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Courses

Epidemiology of Aging

June 10 - July 5, 2024
Online Course
3 Credits
Course Number: 340.616.89

"If your research or clinical work involves older adults, learning about these topics is very important. I would definitely recommend this course."—Student, 2022
 

"Thank you so much for the amazing lectures- they were clear and fascinating. As a teacher, I really appreciated the clarity, supporting resources and organization of the course. I learned a lot in this class!"—Student, 2018

Course Instructors:

Description:

Addresses the rapidly increasing need for specialized knowledge among epidemiologists in order to effectively promote the health of the aging society in the US (in 2020, 20% of the US population will be 65 or older). Introduces the epidemiology of aging and age-related disorders, including overviews of the public health impact of an aging society and the demographics and biology of aging. Covers the descriptive and analytic epidemiology of prevalent chronic conditions in the aged, methodologic challenges essential to consider in research on older adults, and strategies for prevention of age-related disorders.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

  1. Discuss and evaluate the public health significance and challenges of an aging population and the associated of changes that make health issues for older persons unique.

  2. Describe the epidemiology of major geriatric syndromes, including physical disability, falls, and cognitive decline and their public health implications

  3. Discuss opportunities for prevention of diseases and syndromes in the context of the aging phenotypes of older adults

  4. Integrate general epidemiologic methods and specific gerontology knowledge when evaluating epidemiological literature pertaining to older adults.

Methods of Assessment:

Participation in two live talks (10%), midterm exam (40%), and a final paper / project (50%).

Prerequisite:
Introduction to Online Learning is required prior to participating in any of the School's Internet-based courses. 1 graduate course each in Epidemiology and Biostatistics (340.601 & 140.621 recommended).