Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HSCI 484 D100

Senior Seminar in Population Health Research (3)

Class Number: 2117

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    90 units, including HSCI 230 (or 330) with a minimum grade of C- and either STAT 302 or STAT 305, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Scientific research in population health. Developing and evaluating research protocols, taking a general research question and turning it into an analysis plan, carrying out the analysis, and writing up the findings for presentation and publication.

COURSE DETAILS:

Population health researchers are interested in improving the health of the entire population and reducing inequities among population groups.  This course will introduce students to research design, methods, analysis and reporting.  Over the term, we will explore the broader impacts of population health research and critique traditional study designs in different contexts.  Cases will be discussed with examples drawn from the current literature and students will evaluate the validity and representativeness of different data sources as health systems undergo digital transformation and become more patient-centered. Students will have opportunities to differentiate the strengths and weaknesses of population health research methods in individual and small team-based assignments, including practice with peer review, facilitating group discussions and delivering group presentations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The educational goals of this course are to prepare students to examine contemporary population health research and identify ways to strengthen research design and implementation strategies that lead to positive changes in population health.   

By fulfilling the course requirements students will be prepared to: 
  

  1. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of classical population health research design such as randomized controlled trials and single arm study design, in relation to published results and implementation challenges
  2. Differentiate the purpose of frameworks for evaluation of research and identify potential sources of data discrimination and how this influences health inequalities
  3. Explore how new trends such as digital health, patient-partnering and interdisciplinary collaborations are influencing research practices in academic, clinical, and community-based settings
  4. Communicate ways to design research to improve the equity and uptake of research results

Grading

  • Presentations 30%
  • Final Paper 60%
  • Participation and citizenship in group work and class discussions 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

 

RECOMMENDED READING:

Public Health Research Methods (2015); Greg Guest and Emily Namey (Editors), available electronically via the SFU libraryISBN: 9781452241333

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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.