Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Catalog description

This graduate level introductory course introduces the basic concepts of epidemiological and biostatistical principles, concepts, and procedures for the surveillance and investigation of health-related states or events. Emphasis is placed on the principles and methods of collecting data and analyzing disease incidence and prevalence to provide analyses leading to effective interventions and preventions. Topics include the dynamic behavior of disease; usage of rates, ratios and proportions; methods of direct and indirect adjustment, and clinical life tables which measure and describe the extent of disease problems. Various epidemiologic study designs for investigating associations between risk factors and disease outcomes are also introduced, culminating with criteria for causal inferences. The application of these disciplines in the areas of health services, screening, injuries, psychiatric disorders, social inequities, genetics, and environment policy are presented. The influence of epidemiology and biostatistics on legal and ethical issues are also discussed.