Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - HSCI 330 D100

Exploratory Strategies in Epidemiology (3)

Class Number: 2621

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2019
    Tue, 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:

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will focus on using basic epidemiological concepts to evaluate research methods and discern sources of bias to be more sophisticated and critical consumers of real-world epidemiological research.  

OVERALL GOAL: 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.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

EXPECTED OUTCOMES: By the end of this course, students who participate should 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. 
  • Critique epidemiological research using basic concepts of study design and bias.

Grading

  • Homework #1 20%
  • Homework #2 20%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

Instructional techniques will include lectures, reading assignments, practice problems, tests and written assignments. There will also be a limited number of guest lecturers who present to our class discussing some of their experience as health researchers that is relevant to the course content. We will use a class response system (“iclickers”) during lectures. Class notes, assignments and PowerPoint lectures will be available through Canvas. Readings will include electronically available materials from library and on the web. The professor may make changes to the syllabus if necessary, within Faculty / University regulations.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED TEXT: The textbook is available free of charge so you don't need to buy it. It is available in PDF format from our SFU library links. The authors are Kleinbaum, Sullivan, Barker and the text title is called "ActivEpi Companion Textbook". You can also visit http://activepi.herokuapp.com for more info on the book and associated web materials.

REQUIRED “iCLICKER”: InterWrite PRS RF Transmitter.  

RECOMMENDED READING:

Website: Kleinbaum, Sullivan, Barker. ActivEpi Website. The required text has recently been made available on an interactive website. The website text is identical to that in the version available through our library. But, it additionally has animated videos throughout to explain the concepts in the text. The website sections are divided in a way that roughly mirror our week to week progress through the course and thus it will be a great way for you to recap the material we cover in the class and in the assigned problems. 

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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