Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - HSCI 432 D100

Seminar in Epidemiology (3)

Class Number: 2344

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 230 (or 330) with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The epidemiologic approach to health and disease in a population. Applying epidemiology to evaluation and policy.

COURSE DETAILS:

This upper-level undergraduate course will provide a broad overview of infectious disease epidemiology from an interdisciplinary perspective, with a special emphasis on health surveillance, study design and statistical methods. The course will build upon knowledge gained in HSCI 230 and other upper level epidemiological and statistical courses. The course will take a case-study approach which requires students to complete or participate in group activities both in and outside of class. Students will develop a research question, identify a study design, and complete an abridged CIHR operating grant proposal.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will provide students with a foundational knowledge of select interdisciplinary techniques and the ability to apply these techniques in their investigation of one or more infectious diseases.

By course end, students should be able to:

  • critically analyze methodological approaches in epidemiology research
  • apply concepts, ideas and methods to contemporary infectious disease cases
  • develop oral and writing skills with special focus on infectious disease topics

This course addresses the following core competencies: Core Concepts in Population and Public Health [Primary], Epidemiological techniques and analyses [Primary], Critical Thinking [reinforcing], and Infectious Disease Mechanisms [reinforcing].

Grading

  • Readings Presentation (Group) 20%
  • FInal Group Project - Grant Proposal 25%
  • Final Group Project - Group Presentation 20%
  • In Class Exam 25%
  • Attendance and Participation 10%

NOTES:

TEACHING FORMAT:  There is one 3-hour class each week that will consist of a mixture of lecture, small and large group discussion, exercises, and presentations. An introductory lecture will be given to familiarize students with the necessary background to situate the assigned readings and exercises.  Students MUST come prepared to actively participate and be engaged in all class activities having read the assigned readings.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

No Textbook assigned for the course, though students may wish to refer to textbook used in HSCI230 for foundational epidemiological knowledge. Research and review articles or book chapters will be posted on Canvas or be downloaded from primary sources by students. Refer to weekly breakdown of lectures for more details.


RECOMMENDED READING:

Recommended Reading will be made available on Canvas.

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.