Public Health Science - PBHS
12 courses · Bakersfield College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PBHS B20 Introduction to Public Health
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PH 101
This course presents an overview of the disciplines of community and public health. Topics include the basic concepts and terminologies of public health; an overview of various public health professions and organizations; the study, prevention and control of diseases in the community; the analysis of the social determinants of health; strategies for eliminating disease, illness, and health disparities among various populations; community organizing and health promotion programming; school health promotion; environmental health and safety; and an overview of the healthcare delivery system in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on the development of knowledge and preliminary skills to serve as an effective advocate for community and public health.
PBHS B21 Personal Health and Wellness
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Eligibility for college-level composition (C-ID: ENGL 100) determined by college assessment or other appropriate method.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PH 100
This course will require students to explore, analyze, personalize, and discuss the following issues as they relate to the essential components of health and wellness: nutrition, physical activity/exercise/fitness, weight control, eating disorders and body image, media influences, mental health, stress, violence, substance use/abuse, sexuality and sexual orientation, sexually transmitted infections, reproductive choices/contraception, relationships, disease prevention, environment, health care, aging, and general public health issues. Students will be taught the knowledge and skills necessary to implement lifestyle behaviors that can improve their health and well-being.
PBHS B22 Drugs, Health and Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Advisory
- Eligibility for college-level composition ( C-ID ENGL 100) determined by college assessment or other appropriate method.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PH 103
This course explains concepts and theories relating to the epidemiology and toxicology of substance use, misuse, abuse, and dependence, and the impact on personal, community and societal health. The biological/neurophysiological, and psychological short- and long-term effects of selected pharmacological substances on the human brain and body are explored, including an analysis of risk factors associated with abuse and dependence. Historical, political, social, socioeconomic, and legal factors involved in the practice, marketing, distribution, and government regulations of legal and illegal drugs will be covered. An overview of contemporary methods used in prevention, diagnosis and treatment will be reviewed, including an analysis of effective evidence-based strategies and local recovery resources.
PBHS B23 Health, Social Justice and Equity
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PH 102
This course provides an introduction to the health inequities in the United States that stem from unequal living conditions. Students will explore how education, socioeconomic status, racism, and gender shape health epidemics and policy development. Fundamental theories to advocate for health and social justice will be explored, and community organizing approaches will be examined. Note: Not open to students who have successfully completed ETHNB23
PBHS B24 Introduction to United States Health Care Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides tools to understand and critically assess the United States (US) health care delivery system. The U.S. health care system will be analyzed from the perspective of the patients/consumers, hospitals, community health centers, providers of health care, insurers, and government.
PBHS B25 Health Education Promotion and Strategies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of PBHS B20 or equivalent with a grade of C or better. OR Successful completion of PBHS B21 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines the health education theories and strategies commonly used in health behavioral change. A primary focus is placed on healthcare and use of health education as a process and profession for promoting healthy individuals, groups, and communities. The course provides an in-depth analysis of the seven core competencies for entry-level practitioners described by the national Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) and used in the health care field.
PBHS B26 Introduction to Public Health Informatics and Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction to public health informatics and technology. Students will gain an understanding of the basic concepts of public health, including the history and structure of public health in the United States. An overview of public health information and data systems will be explored in addition to how they support public health.
PBHS B48WE Work Experience Education
- Units
- 1-14
- Hours
- 54-756 activity hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
College credit for public health science related learning experiences obtained on the job in accordance with a training plan developed cooperatively between the employer, college, and student. One credit hour of community college work shall require a minimum of 54 hours of total student work. Work experience credit may accrue at the rate of 1 to 14 credits per enrollment term for a total of 14 credits. Repetition allowed per Title 5 55253.
PBHS B50NC Public Health for Non Health Professionals I
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours
This course provides future and current professionals working with Community Based Organizations and or Faith Based Organizations with basic fundamentals of public health. In this first section participants are introduced to public health basics, epidemiology, communicable and non-communicable diseases.
PBHS B51NC Public Health for Non Health Professionals II
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours
This is the second course in the public health for non professionals certificate. course provides future and current professionals working with Community Based Organizations and or Faith Based Organizations with basic fundamentals of communicable and non-communicable diseases, Community Organizing/building and health promotion and Health communication
PBHS B99 Infectious Disease Contact Tracing
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours
This course provides Public Health Sciences students with training in infectious disease with a focus on the skill of “contact tracing”. It is designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of infectious disease theory with practical application in contact tracing. Students will have the opportunity to achieve competencies required in the community/public health and health education fields, as well as practice entry-level competencies in a real-world environment.
PBHS B99NC Infectious Disease Contact Tracing
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours
This course provides Public Health Sciences students with training in infectious disease with a focus on the skill of “contact tracing”. It is designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of infectious disease theory with practical application in contact tracing. Students will have the opportunity to achieve competencies required in the community/public health and health education fields, as well as practice entry-level competencies in a real-world environment.