Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2018 - HSCI 330 D100

Exploratory Strategies in Epidemiology (3)

Class Number: 6238

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 5, 2018
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    nine HSCI units including one HSCI 200 division course and either STAT 302 or 305 which may be taken concurrently.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The concepts and measurements of human population dynamics in epidemiological inference. Identification of causes and prevalence of disease. Demographic and molecular methodology to assess the determinants of health and disease.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will focus on using basic epidemiological concepts to evaluate research methods and discern sources of bias. The main goal of this course is to prepare students at a foundational level to evaluate and critique inferences drawn from epidemiological research on common health issues. Students will also experience the value and limitations of epidemiology as a tool for exploring the causes of health and disease in populations. Explorations of various study designs will help students understand common epidemiologic studies.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • define foundational concepts in epidemiology used to make inferences from research results;
  • identify, categorize, predict and describe biases due to subject selection, confounding or misclassification of exposure or disease in realistic research scenarios; and
  • critique epidemiological research using basic concepts of study design and bias.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 25%
  • Case Study 25%
  • Grantsmanship Group Project 25%

REQUIREMENTS:

As this is a three-credit 300-level course, students must be committed to putting in a significant amount of effort as they prepare for and participate in course activities. I expect that you will contribute approximately 8-10 hours of work each week, including 3 hours of active participation during the lecture, 1-3 hours of reading, and 2-4 hours of coursework. During weeks when your course load does not reach 8 hours, you are encouraged to work ahead as some weeks may be busier than others.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Course readings will be assigned from open access sources or those which are available from the SFU library.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS