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Core Courses |
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Environmental Sciences |
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Medical Physics/Health Physics Program |
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PhD Program |
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DrPH Program |
| Course Number | Core Courses |
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| P6103 | Introduction to Biostatistics |
| P6300 | Environmental Sciences |
| P6400 | Epidemiology |
| P6530 | Issues and Approaches in Health Administration |
| P6700 | Sociomedical Sciences |
| Course Number | Environmental Sciences Required Courses and Relevant Electives |
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Environmental Sciences |
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Environmental Science Applications |
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Radon Risk and Remedy |
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Ecology 101 |
| Medical Ecology | |
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Radiation Science |
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*NEW*.. P6385
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Molecular Genetics and the Environment I |
| *NEW*.. P6386 | Molecular Genetics and the Environment II |
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*NEW*.. P8304
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Public Health Impact of Climate Change |
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Environmental Hygiene |
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Molecular Epidemiology |
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Molecular Toxicology |
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Air Pollution |
| Health Physics | |
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Fundamentals of Toxicology |
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Toxicokinetics |
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Environmental Epidemiology (SPH) |
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Cancer Epidemiology (SPH) |
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*NEW*.. P8318
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Science Basic to Public Health Practice |
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Biological Markers of Chemical Exposure |
| *NEW*.. P8320 | Applied Environmental and Industrial Hygiene |
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Risk Assessment, Communication and Management |
| Radiation Physics | |
| Introduction to the Physics of Diagnostic Radiology | |
| Radiation Oncology Practical Experience | |
| Diagnostic Radiology Applications | |
| Radiopharmaceuticals in Medical Imaging | |
| Basic Experimental Methods and Nuclear Instrumentation | |
| Nuclear Medicine Applications | |
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Topics in Environmental Sciences |
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Hazardous Waste and Public Health |
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Case Studies in Risk Assessment & Environmental Policy |
| Clinical Nuclear Medicine Physics | |
| Water and Infectious Disease | |
| Diagnostic Radiological Physics | |
| Radiation Therapy Physics | |
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Master's Essay in Environmental Sciences I |
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Master's Essay in Environmental Sciences II |
| Journal Club in Environmental Health | |
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Tutorials in Environmental Health Sciences |
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Hydrology and Oceanography (BAR) |
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Cellular and Molecular Biology of Cancer (GSAS) |
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Environmental Law (Law) |
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Environmental and Social Justice Issues (SIPA) |
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| Course Number | Medical Physics/Health Physics Program |
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Health Physics |
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Radiation Physics |
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Introduction to the Physics of Diagnostic Radiology |
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Radiation Oncology Practical Experience |
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Diagnostic Radiology Applications |
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Radiopharmaceuticals in Medical Imaging |
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Basic Experimental Methods & Nuclear Instrumentation |
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Nuclear Medicine Applications |
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Clinical Nuclear Medicine Physics |
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Diagnostic Radiological Physics |
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Radiation Therapy Physics |
P6300 Environmental health sciences
3 points.
Satisfies the Environmental Health Sciences core requirement for the M.P.H. degree. An introduction to preventive health practices with an emphasis on environmental factors. Review of basic public health concepts as they relate to disease causation and prevention. Toxicology, especially carcinogenesis, is stressed. In cooperation with Population and Family Health, tropical diseases and the implications of population growth are discussed. Available techniques of preventive practices, such as controlling the quality of air, water, and consumer products, are described for both the workplace and the general environment. Lectures are followed by discussion groups. Examinations, papers, and presentation.
P6301 Environmental health sciences applications
1 point.
Primarily for students specializing in environmental health sciences. Faculty and leading practitioners of preventive health programs discuss various roles, professional problems, employment opportunities, and current trends in the field of environmental health sciences. Attendance and participation.
3 points.
The radon problem has come to be seen as one of the most significant public health issues facing the populations of developed countries. The Assistant Surgeon General has stated that "Radon-induced lung cancer is one of today's most serious public-health issues." A reasonable estimate is that radon is implicated in 20,000 lung-cancer deaths per year in the U.S. The radon problem has aspects that are highly multidisciplinary, ranging from biology to physics, geology, epidemiology, risk estimation and communication, building construction, as well as its legal, legislative, and real-estate aspects. This course, which will not assume any prior technical knowledge, is designed to give students a broad appreciation of the facts (or lack of!) and issues in the radon field. There is currently a rapidly increasing job market specifically in the radon field. This course is aimed at a broad spectrum of students from various disciplines. No technical background will be assumed in physics, biology, or risk assessment, though references to the more technical aspects will be made available. An in-class multiple choice midterm exam and an essay-based take-home final exam will be given.
P6322 Ecology 101
3 points.
Prerequisites: one course in biology and chemistry. The purpose of Ecology 101 is to make students more aware of the ways in which interrelated life forms act in concert to form biomes (i.e., complex, mutually dependent communities). The concept of species and the niche, competition, succession, food chains and food webs, energy flow, productivity, and trophic levels will be emphasized throughout. Each major biome will be considered from these perspectives. Paper.
3 points.
Medical ecology is a newly emerging hybrid science that seeks to define those aspects of the environment that have direct bearing on human health, regardless of where on earth we live. The concept of ecosystem functions plays a large role in helping to identify those global processes that contribute to our well-being (e.g., clean air, water, and food). Alterations in these aspects of our environment, which we in the developed world take for granted, lead to various states of ill health. Ecological principles, when applied to the human condition, will offer a resolution to the dichotomy of the "man versus nature" paradigm. Man is an integral part of nature, but most of the time we are unaware of our connectedness to the world's ecosystems. Thus medical ecology links natural processes with living on earth, from the point of view of being human. Our place on earth among the plants, animals, and microbes is redefined by medical ecology in terms of ecosystem functions. The environment in which we live is defined by the characteristics of the physical, chemical, and biological niches (i.e., essential niche, as defined by Hutchinson). It is in this complex setting that we carry out our lives, and through our life cycle we interface with a variety of enviromental situations, most of which are either neutral or beneficial to our well-being, while a few can threaten our very existence. Evaluation of student performance is by a midterm and a final exam.
P6330 Radiation science
3 points.
The purpose of this one-semester course is to familiarize the student with ionizing radiation: what it is, the type of instrumentation used to detect it, what its biological effects are, what risks and benefits are involved in the societal use of radiation (medical applications, laboratory techniques, nuclear energy). There are no prerequisites for attending this course other than an open mind, curiosity, and high school level scientific background. Upon successfully completing this course, the student is expected to be able to recognize a situation involving radiation, reason out how to use radiation sources safely, and, in general, be able to carry out an intelligent (unbiased and educated) discussion on radiation issues. There will be two take-home examinations (midterm and final).
3 points.
This is a lecture course designed to give students an understanding of fundamental molecular biology and genetics, particularly as it relates to human disease and environment. This is an introductory class that does not have any specific requirements meant to provide students with background needed for later courses. A hands-on component is planned. There is a second semester of this course that is more focused on complex human genetics and genetics and the environment.
*NEW* P6386 Molecular Genetics and the Environment II
3 points.
This is that second part of a two semester course which that builds on the first semester and will focus on the complex human genetics and the role of the environment in human genetic disease. The course will basically cover 3 areas, population genetics, complex genetics and gene environment interactions. It should be of interest to students who want to pursue studies on human health that involve both genetics and environmental factors such as asthma, alcoholism, schizophrenia and cancer. Upon completion of this course students will have a strong understanding of the role of genetics in human disease.
P8304 Public Health Impact of Climate Change
3 points
The possible impact of climate change on public health is an area of growing significance and rapidly expanding research. Identifying, understanding, and predicting public health impacts draws upon a range of disciplines including atmospheric sciences, climate modeling, epidemiology, ecology, risk assessment, and public policy. Readings will cover a diverse range of topics and include extensive web-based data searches. The class will be run in a seminar-style format: intro topic briefing followed by student-led discussion & critique of relevant papers & news items. For the final project, climate-health projects will be developed and presented in class by small groups of students. Guest speakers who are experts in the multiple disciplines that inform climate-health impacts will be invited to speak throughout the semester.
P8306 Environmental hygiene
3 points.
Primarily for students specializing in environmental sciences. Field measurements of environmental pollutants. Theoretical concepts used for instrumentation and techniques of practical application. Evaluation of environmental monitoring data. Examination and paper.
3 points.
Prerequisites: Public Health P6400 and P6103 or P6104 or the instructor's permission. The course will describe the conceptual and historical framework of molecular epidemiology, emphasizing strengths and weaknessess. Design issues, sample storage/banking, statistical methods and ethical considerations associated with the application of biomarkers reflecting environmental exposures and genetic and other susceptibility factors to human populations will be discussed. The students will be expected to gain working knowledge of the use of biological markers in molecular epidemiologic research on cancer, reproductive, immunologic and other chronic diseases. They will also demonstrate familiarity with the current literature and apply this knowledge to the public health goal of disease prevention. Format will be a seminar with weekly lecture and required book chapters/articles. Students will be evaluated based on class participation and written assignments and a final paper and presentation.
P8308 Molecular toxicology
3 points.
Prerequisite: knowledge of organic chemistry. Chemical and biochemical principles governing toxicity of environmental pollutants, particularly carcinogens. Significance of entry route, dosage, tissue distribution, time course, metabolism, excretion, cellular action, host susceptibility factors, and assays. Applications to practical situations described by guest lecturers from industry and government. Report and final examinati
3 points.
A broad view of air pollution from a human health perspective. The course will begin with an overview of sources, controls, transport/dispersion, and concentration trends of major outdoor air pollutants. Characteristics of human exposure to air pollution will be covered, with emphasis on population time/activity patterns and indoor air pollution concentrations. The course will conclude with a series of lectures on the interactions of air pollutants with the human respiratory system, and the scientific approaches used by researchers studying these phenomena. Midterm and final examinations.
P8310 Health physics
3 points.
Introduction to fundamental principles of health physics. Detailed discussion of aspects of nuclear physics important in health physics, radiation dosimetry in biological systems, health physics instrumentation. Guest lecturers and audiovisuals are included. Final examination and one research paper on subject of student's choice.
P8312 Fundamentals of toxicology
3-4 points.
Explains the toxic effects of chemicals (including drugs and other agents) on living organisms and provides an overview of the history, mechanisms and regulatory applications of toxicology. Toxic effects (including cancer) in digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, hematopoetic, immune, dermal, urinary, and reproductive systems forms the major portion of the course. Members of chemical classes are used as examples. Optional additional hour of credit is also provided for those students needing a background in normal anatomy and physiology. Midterm and final exams.
P8313 Toxicokinetics
3 points.
Lecture and in-class practice to help develop the skill to analyze experimental data and evaluate literature reports regarding toxicokinetic aspect of chemical exposure. Emphasis on the ability to solve real problems. Topics cover the concept of compartment, analysis of blood and urine data, absorption kinetics, multi- or noncompartment analysis, PBPK modeling and risk assessment, and factors affecting toxicokinetic parameters of environmental toxicants. Midterm exam and final presentation.
*NEW* P8318 Science Basic to Public Health Practice (SBPHP)
3 points.
This is an introductory course meant to provide the basic sciences needed for Public Health Students. Upon completion of the course students will have a basic understanding of biological principles relevant to future courses in public health and to provide a clear understanding of scientific issues that will confront PH students such as cloning, genetic engineering, immunology and other biological concepts. This course will enable students to make better informed assessments of health concerns. This is primarily a lecture course that encourages class participation. Problem sets will be given for each lecture, which will provide an additional teaching tool. This course is appropriate for any public health student interested in gaining a clearer understanding of biological processes and requires no prior knowledge.
P8319 Biological markers of chemical exposure
3 points.
Prerequisites: organic chemistry and some biological science. The various methods for monitoring human exposure to environmental and occupational chemicals will be discussed with the major focus on genotoxic agents. Methods for monitoring exposure to kidney and immune system toxins will also be discussed. Details of specific laboratory methodology and application to epidemiologic studies will be covered. Format will be lectures and discussion of original research papers. Evaluations will be based on midterm and final examinations and presentation.
*NEW* P8320 Applied Environmental and Industrial Hygiene
3 points.
Applied environmental and industrial hygiene, 3 points The second course in a series, following P8306 Environmental hygiene. Intended specifically for students emphasizing environmental and industrial hygiene. Basic concepts of recognition, evaluation, and control of workplace hazards introduced in P8306 are expanded on, with both lecture and practical hands-on exercises. Practical exercises detail the use of sampling and analytical instruments with opportunities for hands-on practice and sampling and data interpretation. Lectures, problem sets, exams, and presentations are dedicated to environmental and industrial hygiene. In addition, students are introduced to some of the business/ ethical problems faced by industrial hygienists and environmental health professionals. Class presentation, midterm and final exams.
P8325 Risk assessment, communication, and management
3 points.
Outline of the process of risk assessment, involving risk identification, concentration assessment, exposure assessment, quantitative toxicology, and risk characterization. Emphasis on derivation of assumptions and on the nature and extent of uncertainties in risk assessment. Consideration of the use of risk assessment in the separate processes of risk management and of risk perception and communication. Midterm and final examinations.
P8330 Radiation physics
3 points.
Introduction to atomic and nuclear physics and the quantum mechanics interaction of ionizing radiation with matter. Other subjects include radiation dosimetry, instrumentation, radiation protection (internal and external), and, briefly, the chemical and biological effects of radiation. Material is at beginning graduate level. Exercises, group work. Midterm and final examination. This course is required for all other medical/health physics courses.
P8331 Introduction to the physics of diagnostic radiology
1 point.
Introduction to the physics and equipment utilized in diagnostic radiology. Presents an overview of terminology, basic physics principles, x-ray equipment operations, and general image quality issues. Topics include: the nature of electromagnetic radiation, x-ray production, x-ray units, image intensifiers, television system image quality assessments, radiation dosimetry, and radiation safety. Nonmathematical in content. Concepts are presented that are basic to understanding diagnostic radiology procedures. A prerequisite to Public Health P9330.
P8333 Radiation oncology practical experience
3 points.
Application of medical physics to cancer therapy. One day weekly in a hospital setting under close supervision. Dosimetry, calibrations, and treatment planning. Four to six clinically oriented laboratory-type projects will be assigned.
P8340 Diagnostic radiology applications
3 points.
Practical applications of diagnostic radiology for various measurements and equipment assessments. Includes instruction and supervised practice in radiation safety procedures, image quality assessments, regulatory compliance, radiation dose evaluations, and calibration of equipment. Topics include x-ray generator calibration, focal spot measurements, radiation output measurements, half-value layer measurements, and others. Objective is familiarization in routine operation of test instrumentation required in diagnostic medical physics. Research reports.
P8356 Radiopharmaceuticals in medical imaging
3 points.
This course is designed to provide the students with an understanding of the principles of (1) fundamentals of radiopharmacology: safety and efficacy, dosimetry, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of SPECT and PET radiopharmaceuticals; (2) production of radionuclides; radionuclide generator systems; preparation of radiopharmaceuticals; operations, regulations, and quality controls; (3) pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of radiopharmaceuticals in medical imaging and therapy.
P8360 Basic experimental methods and nuclear instrumentation
3 points.
Basic experimental techniques, atomic and nuclear devices, and instrumentation common to many areas of medical and health physics. Combines lectures on the theory of operation of basic nuclear instruments with hands-on operation. Emphasis on laboratory performance by students of required experiments and some elective experiments based on specific interests.
P8365 Nuclear medicine applications
3 points.
Practical applications of nuclear medicine theory for processing and analysis of clinical images, radiation safety and quality assurance programs. Topics may include tomography, instrumentation, functional imaging and the kinetics and biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals. Research reports.
P9300 Topics in environmental health sciences
4 points.
The primary objective of this advanced course is to teach students to critically and objectively review original scientific publications. Environmental science is an extremely broad field. Professionals are often called upon for advice concerning a wide array of topics including characterization of the environment, exposure assessment, mechanisms of effects on human health, and strategies for preventing environmentally induced human disease. This course will cover a wide variety of topics in environmental health sciences which are either fundamentally related to understanding exposure and effects, or are of current national or international concern. Weekly, succinct papers will account for 70 percent of the grade. Students' oral presentations will account for the remaining 30 percent.
3 points.
Definition, classifications, and nature of hazardous and toxic wastes. Storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal techniques proposed and being supplied. Includes chemical and biological treatment, incineration, and land burial. Critical environmental issues and multimedia pollution prevention by waste minimization.
P9317 Case studies in risk assessment and environmental policy
3 points.
The goals of the class are to provide an overview of environmental regulation in the United States and to explore the interface between human health assessment and policy in environmental rulemaking. Major environmental laws to be covered include the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Food Quality Protection Act. A series of case studies will illustrate the frequently contentious and often dramatic regulatory arena -- who the players are and what the process is like. Class projects will include a mock congressional hearing and development of new regulations for emerging environmental hazards.
P9319 Clinical nuclear medicine physics
3 points.
Physical bases of nuclear medicine are reviewed, and imaging instrumentation and computer diagnosis are discussed. Other topics include radionucleide generator systems and quality control, radiopharmaceutical preparations and quality control, chemistry and radiopharmacology of radionucleides, and radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostics and therapeutics. Midterm and final examinations, term paper.
P9320 Water and infectious diseases
3 points.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate biology that included basic biochemistry, immunology, and microbiology, as well as whole organism biology. Water plays a pivotal role in the life cycles of many infectious diseases throughout the world. This course will explore several contexts in which water is a crucial link in the generation of disease, namely: (1) waterborne pathogens as contaminants of drinking water, for example, cholera and cryptosporidiosis; (2) diseases that result from direct, external contact with water, e.g., schistosomiasis; and (3) water as a niche for arthropod vectors of human diseases, for example, the mosquito vectors of yellow fever, filariasis, and malaria. The history, transmission cycles, epidemiology, role of water, etiologic agents, pathogenesis, and prevention strategies will be examined for several representative diseases.
P9330 Diagnostic radiological physics
3 points.
Prerequisite: Public Health P8331. Description of x-ray generators and tubes followed by survey of image quality concepts, introductory fluoroscopy, image intensifiers, and cine systems. The second part covers mammography, CT scanners, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Midterm and final examinations.
P9335 Radiation therapy physics
3 points.
Review of x-ray production and fundamentals of nuclear physics and radioactivity. Detailed analysis of radiation absorption and interactions in biological materials as specifically related to radiation therapy and radiation therapy dosimetry. Surveys of use of teletherapy isotopes and x-ray generators in radiation therapy plus the clinical use of interstitial and intracavitary isotopes. Principles of radiation therapy treatment planning and isodose calculations. Problem sets taken from actual clinical examples are assigned. Examination.
P9350 Master's essay in environmental health sciences I
1 point.
For students who plan to enter the doctoral program, the Master's essay in environmental sciences is strongly recommended. The essay may represent empirical research, a fresh analysis of existing data, or a theoretical treatise. The student first registers for a one-semester, 1-point course (Master's essay in environmental sciences I) to develop a proposal in consultation with a faculty supervisor. This proposal will be submitted to the Master's Programs Committee for approval.
P9351 Master's essay in environmental health sciences II
3 points.
Prerequisite: Public Health P9350. After the successful completion of P9350 Master's essay in environmental health sciences I, students may register for P9351 Master's essay in environmental health sciences II to carry out the actual writing of the essay under the guidance of the supervisor. The supervisor with a coreader will review the master's essay.
P9370 Journal club in environmental health
1 point
Students are required to read primary research papers and orally present a critical review of their readings. Course topic, related to current studies in environmental sciences, changes each semester as determined by the instructor. Sample topics include the effects of ozone depletion on cells, asthma in the urban environment, recent advances in the use of biomarkers in predicting cancer, health effects of heavy metals in the environment and waterborne pathogens and disease. Required course for Dr.P.H. and Ph.D. students in Environmental Health Sciences.
P6390, P8390, P9390 Tutorials in environmental health sciences
1 to 6 points.
Tailored to the particular interests and needs of individual students. May take many forms--literature reviews, laboratory experiments, field trips, special studies, or other learning experiences that enrich and contribute to the student's program.