Welcome to the Carolina Health Informatics Program course catalog. Here you will find CHIP required and elective courses and their descriptions. This list is by no means definitive or exhaustive and will be continually edited and updated. If you would like to take a course that is not listed here, please speak with your advisor and the course instructor regarding its appropriateness in your curriculum.
Business Skills
Data Management and Analytics
Epidemiology
Health Informatics & Supportive Curriculum
Human Computer Interactions (HCI) & User Interface
Mobile Computing & Internet of Things (IoTs)
Natural Language & Text Processing
Programming
Masters in BMHI Curriculum | PhD in HI Curriculum
COURSES BY CATEGORY
Data Management and Analytics
BIOS 511 Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management (3 credits)
Required preparation, previous or concurrent course in applied statistics. Permission of instructor for non-majors. Introduction to use of computers to process and analyze data, concepts and techniques of research data management, and use of statistical programming packages and interpretation. Focus is on use of SAS for data management and reporting.
INLS 520 Organization of Information (3 credits)
Introduction to the problems and methods of organizing information, including information structures, knowledge schemas, data structures, terminological control, index language functions, and implications for searching.
INLS 523 Database Systems I (3 credits)
Prerequisite: INLS 161 or the SILS information literacy test. Design and implementation of basic database systems. Semantic modeling, relational database theory, including normalization, indexing, and query construction, SQL.
INLS 576 Distributed Systems and Administration (3 credits)
Prerequisite, INLS 161 or 461. Distributed and client/server-based computing. Includes operating system basics, security concerns, and issues and trends in network administration
INLS 582 Systems Analysis (3 credits)
Prerequisite, INLS 382 or graduate standing. Introduction to the systems approach to the design and development of information systems. Methods and tools for the analysis and modeling of system functionality (e.g., structured analysis) and data represented in the system (e.g., object-oriented analysis) are studied.
INLS 623 Database Systems II (3 credits)
Intermediate-level design and implementation of database systems, building on topics studied in INLS 523. Additional topics include MySQL, indexing, XML, and non-text databases.
INLS 626 Intro to Big Data and NoSQL (3 credits)
Prerequisites, INLS 523. Information is being generated at an exponential scale in many areas, from astronomy to social networking to e-marketing. Processes for handling this data are data intensive, require heavy read/write workloads, and do not need the stringent ACID properties of relational databases. Several specific systems will be studied as examples.
INLS 641 Visual Analytics (3 credits)
This course will provide an overview of Visual Analytics, a topic that combines information visualization and data analysis to support analytical reasoning via highly interactive visual interfaces. The course will review foundational concepts, recent results, and commonly used technologies. The course is project-oriented and will require that students program their own web-based visualization systems using HTML and JavaScript. While no specific courses are considered pre-requisistes, students should be competent programmers. Prior experience with web programming (e.g., HTML and JavaScript) is strongly recommended.
INLS 690 Intermediate Selected Topics (3 credits)
Exploration of a special topic not otherwise covered in the curriculum, at an intermediate level. Previous offering of this course does not predict future availability; new courses may replace these. Topic varies by instructor.
INLS 725 Electronic Health Records (3 credits)
Focuses on EHR data standards with emphasis on data management requirements, applications, and services. Course includes HL7, CCHIT, and CDISC standards. For data management specialists, administrators, and health data analysts.
INLS 760 Web Databases (3 credits)
Prerequisites, INLS 572 and 623. Programming experience required. Explores concepts and practice surrounding the implementation and delivery of Web-enabled databases. Students will gain experience with and evaluate PC and Unix Web database platforms.
Human Computer Interactions (HCI) & User Interface
INLS 500 Human Information Interactions (3 credits)
Prerequisite, INLS 203 or graduate standing. The behavioral and cognitive activities of those who interact with information, with emphasis on the role of information mediators. How information needs are recognized and resolved; use and dissemination of information.
INLS 541 Information Visualization (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the field of Information Visualization through readings of current literature and studying exemplars. A comprehensive review is given of the different types of information visualization techniques. The course provides students a framework for identifying the information visualization need, and determining the appropriate choice of data mappings and visualization techniques. A strong emphasis is placed on interactive electronic visualizations using freely available tools. Students will construct several visualizations as part of the class; however, no programming skills are required. There are no prerequisites.
INLS 718 User Interface Design (3 credits)
Basic principles for designing the human interface to information systems, emphasizing computer-assisted systems. Major topics: users' conceptual models of systems, human information processing capabilities, styles of interfaces, and evaluation methods. Offered annually. Prerequisite: INLS 582 or permission of instructor.
Health Informatics & Supportive Curriculum
INLS 490-281 Digital Health Innovations and Impact (1.5 credits)
In this course, students will be introduced to patient engagement, population health, imaging, digital therapies, clinical decision support and numerous other areas within digital health; learn about interoperability standards driving data sharing and interconnectivity across health care industry; review the regulatory bodies defining standards of care along with understanding the privacy and security laws governing the use of health care data.
INLS 581 Research Methods Overview (3 credits)
An introduction to research methods used in information and library science, exploring the design, interpretation, analysis and application of published research.
INLS 584 Information Ethics (3 credits)
An overview of ethical reasoning, followed by discussion of issues most salient to information professionals, e.g., intellectual property, privacy, access/censorship, effects of computerization, and ethical codes of conduct.
INLS 770 Health Informatics Seminar (1 credits)
This series explores key areas in Health Informatics and includes research results, overview of programs of research and evaluative projects. Speakers with extensive informatics experiences and knowledge from both academia and industry are invited to present.
NURS 730 Foundations in Clinical Informatics: Data, Information, and Knowledge (3 credits)
Required preparation, graduate nursing program admission or instructor permission. This foundational course provides an overview of computer and information science concepts as applied to health care.
NURS 870 Health Care Informatics (3 credits)
Focuses on developing an understanding of the concepts relevant to health care informatics and the use of computerized information systems, as well as the use of computer applications to support clinical and administrative decision making.
NURS 871 Leadership and Advanced Practice Roles in Health Care Organizations (3 credits)
This course examines health care and nursing practice organizations, and the influence of the external and internal environment on these organizations. Roles and functions of nurses at different levels and in different types of health care settings are explored.
NURS 874 Improving Quality, Safety, and Outcomes in Healthcare Systems (3 credits)
Required preparation, graduate nursing program admission or instructor permission. This foundational course provides an overview of computer and information science concepts as applied to health care.
NURS 879 User-Centered Analysis and Design of Health Care Information Systems and Interfaces (3 credits)
Permission of instructor for students lacking the prerequisites. This course combines user-centered design theories, the science of systems analysis and design, and usability in health care, supported by real-world exercises in a simulated environment. Prerequisites: Prerequisites, NURS 730 and 870.
PATH 723 Practical Considerations for Translational Research (2 credits)
Permission of the instructor. A multi-disciplinary course providing students principles involved in translating basic science into clinically applicable diagnostics and therapies to improve human disease outcomes. The course is focused on bioinformatics, bioethics, trial design, FDA approval, and commercialization of laboratory diagnostics.
PUBH 715 Communication for Health-Related Decision Making (2 credits)
Course provides foundation and skills to understand and improve decision making that affects people's health. It teaches theoretical basis and evidence-based applications of health-related decision making.
PUBH 747 Project Management Principles and Practices (3 credits)
Graduate students only. Provides an overview of knowledge and skills required for effective project/team leadership and management. Includes modules on leadership, management techniques, application of continuous quality improvement, and organizational designs that complement team-based organizations. Online course.
Business Skills
GRAD 710 Professional Communication: Writing (1.5 credits)
This writing-intensive, seminar-style course focuses on crafting effective email messages, short reports, and executive summaries in professional settings. Key topics include content selection, organization, accessibility, plain language, clarity and conciseness, tone, and graphic displays of information. This course requires a strong command of English.
GRAD 711 Professional Communication: Presenting (1.5 credits)
This speaking-intensive, seminar-style course focuses on presenting complex topics using plain language in professional settings. Key topics include selecting and organizing content, developing audience-centered visual aids, incorporating storytelling, projecting a professional image, and managing Q & A. This course requires a strong command of English.
GRAD 712 Leadership in the Workplace (Online) (1.5 credits)
Effective leadership begins with understanding your capacity to influence others positively. This course examines your current leadership style and addresses the relationship of that style to leadership development opportunities including influencing team dynamics, building productive relationships and managing change as a professional and a leader.
GRAD 713 Applied Project Management: Frameworks, Principles and Techniques (1.5 credits)
This course focuses on practical project management principles and techniques, demonstrating their effectiveness in the workplace. Key topics include frameworks and methodologies, planning and monitoring projects, risk management, stakeholder management, managing your team, and time and cost management. This course will include group work.
GRAD 714 Introduction to Financial Accounting (1.5 credits)
This course will teach the basics of Financial Accounting, including the Balance Sheet, the Income Statement, and the Statement of Cash Flows and Budgeting. The final presentation will incorporate financial skills and knowledge that can be used to support a future project proposal to business managers in an organization.
The seminar series provides a forum for students to (1) understand their job values, (2) develop and refine their online professional presence and job search materials (e.g. LinkedIn, resume/CV, cover letter), (3) gain an appreciation of, and comfort with, networking and informational interviewing, and (4) develop an individual development plan and corresponding action plan through one-on-one coaching. The sessions will include workshops led by invited industry representatives who can speak directly about their career challenges and rewards, as well as individuals with expertise in teaching professional skills.
GRAD 726 Business Fundamentals
GRAD 770 Introduction to Digital Transformation
INLS 585 Management for Information Professionals (3 credits)
Mobile Computing & Internet of Things (IoTs)
INLS 573 Mobile Web Development (1.5 credits)
An introduction to techniques and technologies for the development of mobile websites and applications.
Statistics
HPM 671 Statistical Methods for Health Policy and Management (3 credits)
Introduction to statistical analysis for healthcare settings using an Excel framework. Topics include variable types, sampling, probability distributions, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, categorical data analysis, ANOVA, and introduction to regression methods.
Epidemiology
EPID 600 Principles of Epidemiology (3 credits)
Permission of the instructor is needed. An introductory course that considers the meaning, scope, and applications of epidemiology to public health practice and the uses of vital statistics data in the scientific appraisal of community health. One lecture and two lab hours per week.
Natural Language and Text Processing
INLS 613 Text Mining (3 credits)
This course will allow the student to develop a general understanding of knowledge discovery and gain a specific understanding of text mining. Students will become familiar with both the theoretical and practical aspects of text mining and develop a proficiency with data modeling text.
Programming
INLS 560 Programming for Information Professionals
(3 credits)
Introduction to programming and computational concepts. Students will learn to write programs using constructs such as iteration, flow control, variables, functions, and error handling. No programming experience required.
General Course Information
Prerequisites. When a prerequisite or co-requisite is listed for a course, it may be assumed that an equivalent course taken elsewhere or permission of instructor also fulfills the prerequisite or co-requisite. The course instructor must approve the equivalency of the substitute course.
Course numbers and receiving credit. Graduate students may not receive credit for courses numbered below 400.
For questions regarding the course information, contact us at chipinfo@unc.edu.