Introduction to Epidemiology

Catalog description

Epidemiology, one of the key sciences of public health, is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in humans. In this course, principles and methods of epidemiology are developed for students intending to conduct independent research on health-related issues. Topics include measures of disease occurrence and risk, designs for observational and interventional studies, sensitivity and specificity of clinical tests, methods for epidemiologic analyses, and ethical issues regarding conduct of epidemiologic studies. Class time is divided among lectures, discussions evaluating classical and current studies that have used epidemiologic methods, and development of projects that form the basis of term papers. Grades are based on class presentations, term papers, pop quizzes, and midterm and final examinations.