Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Essentials of Public Health Biology is designed as an introductory text for undergraduates and as part of the MPH core that aims: (1) to provide an overview of current knowledge about the biologic mechanisms of diseases that are major causes of death and disability in both developed and developing countries; (2) to understand and interpret the reciprocal relationships of genetic, environmental, and behavioral determinants of health and disease within an ecologic context; and (3) to provide opportunities to analyze, discuss, and communicate biologic principles of disease across the biological and the public health spectra. After using this textbook, students will be able to: 1. Describe fundamental biologic concepts of the disease process as they relate to important communicable (CD) and noncommunicable (NCD) diseases that are observed globally in public health. 2. Integrate these fundamental concepts with regard to their relation to exposures and disease outcomes across the public health spectrum. 3. Describe the role of host and environmental factors in determining susceptibility and resistance to disease. 4. Describe the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary public health issues and the role that various professionals play in addressing these issues. 5. Describe the social, legal, ethical, economic, and political context of contemporary public health problems. 6. Build effective oral and written communication skills for communicating with lay and public health audiences"-- Provided by publisher.