Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - HSCI 230 D100

Evaluating Epidemiological Research (3)

Class Number: 2050

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 10 – Aug 8, 2022: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 10, 2022
    Wed, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units, including HSCI 130 with a minimum grade of C-, or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Prepares students at a foundational level to evaluate and critique conclusions drawn from epidemiological research. Students will also experience the value and limitations of epidemiology as a tool for researching health and disease in populations. Students with credit for HSCI 330 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Instructional techniques will include lectures, reading assignments, practice problems, tests and written assignments. We may also have opportunity for group discussions via Canvas. 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.

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

  • Assignment #1 15%
  • Assignment #2 15%
  • Mid-term Exam 30%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • In-class Quizzes (5 quizzes, 2% each) 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Textbook for the course this year:

Essential Epidemiology: An Introduction for Students and Health Professionals, Fourth Edition (Nov. 29 2019), by Penelope Webb, Chris Bain, Andrew Page. The textbook includes an eBook, which contains practice problems and additional materials that are essential for HSCI230. We will use these additional problems in part for exam questions so it is worth working through these additional problems!

REQUIRED READING:

Lecture notes and additional materials will be provided by the instructor.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Lecture notes and additional materials will be provided by the instructor.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote, online, or blended courses study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the summer 2022 term.