Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Role of Epidemiology in Public Health

We will start by discussing the definitions of public health and epidemiology and discuss what components of individuals and their lives that we must address in order to optimize their health and well-being. In this section, we will also introduce the hands-on exercise for this course.

Numeric Estimates in Epidemiology

In this module, we will examine the definitions for and sources of the core numeric values we need to describe the health and well-being of a population, which are numerators, the counts of an event or disease, and the denominator, the population from which events are drawn. We will then manipulate those numbers to derive ratios, proportions, and rates, which are core measures used to describe the burden of public health problems.

Depiction of Epidemiologic Data

In this module, we will explore the tool of data visualization, understand basic components of effective visualizations, and walk through practical exercises of identifying strengths and weaknesses of specific visualizations towards meeting their stated goals. You will then have the opportunity to create a data visualization from data regarding risk factors for common public health problems using the global disease-burden database of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

Basic Mapping of Epidemiologic Data

Maps and geographic information systems have become a cornerstone in public health and epidemiologic work in all communities. In this module, we will discuss how place matters in public health and how understanding the geographic distribution of a disease or risk factor is an important component of designing appropriate interventions. We will then discuss GIS as a tool for displaying spacial data and conduct a detailed exploration of how spatial data is stored and displayed by GIS software. You will download an open source GIS application known as QGIS, extract both spatial and epidemiologic data from the US Census Bureau, and create a map of your own.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches epidemiology, a vital skill in public health for describing and understanding the health of a community

Designed for professionals in public health, including data scientists, program officials, agency leaders, and policymakers

Led by Aruna Chandran, MD, MPH, an experienced professional in the field

Emphasizes practical skills and knowledge, with hands-on exercises and opportunities to create data visualizations and maps

Covers key concepts in epidemiology, such as numeric estimates, depiction of data, and mapping

Requires proficiency in basic statistics, which may be a barrier for some learners

Reviews summary

Essential epidemiological tools

People who have taken this course on essential epidemiology tools say they learned how to use graphs, calculate rates and proportions, and apply GIS in public health. The course covers essential epidemiological tools that learners can use for public health practice and epidemiology. Those who are new to the field of epidemiology have found that the course is a largely positive introduction to key features including: lectures, readings, exams, quizzes, homework assignments, instructors, deadlines, and certificates. In this course, students learn about the history and development of epidemiology and key concepts and essential epidemiological tools, like data visualization and geographic information systems (GIS). Students work with numeric estimates and data sources, graphs, and other tools to effectively communicate about public health using the R software environment. The course includes a hands-on project using QGIS, a free and open source GIS software. Overall, students say the course is engaging, well-structured, and informative. Many reviewers emphasize how the course is straightforward and easy to understand, and highlight the helpfulness of the instructor. Reviewers largely agree that it is a great course to take to gain foundational knowledge for epidemiology and related fields.

The course is well-organized and easy to navigate.

"The lessons are great for a quick refresher of the material and allows you to pause and rewind to further understand the material."

"The course was well taught and concise without removing important concepts."

The hands-on project on using QGIS is a valuable learning experience.

"I enjoyed this introduction to public health."

"I learned so much from this course! I am currently doing my bachelor's in public health and to know different occupations is wonderful!"

"This course not only gave me the opportunity to assess and improve my competency in various public health skills, but also taught me how to utilize GIS software to create images for both academic and general public usage."

The instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.

"The course was very comprehensive and easy to understand."

"Professor Chandran is the best part of this course - wonderfully pleasant speaking voice and her inflections while speaking keep you interested in learning the material."

"The teaching was very clear and concise without removing important concepts."

This course is a good introduction to epidemiology and public health. It covers essential tools and concepts that are used in the field.

"This course had a easy to compreend language, dinamic and interactive."

"I really learn and enjoy the course, I will take the next 4 courses."

"The information was well explained with visual aids and exercises in order to understand easily."

Some of the course materials are outdated, especially the GIS section.

"The course has been developed very nice."

"There are problems with the GIS tutorial."

"Week 4 was not a pleasant experience."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice with these activities:

Read 'Principles of Epidemiology' by Jonathan Samet

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of epidemiology, covering the core concepts and methods used in the field. Reading it will supplement the course material and enhance your understanding of epidemiology.

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Read the book thoroughly.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Complete any exercises or assignments related to the book.

Practice epidemiology problem solving

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Practice solving epidemiology problems to solidify your understanding of the concepts presented in the course.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

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Review the epidemiology notes and materials.
Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Solve the practice problems.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

Join a study group

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Joining a study group will allow you to engage with other students taking the same course, collaborate on assignments, and discuss the course material.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

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Find a study group to join.
Attend study group meetings regularly.
Participate actively in discussions.

Four other activities

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Use an epidemiology software

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Learn how to use epidemiology software to analyze and visualize data, which will enhance your ability to describe and understand the health of your community.

Browse courses on QGIS

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Find a suitable epidemiology software.
Follow tutorials or take a course to learn the basics of the software.
Practice using the software to analyze and visualize data.

Volunteer with a public health organization

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Volunteering with a public health organization will provide you with practical experience in the field of public health, and enable you to apply the concepts learned in the course.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

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Find a public health organization to volunteer with.
Attend volunteer training.
Participate in volunteer activities.

Create a data visualization project

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Create a data visualization project that depicts epidemiological data. This will allow you to apply the concepts and methods learned in the course, and enhance your ability to effectively communicate health information.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a public health dataset.
Clean and prepare the data.
Select appropriate data visualization techniques.
Create the data visualization.
Write a brief report interpreting the data visualization.

Design an intervention plan

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Design an intervention plan to address a public health problem. This will allow you to apply the principles of epidemiology and public health to a real-world scenario.

Browse courses on Epidemiology

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Identify a public health problem.
Develop an intervention strategy.
Design an evaluation plan.
Write an intervention plan document.

Career center

Learners who complete Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the spread of diseases and other health problems in populations. They use a variety of tools and methods to collect and analyze data, and they make recommendations for how to prevent and control diseases. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by epidemiologists. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for epidemiologists. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Scientist

Public health scientists conduct research to improve the health of populations. They study a wide range of topics, including the causes of diseases, the effectiveness of public health interventions, and the social and environmental factors that affect health. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by public health scientists. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for public health scientists. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Scientist

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze data related to health and medicine. They work with epidemiologists and other public health professionals to design studies, collect data, and analyze results. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by biostatisticians. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for biostatisticians. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Data Analyst

Data analysts use data to solve problems and make decisions. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by data analysts. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for data analysts. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Health Educator

Health educators teach people about health and how to make healthy choices. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community centers. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by health educators. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for health educators. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses provide nursing care to individuals and families in the community. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and community centers. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by public health nurses. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for public health nurses. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental health scientists study the effects of the environment on human health. They work to identify and control environmental hazards, such as air pollution, water pollution, and hazardous waste. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by environmental health scientists. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for environmental health scientists. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist

Health Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts develop and analyze policies that affect the health of populations. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by health policy analysts. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for health policy analysts. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Public Health Administrator

Public health administrators manage public health programs and services. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by public health administrators. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for public health administrators. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Administrator

Emergency Manager

Emergency managers plan for and respond to emergencies. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by emergency managers. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for emergency managers. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Emergency Manager

Health Communications Specialist

Health communications specialists develop and deliver health information to the public. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by health communication specialists. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for health communications specialists. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Communications Specialist

Program Evaluator

Program evaluators assess the effectiveness of public health programs. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by program evaluators. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for program evaluators. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Evaluator

Survey Researcher

Survey researchers design and conduct surveys to collect data from populations. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations. This course provides a strong foundation in the essential tools and methods used by survey researchers. It covers topics such as numeric estimates, data visualization, and mapping, which are all essential skills for survey researchers. Taking this course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Survey Researcher

Data Scientist

Data scientists use data to solve problems and make decisions. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a data scientist. It provides a strong foundation in the skills needed to work with data. However, it does not cover all of the topics that are typically required for a data scientist position. Taking this course will help you develop a foundation in the skills that are needed to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a software engineer. It provides a strong foundation in the skills needed to work with data. However, it does not cover all of the topics that are typically required for a software engineering position. Taking this course will help you develop a foundation in the skills that are needed to succeed in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer