Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2018 - HSCI 849 G100

Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology (3)

Class Number: 11406

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 802, 845 or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Epidemiological studies of environmental and workplace exposures. Critical evaluation of epidemiological studies of environmental and occupational exposures.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Description:Linear and logistic regression modeling methods are commonly used in environmental epidemiology to identify and quantify environmental hazards and risks. Whether in academic or public health settings, this work is usually done in collaborative teams that include both research methodologists and content area experts.

This course will give students an opportunity to design, build and interpret a linear or logistic regression model at a foundational level. It aims to prepare students for entrance into a research methodologist apprenticeship (for example a supervised MSc or PhD thesis) or to be more effective content area experts in an academic or public health setting.

Although some special issues that arise especially in environmental epidemiology will be highlighted, this foundational course would benefit any student who would like to develop skills for observational, quantitative research using linear and/or logistic regression.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Course Goals: The course aims to develop technical and cognitive skills at a foundational level that will be applicable to participation in collaborative epidemiological research teams as a research methodologist or content area expert.  

Course Objectives: At the end of the course, students who participate will be able to:

1. Develop a hypothesis that is appropriate for secondary data analysis.
2. Draw a causal diagram and use it to determine which variables should be modeled.
3. Fit a model to secondary, cross-sectional data using SAS statistical software.
4. Interpret the parameters of their model within a counterfactual causal framework.

Grading

  • Research hypothesis and causal diagram 20%
  • Research plan 20%
  • Final model and interpretation 20%
  • Midterm Exam 1 20%
  • Midterm Exam 2 20%

NOTES:

Teaching Format: There will be one 3-hour meeting per week.  

Foundational concepts required for actualizing practices in lab setting will be introduced through video and selected readings to be completed prior to class. Guided worksheets and in-class collaborative exercises will be used to support concept identification and development, organization of concepts within a mental framework, and memorization.

Students can preview video materials for class and hear an introduction to course design philosophy at http://bit.ly/2f88RR6.

Changes to the syllabus may be made, as necessary, within Faculty and University regulations.

REQUIREMENTS:

If you have credit for HSCI 801 or equivalent, the instructor will waive the requirement for HSCI 802 and 845 on a case by case basis.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required books: All course materials will be provided by the instructor or available online.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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