Syllabus

Fellowship Objectives

• Learn the science behind climate change, environmental degradation and its effects on human health

• Explore environmental justice and why some communities bear a greater burden of environmental harm

• Conduct original group research and present findings

• Meet community organizers, scientists, physicians, and public health professionals working to address these issues

• Discover career pathways in medicine, public health, science, and advocacy

Course Textbook (Free Access)

Al-Delaimy, W., Ramanathan, V., & Sánchez Sorondo, M. (2020). Health of People, Health of Planet and Our Responsibility: Climate Change, Air Pollution and Health. Springer Open. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31125-4

Expectations

• Collaborate in groups of four over the course of the fellowship on a research project leading to a poster presentation. This will require meeting outside of in-person classes to work on the project.

• Attendance to two in-person sessions per week and research showcase on Friday, July 31

• Completion of a survey before and after the fellowship

• Participation in one 1-hour Zoom interview with the medical student leading the program about fellowship experience and personal goals

Outcomes

• Learn how climate change and environmental degradation (ex. air pollution and flooding) impact human health

• Develop research skills and boost CV with research experience

  • Introduction to how to read and present scientific papers

  • Collaborate on a group research project exploring the impact of a local environmental hazard on human health and well-being

• Connect with community health leaders and UC San Diego medical students and physicians

• Opportunity for strong letter of recommendation for engaged participants

• Visa gift card at the conclusion of the fellowship

Attendance

Fellows are expected to be present, to be prepared, and to be on time for all in-person classes (12 total). If for some reason, you are unable to attend a session, please notify Chioma (cugwonali@health.ucsd.edu) immediately. Insufficient attendance may affect membership in the fellowship and receipt of award at the conclusion of the fellowship.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

You are allowed to use generative AI (ex. Claude, ChatGPT) to assist with your research projects. However, you should

1. Read through everything that AI produces. Don't just assume that the information you get is correct

2. Cite when you use AI and what for. Use APA style citations. Here is a resource for how to cite AI.

Don't let AI think for you, rather use it as a tool to help you understand concepts more effectively or generate ideas. Here is a guide from the UC San Diego library on how to use AI responsibly and effectively.

Learning Format

Each session runs from 1:00 - 3:00 PM and includes a mix of learning, discussion, research, and community building. A typical session will include:

• A short lesson on a planetary health topic — like air pollution, flooding, or environmental justice

• Group discussion and activities where your knowledge and experience matter just as much as the research presented

• Occasionally, a guest speaker — a doctor, scientist, community organizer, or advocate sharing their work

• Time for brief reflection