A concentration in The Biology of Global Health (GloHeal) gives students a unique perspective on how medicine cannot be separated from biological and public health concepts. Combine the best of all three Biology departments (and beyond) in a flexible academic pathway to a variety of careers in health and health-related fields.
Interested in understanding the intersections between medicine, public health and nutrition, agriculture, and the environment?
As the Director of Biology of Global Health, I am honored to lead our efforts in addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. At the intersection of biology, innovation, and global collaboration, our mission is to drive scientific breakthroughs that improve the health and well-being of communities around the world.
Through cutting-edge research, education, and partnerships, we strive to uncover new insights into diseases, develop innovative treatments, and strengthen global health systems. Our program spans diverse fields—ranging from biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, evolution and ecology to biotechnology, epidemiology and public health policy—ensuring that we take a holistic approach to solving global health issues.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to equity, sustainability, and impact. We believe that health is a fundamental human right and are dedicated to ensuring that our efforts and discoveries benefit all people, regardless of geography or circumstance.
I invite you to explore our website to learn more about our programs, research initiatives, and the incredible team driving our vision forward. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable world for future generations.
– Shahla Ray, Director of the Biology of Global Health
Making Connections Everywhere
Our world is increasingly populated, connected by rapid transportation and trading, by technology, and by microbes. This has tremendous impact on human health. Understanding of the connections between human, animal, and environmental health is critical to improve human health, control and prevent disease outbreaks. Global health is a new concentration in the Biological Sciences major that is intended to prepare the future scientific workforce for current and upcoming societal, health and environmental challenges. Global Health is a rapidly evolving field in health sciences. It is highly interdisciplinary, covering a broad spectrum of fields including medicine, public health, nutrition,
environmental science, climate change, agriculture, anthropology, business, and health policy. It aims to improve the health and well-being of humanity through a holistic approach, cohesively addressing multi-layered and complex issues. It will provide students with an education that crosses biological sub-disciplinary lines by emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, public, animal, plant, and environmental health.
When I began exploring colleges in order to further my career path after being in emergency medical services for 7 years, I was immediately drawn to the University of Tennessee after learning about the Biology of Global Health concentration. This program not only provided me with nearly all the prerequisites I need to pursue PA school, but it also offered the opportunity to dive deeper into subjects I’m passionate about, such as epidemiology and public health emergency preparedness and response management.
Throughout the concentration, I gained valuable hands-on experience in lab work, which has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of global health issues and healthcare delivery. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I’ve gained will serve me well as I continue to advance in my healthcare career.
I highly recommend this concentration to anyone interested in pursuing a career in public service or healthcare. It has given me a solid foundation moving forward and has continued to fuel my passion and dedication, both as a student and as a professional.”
– Jillian Fanning
I chose the Biology of Global Health program because it bridges my passion for biology and my commitment to addressing global health disparities. Growing up hearing about health challenges in underserved communities, particularly in Ghana, inspired me to pursue a concentration that emphasizes the biological, social, and environmental factors affecting health worldwide. This program has given me the tools to think critically and compassionately about the global health landscape.
The program has truly set me on the path toward achieving my career goals in global health. The interdisciplinary approach—combining biology, public health, and policy—has equipped me with both the scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to make a meaningful impact. While I know there’s more to learn through hands-on experience, I feel confident that this program has laid a strong foundation for my future endeavors.
If you’re considering the Biology of Global Health major, my advice is to take advantage of its flexibility. The variety of course options allows you to create a well-rounded experience tailored to your interests, whether it’s disease prevention, healthcare policy, or health equity. Explore classes outside your comfort zone to broaden your perspective and seek out opportunities like research and internships. These experiences not only deepen your understanding but also help you build valuable connections for your future career.”
– Myramaye Gyamfi
The majority of the global health curriculum is drawn from pre-existing courses offered by the three Biology departments (BCMB, EEB, and MICRO). In addition, among the course options are individual offerings from Agronomy, Africana Studies, Anthropology, Chemistry, Child and Family Studies, Economics, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Geology, Nutrition, Public Health, and Wildlife and Fisheries. Each course is one of several options within a required category, yielding more flexibility in accommodating variations in course offerings.
With the concentration in global health, students will gain knowledge of local and global health issues with a multidisciplinary perspective, understand a broad spectrum of biological sciences that are related to global health, understand the social, economic, political, and environmental factors that shape individual, community and population health, and be able to critically analyze biological data. Students can pursue research in laboratories in BCMB, EEB, and MICRO and gain valuable experience in the labs by working under one of the professors in these departments.