Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HSCI 230 D100

Evaluating Epidemiological Research (3)

Class Number: 2087

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 2:30–5:20 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:

Course description: HSCI 230 prepares students at a foundational level to evaluate and critique conclusions drawn from epidemiological research. Students will also explore the value and limitations of epidemiology as a tool for researching health and disease in populations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Expected outcomes: By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Define foundational concepts in epidemiology used to make inferences from research results.
2. Identify, categorize, predict, and describe biases due to participant selection, confounding, or misclassification of exposure or outcome in realistic research scenarios.
3. Critique epidemiological research using basic concepts of study design and bias.
4. Connect personal interests or experiences with epidemiological research.
5. Understand the limitations of epidemiology as a tool for health science-related knowledge.

Grading

  • Case study cumulative assignment 35%
  • Exams x 3 (15% each) 45%
  • Practice questions 5%
  • Self-reflection statement 10%
  • Attendance 5%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required textbook: Essential Epidemiology: An Introduction for Students and Health Professionals, Fifth Edition (Sep. 2024), by Penelope Webb, Chris Bain, Andrew Page.

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.