340.601.11 PRINCIPLES OF EPIDEMIOLOGY

Introduces principles and methods of epidemiologic investigation of infectious and noninfectious diseases. Illustrates methods by which studies of the distribution and dynamic behavior of disease in a population can contribute to an understanding of etiologic factors, modes of transmission, and pathogenesis. Presents different types of study design, including randomized trials, case-control and cohort studies, risk estimation and causal inferences. Demonstrates the relationship between epidemiology and the development of policy. Laboratory problems provide experience in epidemiologic methods and inferences, illustrating a common-vehicle epidemic; the spread of infectious disease in school, home, and community; epidemiological aspects of a noninfectious disease; vaccination; the epidemiological approach to health services evaluation; rates of morbidity and mortality; sensitivity and specificity; and life table methods. No auditors permitted.

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to : -describe basic epidemiologic methods and study design

-critically review published epidemiologic papers and assess the validity of their design and their inferences.

-identify the place of epidemiology in preventive medicine and disease investigation

-explain how epidemiologic methods are used to evaluate new drugs and other therapeutic modalities, the benefits of screening and early disease detection, and alternative ways of delivering health care.