In the capstone course for Health Sciences, students will put their health science knowledge to practical use by designing a project or program intended to promote health, prevent disease, and reduce health disparities in their community. Successful completion of the capstone project will show evidence of the student’s development and growth over the program through application of the biopsychosocial determinants of health to real-world issues. To meet proficiency in the capstone experience, a student must earn at least a C- in the course. If a student fails to meet proficiency in their first attempt, they must meet with the Department Chair to develop a plan for successful completion.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Apply the concepts of the biopsychosocial determinants of health to analyze health issues within their community.
2. Design and evaluate a capstone project to improve health outcomes in diverse populations within their community.
3. Collaborate with peers using evidence-based approaches and technology for public health data collection and analysis to evaluate the capstone project.
4. Use ethical principles and reasoning to formulate ethical recommendations to support the capstone project.
5. Assess the impact of social, legal, ethical, economic, and regulatory policies on the capstone project.
6. Advocate for social, political, economic and/or environmental changes to promote public health and reduce health disparities within their communities.
7. Communicate using appropriate oral, written, and technology skills and credible sources.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Capstone Project

Week 2: Unit 2 – Literature Review and Project Rationale

Week 3: Unit 3 – Research/Project Design and Methodology

Week 4: Unit 4 – Project Framework

Week 5: Unit 5 – Data Collection and Analysis

Week 6: Unit 6 – Finalizing Capstone Project

Week 7: Unit 7 – Presentation and Evaluation

Week 8: Unit 8 – Capstone Project Reflection

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Capstone Project

1. Choose an appropriate project focus from the list provided.
2. Identify community needs pertinent to the chosen project focus.
3. Create a project proposal aligning with the course requirements.

Week 2: Unit 2 – Literature Review and Project Rationale

1. Create a robust literature review, proficiently synthesizing relevant sources to effectively support and substantiate the chosen focus area of the project.
2. Identify the target population for the project rationale.

Week 3: Unit 3 – Research/Project Design and Methodology

1. Select appropriate research methods and objectives for the project.
2. Apply ethical principles to the design and implementation of the project.

Week 4: Unit 4 – Project Framework

1. Explain the project framework, including how the framework will drive/guide the planning and evaluation of the project. 
2. Apply appropriate project framework to effectively structure project plans, identify milestones and project risks, and identify resources needed to ensure a successful outcome.

Week 5: Unit 5 – Data Collection and Analysis

1. Select appropriate data collection methods for the capstone project.  
2. Analyze the qualitative and quantitative data for the capstone project. 

Week 6: Unit 6 – Finalizing Capstone Project

Create the final draft of the capstone project, using the template provided, to include a detailed overview of the research methodology, findings, analysis, and conclusions supported by visual aids.

Week 7: Unit 7 – Presentation and Evaluation

Deliver a professional presentation of their capstone project.

Week 8: Unit 8 – Capstone Project Reflection

1. Evaluate the various ways the capstone project process benefits you beyond your undergraduate experience.
2. Assess ways in which the peer review process enhanced your capstone project’s academic and professional value.

Propose possible future applications of your capstone project’s research findings and/or program.