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340.636.11
Epidemiology in Evidence-Based Policy

Location
East Baltimore
Term
Summer Institute
Department
Epidemiology
Credit(s)
2
Academic Year
2013 - 2014
Instruction Method
TBD
Start Date
Monday, June 10, 2013
End Date
Friday, June 14, 2013
Class Time(s)
M, Tu, W, Th, F, 1:30 - 5:00pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

Knowledge of basic epidemiology is recommended.

Description
Focuses on how science in general and epidemiology in particular are used to formulate and implement health and regulatory policies. Will address several questions: How do we distinguish between good science and so called “junk science”? What are the roles of epidemiologists, other professionals—including clinicians, nurses, researchers in other fields—government, industry, and the courts? When should established expert opinions be questioned? What should be done when the available evidence is equivocal and/or controversial? How does science fare in the legislative, regulatory, and judicial settings? What factors, processes are involved in implementation of appropriate policy? Results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses discussed for case examples such as screening recommendations for breast and prostate cancers, potential hazards of breast implants, tobacco use, general environmental health policies, and issues related to vaccine research and immunization policies.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Assess the contribution of scientific findings to the making of public policy
  2. Assess the contribution of scientific findings to the making of clinical decisions and the development of practice guidelines
  3. Differentiate between good science and junk science
  4. Examine the legislative, regulatory, and legal perspectives of policymaking
  5. Examine the interplay among the various determinants of policy and clinical decision making
  6. Perform an introductory level of systematic reviews and meta-analysis on a selected topic