Spring 2020 - HSCI 330 D100

Exploratory Strategies in Epidemiology (3)

Class Number: 2172

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 24, 2020
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.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, group discussions, practice problems, tests and written assignments. We will use a class response system (“clickers”) 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 online at http://activepi.herokuapp.com so you do not need to buy it.  It is called ActivEpi Web by David Kleinbaum, Ph.D.  

REQUIRED “iCLICKER”: InterWrite PRS RF Transmitter.

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