Fall 2024 - HSCI 802 G100

Principles of Epidemiology for Public Health (3)

Class Number: 5587

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The underlying concepts and methods of epidemiology in the context of population and public health. Students will acquire skills in the critical interpretation of the epidemiologic literature, methods for measuring disease frequency and effect, evaluation of study design, and assessment of bias and confounding.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course material will be conveyed through a combination of lectures and discussions, case-studies, individual and group projects, and inquiry-based learning. The focus will be on developing epidemiologic literacy and critical thinking. Some class time will be devoted to real-world case studies and discussing epidemiological research. Throughout the course, the importance of appraising the strengths and limitations of all epidemiological studies will be emphasized. Tutorials will be used for hands-on practice of epidemiologic techniques and concepts.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1.      Explain the role of epidemiology in improving population health and reducing health inequities.
2.      Explain the strengths, limitations, and appropriate uses of major epidemiological study designs.
3.      Calculate and interpret basic epidemiology measures of disease occurrence and disease association.  
4.      Define and interpret the roles of chance, bias, confounding, and criteria for inference in the critical evaluation of quantitative population and public health literature.
5.      Critically evaluate epidemiological literature to provide a rationale for population health programs, policy decisions, and advocacy.

Grading

  • Term paper 50%
  • Group project 20%
  • Participation in tutorials 10%
  • Weekly quiz 10%
  • Reflection statement 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Essentials of Epidemiology in Public Health, Fourth Edition

By Ann Aschengrau, ScD; George R. Seage, ScD

https://www.jblearning.com/catalog/productdetails/9781284198928
ISBN: 9781284128352

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.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

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 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.