NS 5600 - Epidemiology

Spring. 3 credits. Student option grading (no audit).

Co-meets with NS 3600.

J. Finkelstein.

This course introduces the principles and methods used in epidemiology research. NS 3600|5600 will use a combination of didactic lectures, classroom discussions, applied projects, and in-depth case studies to explore epidemiologic research, including disease occurrence, measures of association, causal inference in quantitative research, and applications of epidemiologic methods to global and public health research. Epidemiologic principles in the design, conduct, and interpretation of findings from observational and experimental studies will be explored in detail, including strengths and limitations of study designs. The final project of the course will require integration of methodological concepts with applications to develop a scientific question and design an epidemiologic research study to address a threat to public and global health.

Outcome 1: To understand the basic principles and methods used in epidemiology research, including measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and study designs.

Outcome 2: To critically analyze the scientific literature and evaluate evidence from research studies, including interpretation of findings and critical examination of strengths and limitations of different study designs.

Outcome 3: To apply epidemiology principles and methods to develop a scientific question and design an epidemiologic research study or intervention to target a major threat to global and public health.