We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Emily Gurley, PhD, MPH
Epidemiology is often described as the cornerstone science and public health and public health surveillance is a cornerstone of epidemiology. This course will help you build your technical awareness and skills for working with a variety of surveillance systems. Along the way, we'll focus on system objectives, data reporting, the core surveillance attributes, and performance assessment. This course is designed for public health practitioners and anyone who wants to learn more about the basics of public health surveillance. If you develop or implement surveillance systems or aspire to do so or use the data resulting from surveillance, then this course is for you. It's s also for people who are interested in understanding more about this fundamental epidemiologic tool and public health practice.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/6dwh78/surveillance
Here's a deal for you
Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Surveillance as a Core Public Health Function
In the first module, we're going to review the history of public health surveillance and discuss its role in improving public health. Surveillance is one of the most basic ways that public health practitioners monitor the health and well-being of populations. Understanding how these data are used is essential. In addition to reviewing what public health surveillance is, we will discuss examples of international surveillance networks and domestic surveillance networks in the United States. Many surveillance systems are very localized, but in an increasingly connected world, the need for integrated and collaborative surveillance platforms continues to grow. By the end of this module, I hope you'll see how fundamental surveillance is to public health practice.
Read more
Syllabus
Surveillance as a Core Public Health Function
In the first module, we're going to review the history of public health surveillance and discuss its role in improving public health. Surveillance is one of the most basic ways that public health practitioners monitor the health and well-being of populations. Understanding how these data are used is essential. In addition to reviewing what public health surveillance is, we will discuss examples of international surveillance networks and domestic surveillance networks in the United States. Many surveillance systems are very localized, but in an increasingly connected world, the need for integrated and collaborative surveillance platforms continues to grow. By the end of this module, I hope you'll see how fundamental surveillance is to public health practice.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops skills in designing and implementing public health surveillance systems
Focuses on public health practitioners and others who want to learn about surveillance
Reviews the history of public health surveillance
Introduces various surveillance attributes for describing system performance
Emphasizes the importance of understanding surveillance data for decision-making
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Foundations of public health surveillance systems
According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in the core concepts and practices of public health surveillance. It covers the history, objectives, and reporting mechanisms, and introduces key surveillance attributes and performance assessment. Many find it highly relevant for public health practitioners and those working with health data. While it serves as an excellent introduction to the field, some students note that it stays at a high level and may lack the technical depth required for designing or implementing systems.
Concepts are explained clearly and are easy to follow.
"The lectures were clear and easy to understand, even complex topics were well-explained."
"I appreciated the straightforward way the material was presented."
"The instructor did a great job breaking down the concepts into manageable parts."
Directly applicable to public health roles and data use.
"The information presented is highly relevant to my work in public health."
"Understanding these concepts is crucial for anyone using surveillance data."
"I can see how these principles apply directly to real-world public health scenarios."
Excellent overview of core public health surveillance concepts.
"This course gave me a really good understanding of the basics of public health surveillance systems."
"I feel like I have a much better grasp of the fundamental concepts after taking this course."
"It provides a very solid introductory overview of the building blocks."
Focuses on concepts, less on technical implementation details.
"While great for an overview, it didn't go into much detail on the technical aspects of building systems."
"I was hoping for a bit more information on how these systems are actually designed and implemented."
"Good for theory, but less hands-on or technical than I expected for 'Building Blocks'."
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 Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks with these
activities:
Practice Identifying Surveillance Objectives
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of how surveillance objectives are defined and aligned with public health goals.
Show steps
-
Complete the interactive exercise on surveillance objectives provided in the course materials.
-
Discuss different examples of surveillance objectives with classmates in the discussion forum.
Explore Data Reporting Systems
Show steps
Gain practical experience in understanding how public health data is reported and utilized for decision-making.
Show steps
-
Follow an online tutorial on public health data reporting systems.
-
Analyze a sample data set and identify the different types of reports that can be generated.
Show all two activities
Practice Identifying Surveillance Objectives
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of how surveillance objectives are defined and aligned with public health goals.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Complete the interactive exercise on surveillance objectives provided in the course materials.
- Discuss different examples of surveillance objectives with classmates in the discussion forum.
Explore Data Reporting Systems
Show steps
Gain practical experience in understanding how public health data is reported and utilized for decision-making.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow an online tutorial on public health data reporting systems.
- Analyze a sample data set and identify the different types of reports that can be generated.
Show all two activities
Career center
Learners who complete Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Surveillance Epidemiologist
Surveillance Epidemiologist
Surveillance Epidemiologists typically need to possess a graduate degree in public health or a related field. The field of epidemiology uses surveillance data to track disease, injury, and other health conditions in order to create public health policy. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of public health surveillance.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians typically need a graduate degree in biostatistics or a related field. They use statistical analysis to improve the quality of public health. The course's focus on surveillance performance assessment and attribute evaluation may prove useful to one who wishes to be a Biostatistician.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists research and analyze the spread of disease and other health conditions to inform public health policies. An Epidemiologist who understands the core tenets of surveillance systems may be more effective in utilizing such data in their research.
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurse
A registered nurse, a Public Health Nurse works to prevent disease and promote wellness in a community. The course's focus on surveillance as a cornerstone of public health and the core surveillance attributes may be useful for a Public Health Nurse.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientists typically need an advanced degree (usually a master's or doctorate) in environmental health or a related field. The course's focus on defining surveillance objectives and surveillance data reporting systems may be useful to one who wishes to work as an Environmental Health Scientist.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educators typically need a graduate degree in public health or a related field. The course's focus on defining surveillance objectives and surveillance data reporting systems may be useful to a Public Health Educator.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts typically need an advanced degree (usually a master's or doctorate) in a related field. They analyze and develop policies to improve public health outcomes. The course's focus on the role of surveillance systems in public health and its core attributes may be useful in carrying out such responsibilities.
Global Health Analyst
Global Health Analyst
Global Health Analysts typically require a graduate degree (usually masters or doctoral) in public health or a related field. They work to plan and execute international public health programs. The course's focus on international surveillance networks and data reporting systems may be useful to those who seek a career in Global Health.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and execute programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles. The course's focus on surveillance objectives and data reporting may prove useful in the development and implementation of such programs.
Infectious Disease Physician
Infectious Disease Physician
Infectious Disease Physicians are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases and often are tasked with developing treatment plans. The course's focus on public health surveillance systems and performance assessment may be useful to keep abreast of evolving patterns of disease.
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitians typically need at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field. They help plan diets and provide advice on nutrition. The course's focus on surveillance as a cornerstone of public health may be useful for any Registered Dietitian who wishes to take on a public health role.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants typically need a bachelor's degree and training from an accredited program. They work under the supervision of physicians to provide medical care. The course's focus on the core surveillance attributes and the performance assessment of surveillance systems may be useful for a Physician Assistant.
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Clinical Laboratory Technicians typically need a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field. The course's focus on surveillance data reporting systems may be helpful to a Clinical Laboratory Technician who is responsible for handling, transmitting, and processing lab data.
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctors diagnose and treat patients, and they often are tasked with managing surveillance data for their patients. The course's focus on surveillance objectives and system performance assessment may be useful for Medical Doctors who must handle such data.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field or proven experience in healthcare. The course's focus on surveillance as a cornerstone of public health may be useful in understanding how surveillance data can be used to promote products and services.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6dwh78/surveillance
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of public health surveillance. It valuable resource for public health professionals who are involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of surveillance systems.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology. It valuable resource for public health professionals who are interested in learning more about the science of epidemiology.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology. It valuable resource for public health professionals who are interested in learning more about the science of epidemiology.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology. It valuable resource for public health professionals who are interested in learning more about the science of epidemiology.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of vaccine-preventable diseases. It valuable resource for public health professionals who are interested in learning more about the science of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of social determinants of health. It valuable resource for public health professionals who are interested in learning more about the social determinants of health.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of health impact assessment. It valuable resource for public health professionals who are interested in learning more about the use of health impact assessment to improve health.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of environmental health. It valuable resource for public health professionals who are interested in learning more about the environmental determinants of health.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6dwh78/surveillance
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Effort
4 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructor
Emily Gurley, PhD, MPH
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Epidemiology in Public Health Practice. It's comprised of five courses:
- Surveillance Systems: Analysis, Dissemination, and Special Systems
- Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice
- Outbreaks and Epidemics
- Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice
- Surveillance Systems: The Building Blocks (viewing)
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser