340.601.93
Principles of Epidemiology
Location
Beijing, China
Term
4th Term
Department
Epidemiology
Credit(s)
5
Academic Year
2020 - 2021
Instruction Method
Synchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Stephen Gange
Contact Email
Frequency Schedule
One Year Only
Resources
Prerequisite
This course is part of the fixed DrPH in Healthcare Management and Leadership curriculum.
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.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Construct models for populations described by person, place, and time
- Identify and distinguish major epidemiological study designs, including descriptive (e.g., ecological and cross-sectional), experimental (e.g., randomized clinical trials), and observational (e.g., cohort and case-control) designs
- Critically review published epidemiologic papers and assess the validity of their design and their inferences
- Explain the role of epidemiologic methods in uncovering the etiology of disease and other health states in order to prevent disease and improve health
- Identify the place of epidemiology in outbreak investigation and surveillance
- Explain how epidemiologic methods are used in evaluating screening programs and health interventions, and in the development of health policy
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 25% Midterm
- 50% Assignments
- 25% Final Project
Enrollment Restriction
Restricted to ONLY those enrolled in the DrPH in Healthcare Management and Leadership program
Jointly Offered With
This course will be given over multiple zoom sessions during the 4th term with students based in Beijing China.