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Determinants of Health - BIOL 4303
Semester of Implementation: Summer 2024 (5W2) & Summer 2025 (5W2)
Course Syllabus
BIOL 4303-02_Summer Syllabus_Societal and Molecuar Determinants of Health (2).pdfCourse Overview: BIOL 4303 is an advanced undergraduate course that bridges social science, biomedical science, and public health to examine the complex interplay between molecular biology and structural determinants in shaping health outcomes. This interdisciplinary course is tailored for upper-level biology majors and pre-health students, offering both theoretical frameworks and practical analyses of how societal structures—such as race, income, education, housing, and healthcare access—interact with molecular pathways to influence disease progression, particularly in health disparity contexts like Louisiana.
Instructional Design and Pedagogy: This course utilizes a blended, student-centered instructional approach emphasizing team-based learning, article facilitation, case studies, and deliberative pedagogy. Students develop critical thinking skills through collaborative engagement with primary literature, application-based quizzes, and peer-reviewed assignments. Instruction is supplemented with weekly reading discussions, in-class activities, and scaffolded assessments that culminate in both written and oral final projects.
Content Areas:
Structural and Social Determinants of Health
Molecular Pathology of Regionally Relevant Diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases)
Signal Transduction Pathways (e.g., neurotransmitters, hormones)
Pathophysiological Models of Chronic Disease
Intersectional Impacts of Race, Gender, and Socioeconomic Status
Deliberative Pedagogy and Peer-Based Scientific Discourse
Learning Objectives:
Students who complete this course will be able to:
Analyze health disparities in Louisiana through a social determinants of health (SDOH) framework.
Critically evaluate multidisciplinary variables contributing to health inequities.
Integrate social theory and molecular science to interpret disease mechanisms.
Assess and propose structural-level interventions aimed at reducing health inequities.
Apply course content to real-world diseases, incorporating both molecular and social perspectives.
Course Deliverables Include:
A research-intensive term paper that demonstrates mastery of interdisciplinary analysis.
A public-facing brochure simplifying complex disease mechanisms and disparities.
A professional-level final presentation simulating scientific conference formats.
Use of Generative AI:
This course encourages ethical and transparent integration of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity, Copilot) for brainstorming, literature exploration, and enhancing scientific communication. Proper citation and reflective statements on AI use are mandatory for academic integrity.
Significance and Innovation:
This course is a unique curricular offering that not only teaches students molecular biology in the context of human health, but also emphasizes civic and health equity education through Louisiana-based case studies. It aligns with Xavier University’s mission to prepare students to address healthcare disparities and lead in biomedical sciences, particularly in underrepresented and underserved communities. Through this course, students gain both the scientific literacy and the socio-cultural competencies essential for careers in medicine, public health, and translational research.
Lecture Materials
Deliberative Pedagogy Incorporation
Award_letter_Bolden_Henry_5Jan2024.pdfBIOL 4303 Determinants of Disease Facilitation Guide.pdfThe role of race and genetics in disease_information guide.pdfStudent Experience and Reviews
Summer 2025
Deliberation Determinants of Health 5W2 2024 Participation and Summary.pdfDeliberation Responses
Deliberation Responses
Kaityn Norman Deliberation.docxDeliberation Responses
Deliberation Responses
AUC Data Science Initiative
I was selected as a member of the 2025 inaugural cohort.The 2025 Faculty Development Summer Institute was designed to:
Enhance faculty capacity to teach and apply data science concepts
Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among educators
Support the integration of data-driven methods into diverse academic disciplines
Equip faculty with tools and strategies to strengthen student engagement and learning outcomes
Link: https://datascience.aucenter.edu/2025-faculty-development-summer-institute-fdsi/
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