340.723.01
Epidemiologic Practice Methods for Population Health Research

Location
East Baltimore
Term
4th Term
Department
Epidemiology
Credit(s)
2
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Wednesday, 8:30 - 10:20am
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Aruna Chandran
Contact Name
Aruna Chandran
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

Epid Methods 1 and 2, e.g. 340.752 OR Epi Inference 1 and 2/Principles of Epi 1 and Epi Inference 2 (e.g. 340.722) AND 2 terms of Biostats: 140.622 OR 140.652

Description
Introduces quantitative epidemiologic techniques applied by both academics and public health professionals to analyze and interpret routinely collected at the subpopulation level to target and address health inequities. Four modules include instruction in Stata and R, with topics including: 1. Weighted Survey Analysis: Analytic techniques for the incorporation of weights in the analysis of survey data to make inferences about the target population. 2. Calculating Life Expectancy: Calculation of single-decrement life tables using statistical programs as well as publically available Excel-based tools. 3. Estimate Preventable Deaths: Econometric techniques for estimating preventable deaths and potential lives saved from risk factor modification. 4. Conceptual Frameworks in Epidemiology: Apply graph theory to understand the relationships between variables in commonly-used causal frameworks. Understand the importance of using conceptual frameworks in guiding epidemiologic inquiry.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Apply methods for the analysis of weighted survey data, access publically available population-based survey data conducted routinely in the US, and understand techniques used in weighting population survey data.
  2. Describe the components of a single-decrement life table, and use of life table tools to calculate at-birth life expectancy in demographic subpopulations using vital statistics data.
  3. Apply appropriate econometric techniques for quantifying changes in population-level core measures of health and well-being having averted deaths through adjustments in modifiable risk factors.
  4. Identify opportunities for intervention and policy change in behavioral/environmental risk factors affecting population health through understanding the relationships between variables using elements of graph theory, and applying approaches for developing appropriate conceptual frameworks to answer a stated research question.
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

The format of this course is a combination of lectures and small group discussions. In each module, students will be given time in small groups to discuss concepts and assignments, but ultimately each assignment will be turned in individually. There will be no requirement for small groups to meet outside of class time.