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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
2019 - 2020
Instruction Method
TBD
Start Date
Monday, June 10, 2019
End Date
Friday, June 14, 2019
Class Time(s)
M, Tu, W, Th, F, 1:30 - 4:50pm
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
Learn how science in general and epidemiology in particular are used to inform health and regulatory policies.
Distinguishes between good science and “junk science,” defines the role of scientists and epidemiologists in translating evidence to practice and policy, and examines how science fares in the legislative, regulatory, and judicial settings. Places special emphasis on contemporary cases in which the evidence is actively debated. Likely topics include nutrition recommendations (e.g. reductions in sodium), screening recommendations (e.g. screening for prostate cancer); opioid epidemic; tobacco control and e-cigarettes; health disparity (e.g. HIV/Hepatitis C in marginalized populations; racial disparities in kidney transplantation); diabetes prevention; and legal and policy implications of class action lawsuits (e.g. gun policy and local food policy). Faculty will present examples with which they have been personally involved in order to share the “inside scoop” with students. Covers key methodologic issues, e.g. surrogate outcomes, use of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
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. Identify methodologic issues that affect the relevance of published evidence
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 99% Exam(s)