Introduction to Epidemiology

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and methods used in the study of the distribution and determinants of health and disease in populations. This course covers key topics such as disease surveillance, risk factors, epidemiological study designs, measures of disease frequency, and the application of epidemiology in public health decision-making. Students will learn how epidemiology informs healthcare policy, prevention strategies, and disease control efforts. The course emphasizes practical skills in interpreting and analyzing epidemiological data to address current public health challenges.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understanding Epidemiological Concepts: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of key epidemiological concepts, including incidence, prevalence, and risk factors, and how they relate to the study of health and disease in populations.
• Epidemiological Study Designs: Learn about different epidemiological study designs, such as cohort studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials, and how they are used to investigate health outcomes and risk factors.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Develop skills in collecting, interpreting, and analyzing epidemiological data, using appropriate measures of disease frequency and association to inform public health decision-making.
• Applying Epidemiology to Public Health: Gain the ability to apply epidemiological methods to address public health issues, such as infectious disease outbreaks, chronic disease prevention, and health disparities, and understand how epidemiological findings shape healthcare policies and interventions.

These outcomes aim to equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in public health, healthcare administration, and epidemiological research, with a focus on improving population health outcomes.