PUBH 5100 - Principles of Epidemiology (3)

This course introduces principles and methods of epidemiologic investigation of infectious and noninfectious diseases. The course illustrates how methods of studies of the distribution and dynamic behavior of disease in a population can contribute to an understanding of etiologic factors, modes of transmission, and pathogenesis. Different types of study designs are presented, including randomized trials, case-control and cohort studies, and risk estimation and causal inferences. The interface between Principles of Epidemiology and the development of policy is demonstrated. Laboratory problems presented in the class will provide experience in epidemiologic methods and inferences, illustrating a common-vehicle epidemic, the spread of infectious diseases in populations, epidemiological aspects of a noninfectious disease, causality, vaccination, the epidemiological approach to health services evaluation, rates of morbidity and mortality, sensitivity and specificity, and life table methods. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the program or permission of advisor for students using course as an elective in other disciplines.