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600.702.86
Intermediate Epidemiology

Location
Internet
Term
2nd Term
Department
MAS Office
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
Asynchronous Online with Some Synchronous Online
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

Introduction to Epidemiology (600.701.86) or equivalent (with instructor permission) and either Public Health Statistics 1 (600.711.86) or Statistical Concepts in Public Health 1 (600.709.86)

Description
Expands knowledge beyond introductory level epidemiologic concepts and methods material using examples from the published literature. Emphasizes interpretation and the ability to critically evaluate issues related to populations/study design, measurement, population comparisons and inference, including modern cohort study designs; advanced nested designs; novel techniques for exposure assessment; interpretation and utility of measures of impact; sources of bias and methods for their prevention; descriptive and analytical goals for observational study inference; the counterfactual model for defining exchangeability, cause, and confounding; and synthesis of inferences from observational studies as compared with randomized clinical trials.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Critically analyze public health literature and utilize a framework to illustrate strengths and limitations in the epidemiologic approach
  2. Compare and contrast study design aspects of randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and nested study designs, specifically regarding methods for participant selection, data summarization and population comparisons
  3. Identify sources of bias resulting from participant selection and measurement
  4. Describe the impact of biases resulting from participant selection and measurement on epidemiologic inferences and approaches for ameliorating their influence
  5. Articulate and illustrate (using DAGs) concepts and terminology used to define a ‘cause’ in epidemiology
  6. Define and distinguish confounding, effect modification, and mediation
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 30% Quizzes
  • 45% Written Assignment(s)
  • 25% Final Paper
Enrollment Restriction
Restricted to students enrolled in OPAL programs