CRE - 561 Introduction to Epidemiology

This course is designed to introduce the theories and concepts of epidemiology. It will provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to epidemiological methods. Specifically, the course will focus on the application of these theories and concepts to the practice of public health. Topics to be discussed include epidemiological terminology, measurement of disease, disability and health in population groups, vital statistics and reportable disease mechanisms, procedures for infectious and chronic disease control. Course Objectives: 1. Define epidemiology as the study of the determinants of health and illness in populations and the examination of factors contributing to health promotion, 2. Disease prevention and the use of health services. 3. Describe the major epidemiological research study designs and their advantages and limitations. 4. Understand the basic terms and methods used in: (i) outbreak investigation and infectious disease epidemiology, (ii) chronic disease epidemiology, (iii) evaluation of screening tests and (iv) disease prevention and treatment trials. 5. Identify public and private data resources available for epidemiological studies and evaluate the quality, integrity and comparability of various data sources; and 6. Understand and apply descriptive epidemiology principles. 7. Apply ethical principles and cultural sensitivity when accessing, collecting, analyzing, using, maintaining and disseminating epidemiological data and information. Offered: fall. Retake Counts for Credit: No. Pass/No Pass Grading Allowed: No. Credit(s): 2