Critical Thinking in Epidemiology

(2 Credits)

One of the essential tasks practicing epidemiologists perform (whether in academic, government or private settings) is to critically review the literature. This course will draw from foundational courses in epidemiologic theories and methods. The overall purpose of this course is to prepare you to critically evaluate, integrate and synthesize bodies of literature pertaining to current questions in epidemiology. This is accomplished through in-depth analyses of current topics, with a particular focus on methodological issues in published studies that may pose limitations to our ability to answer the question of interest. Critical assimilation of the state of the literature is the foundation of epidemiologic research. This process is a key first step in the process of identifying new research questions, proposing and carrying out new studies, and ultimately contributing to the body of evidence that will guide public health policy considerations and decisions.