Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - HSCI 230 D100

Evaluating Epidemiological Research (3)

Class Number: 3264

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 9, 2023
    Wed, 11:59–11:59 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, quizzes, and written assignments. We may also have opportunity for group discussions within the lecture or via Canvas. 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

  • Assignment #1 15%
  • Assignment #2 15%
  • Mid-term 1 15%
  • Mid-term 2 15%
  • Mid-term 3 15%
  • Take home final exam 15%
  • Weekly participation 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 enhanced 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.

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

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester 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.