Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HSCI 230 D100

Evaluating Epidemiological Research (3)

Class Number: 2324

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 2:30–5:20 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:

Weekly in-person attendance and participation are essential to succeeding in this course. 

Instructional techniques will include:

  • lectures
  • in-class full-class demonstrations
  • in-class small group discussions
  • Canvas discussions
  • reading assignments
  • practice questions
  • small group presentations
  • weekly participation
  • written assignments
Further instructions, assignments, and lecture slides 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:

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 participant selection, confounding, or misclassification of exposure or outcome in realistic research scenarios. 
  • Critique epidemiological research using basic concepts of study design and bias.

Grading

  • Case study cumulative assignment 40%
  • Final exam 30%
  • In-class quizzes 10%
  • Self-reflection statements 10%
  • Service statement 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Course textbook (optional but recommended):

Essential Epidemiology: An Introduction for Students and Health Professionals, Fourth Edition (Nov. 29 2019), by Penelope Webb, Chris Bain, Andrew Page.

Other materials (required):

Pre-class videos, podcasts, and readings will be assigned via Canvas.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.