Introduction to Epidemiology

Graduate Prerequisites: Can't be taken together with SPHPH 717 for credit - Epidemiology is the study of population differences in health. It aims to understand why some groups experience better health than others with the goal of using these insights to improve health and reduce health inequities. The goals of this course are to: (1) introduce the foundational principles and methods of epidemiology; (2) illustrate their relevance to public health and research; and (3) equip students with essential skills needed to interpret and critically evaluate literature relevant to public health professionals. Topics include measures of disease frequency and association, epidemiologic study designs, bias, confounding, random error, screening and causation. The course also features three journal clubs and several in-class exercises to promote active student participation.