
Objectives of the Programme
Upon completing the NOUN Public Health programme, graduates will be able to:
🔹 Understand the principles of public health and their application in Nigeria and globally.
🔹 Analyze and interpret health data to make informed decisions.
🔹 Develop and manage community health projects that address public health issues.
🔹 Conduct research to improve public health practices.
🔹 Apply knowledge in health policy, epidemiology, and disease control to real-world scenarios.
Admission Requirements for BSc Public Health at NOUN
To gain admission into the BSc Public Health programme at NOUN, candidates must meet the following requirements:
📌 100 Level (UTME Entry):
- Five (5) credit passes in SSCE (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB) in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
📌 200 Level (Direct Entry):
- NCE, ND, or HND in a related field such as Health Science, Nursing, Environmental Health, or Biology.
- At least two (2) A-Level passes in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
- Public Health Diploma or equivalent from a recognized institution.
🔔 Note: All direct entry candidates must meet the SSCE/O-Level requirements.
Degree Requirements
To obtain a BSc in Public Health from NOUN, students must:
- Pass all compulsory courses and electives.
- Earn a minimum of 140 credit units for UTME students or 110 credit units for Direct Entry students.
- Complete a research project (PHS 599) in the final year.
- Undertake community health practical training (PHS 520).
NOUN Public Health Course Outline
The BSc Public Health programme at NOUN is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in public health principles, epidemiology, health policy, and community health management. The BSc Public Health programme at NOUN spans five years (100 – 500 level). Below is a breakdown of the course structure:
200 Level – First Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST 101 | Use of English and Communication Skills I | 2 | C |
| GST 103 | Computer Fundamentals | 2 | C |
| GST 104 | Use of Library | 2 | C |
| GST 107 | The Good Study Guide | 2 | C |
| GST 201 | Nigerian Peoples and Cultures | 2 | C |
| CHM 101 | Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry | 2 | C |
| MTH 101 | Elementary Mathematics I | 3 | C |
| PED 221 | Developmental Psychology | 2 | C |
| PHS 201 | Anatomy | 3 | C |
| PHS 203 | Introduction to Public Health Science | 3 | C |
| PHS 217 | General Microbiology | 3 | C |
| PHY 103 | Geometric and Wave Optics | 2 | C |
200 Level – Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST 102 | Use of English and Communication Skills II | 2 | C |
| GST 202 | Fundamentals of Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution | 2 | C |
| BIO 102 | General Biology II | 2 | C |
| NSC 104 | Human Physiology I | 4 | C |
| NSC 207 | Medical Biochemistry | 3 | C |
| PHS 202 | Nutrition in Health and Disease | 3 | C |
| PHS 204 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | C |
| PHS 210 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 | C |
300 Level – First Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST 203 | Introduction to Philosophy and Logic | 2 | C |
| EHS 315 | International Health Services | 3 | C |
| EHS 319 | Introduction to Demography | 3 | C |
| PHS 301 | Health Management Information Systems | 3 | C |
| PHS 303 | Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Techniques | 2 | E |
| PHS 305 | Seminars in Public Health | 2 | C |
| PHS 311 | Child Health | 3 | C |
300 Level – Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST 302 | Business Creation and Growth | 2 | C |
| NSC 206 | Environmental Health | 2 | C |
| NSC 301 | Human Behaviour in Health and Illness | 2 | C |
| PHS 302 | Organisation of School Health | 3 | C |
| PHS 308 | Health Management I & II | 3 | C |
| PHS 312 | Oral Health Care | 2 | E |
| PHS 318 | Principles of Epidemiology | 3 | C |
| PHS 322 | Community Mobilisation and Participation | 3 | C |
| PHS 326 | Public Health Practical I (Field Work) | 3 | C |
400 Level – First Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 411 | Parasitology | 3 | C |
| EHS 409 | Sewage & Waste Water Management | 2 | C |
| NSC 407 | Health Economics | 2 | C |
| NSS 311 | Primary Health Care I | 3 | C |
| NSS 409 | Medical Sociology | 3 | C |
| PHS 401 | Community Reproductive and Adolescent Health | 3 | C |
| PHS 403 | Accident and Emergency | 2 | E |
| PHS 421 | Research Methods in Public Health | 3 | C |
400 Level – Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSC 203 | Human Physiology II | 4 | C |
| PHS 402 | Introduction to Public Health Laws | 2 | C |
| PHS 404 | Occupational Health & Safety | 3 | C |
| PHS 426 | Essential Drugs and Public Health Pharmacology | 3 | C |
| PHS 430 | Community Health Practical II (Field Work) | 3 | C |
500 Level – First Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHS 505 | Community Mental Health | 3 | C |
| PHS 507 | Outreach and Mobile Health Services | 2 | E |
| PHS 509 | Geriatrics, Gerontology and Care of Persons with Disabilities | 2 | E |
| PHS 511 | Applied Epidemiology (Communicable & Non-Communicable Diseases) | 3 | C |
| PHS 599 | Research Project | 5 | C |
500 Level – Second Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Unit(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHS 512 | Seminars in Core Areas of Public Health | 6 | C |
| PHS 520 | Community Posting (Internship) | 6 | C |
| PHS 524 | Health Education and Promotion | 3 | C |
Core Areas of Public Health Covered in PHS 512
The Public Health Seminar (PHS 512) covers essential areas such as:
- Epidemiology, Disease Control & Surveillance
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Public Health Information, Education & Communication
- Environmental Health/Occupational Health
- Human Nutrition
- Health Systems Management & Administration
- Community/Family and Reproductive Health
- Health Management Option
- General Public Health Option
- Public/Community Nutrition
- Health Promotion & Education
FAQs About NOUN Public Health Courses
1. How long does it take to complete the BSc Public Health programme at NOUN?
The programme lasts five years for UTME students and four years for Direct Entry students.
2. Can I work in a hospital with a BSc in Public Health from NOUN?
Yes, graduates can work in hospitals, research institutions, NGOs, government health agencies, and more.
3. Is the NOUN Public Health degree accredited in Nigeria?
Yes, the National Universities Commission (NUC) accredits the programme, making it a recognized qualification in Nigeria.
4. What career opportunities are available for NOUN Public Health graduates?
Graduates can work as Public Health Officers, Epidemiologists, Health Educators, Health Administrators, and more.
5. Does NOUN offer a Master’s degree in Public Health?
Yes, NOUN offers a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) for those looking to further their studies.
Conclusion
The BSc Public Health programme at NOUN provides students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to build a successful career in public health. With a comprehensive curriculum covering epidemiology, health management, nutrition, and community health, graduates will be well-equipped to tackle public health challenges in Nigeria and beyond.
Whether you’re looking to work in hospitals, government agencies, NGOs, or research institutions, this programme offers the best foundation for a rewarding career in public health.
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