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Filippos Filippidis
Epidemiological research is ubiquitous. Even if you don’t realise it, you come across epidemiological studies and the impact of their findings every single day. You have probably heard that obesity is increasing in high income countries or that malaria is killing millions of people in low income countries. It is common knowledge that smoking causes cancer and that physical activity is protective against heart disease. These facts may seem obvious today, but it took decades of epidemiological research to produce the necessary evidence. In this course, you will learn the fundamental tools of epidemiology which are essential to conduct such studies, starting with the measures used to describe the frequency of a disease or health-related condition. You will also learn how to quantify the strength of an association and discuss the distinction between association and causation. In the second half of the course, you will use this knowledge to describe different strategies for prevention, identify strengths and weaknesses of diagnostic tests and consider when a screening programme is appropriate.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Measures of disease frequency
One of the main purposes of epidemiology is to describe the frequency of diseases or other conditions that are important for the health of populations. Depending on the circumstances, there are different types of measures that you can use to do this. In this module, you will learn to calculate measures such as the prevalence, odds, cumulative incidence and incidence rate. We will highlight what they have in common as well as their differences. By the end of the module, you will be able to select and calculate the appropriate measure of frequency in a variety of contexts.
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Syllabus
Measures of disease frequency
One of the main purposes of epidemiology is to describe the frequency of diseases or other conditions that are important for the health of populations. Depending on the circumstances, there are different types of measures that you can use to do this. In this module, you will learn to calculate measures such as the prevalence, odds, cumulative incidence and incidence rate. We will highlight what they have in common as well as their differences. By the end of the module, you will be able to select and calculate the appropriate measure of frequency in a variety of contexts.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops skills, knowledge, and tools in a way that can benefit those in the healthcare profession
Students with some experience in scientific research methods may find the course beginner-friendly yet sufficiently challenging
Can serve as foundational material for learners interested in further studies in epidemiology
Covers a comprehensive range of epidemiological concepts, from basic principles to advanced applications
Offers hands-on exercises and case studies to reinforce learning
Instructors are recognized for their work in epidemiology
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Reviews summary
Foundational concepts in epidemiology measurement
According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in measuring disease within the field of epidemiology. Students praise the clear explanations of fundamental concepts, particularly around measures of frequency and association like prevalence, incidence, and odds ratios. Many found the practical exercises and quizzes helpful for applying the concepts learned in the engaging lectures. While generally well-received, some mentioned that the course is an introduction suitable for beginners and might not delve into more advanced topics or complex statistical methods needed for in-depth research. The course is often seen as a great starting point or a useful refresher for those in public health or related fields.
Ideal for newcomers or those needing a review.
"This course was perfect for me as a beginner in public health. It wasn't overwhelming."
"I work in a related field and needed a refresher on these concepts. This course fit the bill exactly."
"If you're just starting out in epidemiology, this is a highly recommended first step."
"It serves as an excellent introduction, but those with prior knowledge might find some parts basic."
"Great for someone with no background in epidemiology."
Quizzes and exercises reinforce learning effectively.
"The quizzes and practice problems were crucial for applying what I learned and checking my understanding."
"I found the exercises very helpful in solidifying the concepts. They make you think about how to calculate the measures."
"The practical examples and quizzes really helped me feel confident in calculating the different measures."
"The assessments were well-designed and tested my ability to use the tools taught in the course."
"Doing the exercises made the abstract concepts much more concrete."
Provides strong basics in key epidemiological measures.
"This course is a fantastic introduction to measuring disease frequency and association. It covers all the essential basics."
"As someone new to epidemiology, this course gave me a really solid foundation in the core measures used."
"It provides a great overview of the fundamental tools epidemiologists use, just as the syllabus promised."
"The course successfully built my understanding of prevalence, incidence, risk, and ratios. A great starting point."
"I learned the basic measures of frequency and association very well from this course."
Concepts are explained clearly and understandably.
"The lectures were exceptionally clear and broke down complex concepts into understandable parts. I finally grasp prevalence and incidence!"
"I appreciated how the instructor clearly explained the distinction between association and causation. It's critical for my work."
"The course content is presented very logically and clearly. I felt I could follow along even without a strong epi background."
"The explanations of concepts like odds ratio and risk ratio were very clear. I feel much more confident interpreting these now."
"Everything was laid out clearly and concisely, making it easy to absorb the material."
May not cover advanced topics in depth.
"While great for basics, it doesn't go into more advanced statistical methods or complex study designs."
"I wished it covered more advanced analytical techniques or software applications."
"It's a solid intro, but don't expect to become an expert statistician or fully grasp complex modeling from this course."
"Good overview, but limited depth on certain topics needed for research."
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 Measuring Disease in Epidemiology with these
activities:
Solve practice problems on epidemiological measures
Show steps
Solve problems to enhance understanding and application of epidemiological measures
Show steps
-
Find online practice problems or textbooks with exercises
-
Attempt to solve the problems independently
-
Check your answers and review the concepts if needed
Review probability theory
Show steps
Probability theory provides the foundation for quantifying the uncertainty associated with epidemiological data. Reviewing this material before the course will prepare you to understand the statistical methods used in epidemiology.
Browse courses on
Probability Theory
Show steps
-
Review your notes and textbook from your previous probability course.
-
Do practice problems from your textbook or online resources.
-
Take a practice exam or quiz to assess your readiness.
Calculate Measures of Disease Frequency
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of measures of disease frequency by applying them to real-world data.
Show steps
-
Find a dataset that includes data on a disease or health condition.
-
Calculate the prevalence, incidence rate, or other relevant measures of frequency.
-
Interpret the results and discuss their implications.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Practice Calculating Measures of Association
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of measures of association by solving practice problems.
Browse courses on
Measures of Association
Show steps
-
Review the different measures of association (e.g., risk difference, odds ratio).
-
Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
-
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
-
Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Create a comprehensive study guide
Show steps
Consolidate course materials into a comprehensive study guide for easy review
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Gather all relevant materials from the course (e.g., notes, slides, assignments)
-
Organize and synthesize the information into a logical structure
-
Include key concepts, definitions, and examples
-
Review and revise the study guide regularly
Complete online tutorials on statistical software
Show steps
Statistical software is essential for analyzing epidemiological data. Completing online tutorials will help you to develop the skills you need to use these tools effectively.
Browse courses on
Statistical Software
Show steps
-
Identify a statistical software package that you want to learn.
-
Find online tutorials for that software package.
-
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.
-
Apply your new skills to analyze epidemiological data.
Develop an infographic or presentation on epidemiological research
Show steps
Create a visual representation to solidify your understanding of epidemiological principles
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Choose a specific epidemiological concept or topic to focus on
-
Gather data and conduct research on the topic
-
Design an infographic or presentation that clearly explains the concept
-
Share your infographic or presentation with peers or experts for feedback
Solve practice problems on epidemiological concepts
Show steps
Solving practice problems will help you to apply the epidemiological concepts you are learning in class to real-world situations.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Find practice problems in your textbook or online.
-
Solve the problems and check your answers.
-
Review the correct answers and explanations to identify areas where you need improvement.
Conduct a literature review on a specific epidemiological topic
Show steps
Conducting a literature review will allow you to explore a specific epidemiological topic in depth and develop a strong understanding of the current state of knowledge in that area.
Browse courses on
Systematic Review
Show steps
-
Identify a specific epidemiological topic that you are interested in.
-
Search for relevant studies in academic databases.
-
Review the studies you find and extract the relevant data.
-
Summarize the findings of your review in a written report.
Follow tutorials on advanced epidemiological methods
Show steps
Expand your knowledge and skills by following tutorials on advanced epidemiological methods
Browse courses on
Measures of Association
Show steps
-
Identify online tutorials or courses on topics such as risk estimation, causal inference, or diagnostic testing
-
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the techniques
-
Apply the methods to real-world datasets or case studies
-
Share your findings and insights with peers or mentors
Learn Advanced Data Visualization Techniques
Show steps
Developing advanced data visualization skills will enhance your ability to represent and communicate epidemiological data.
Browse courses on
Interactive Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Explore online tutorials on data visualization tools like Python's Plotly
-
Complete hands-on projects to create interactive data visualizations
-
Seek feedback on your visualizations from peers and industry professionals
Mentor junior students or individuals new to epidemiology
Show steps
Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring others
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Volunteer or find opportunities to mentor junior students or individuals new to the field
-
Provide guidance and support on epidemiological concepts and research methods
-
Encourage them to ask questions and share their perspectives
Contribute to relevant open-source projects
Show steps
Contribute to open source initiatives to reinforce the topics covered in the course and for hands-on experience
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Identify a suitable open-source project related to epidemiology
-
Review the project's documentation and codebase
-
Identify an area to contribute to (e.g., bug fixes, feature enhancements)
-
Make a pull request with your contributions
-
Engage with the project maintainers to get feedback and improve your contributions
Solve practice problems on epidemiological measures
Show steps
Solve problems to enhance understanding and application of epidemiological measures
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online practice problems or textbooks with exercises
- Attempt to solve the problems independently
- Check your answers and review the concepts if needed
Review probability theory
Show steps
Probability theory provides the foundation for quantifying the uncertainty associated with epidemiological data. Reviewing this material before the course will prepare you to understand the statistical methods used in epidemiology.
Browse courses on
Probability Theory
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes and textbook from your previous probability course.
- Do practice problems from your textbook or online resources.
- Take a practice exam or quiz to assess your readiness.
Calculate Measures of Disease Frequency
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of measures of disease frequency by applying them to real-world data.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a dataset that includes data on a disease or health condition.
- Calculate the prevalence, incidence rate, or other relevant measures of frequency.
- Interpret the results and discuss their implications.
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Practice Calculating Measures of Association
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of measures of association by solving practice problems.
Browse courses on
Measures of Association
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the different measures of association (e.g., risk difference, odds ratio).
- Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
- Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
- Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Create a comprehensive study guide
Show steps
Consolidate course materials into a comprehensive study guide for easy review
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all relevant materials from the course (e.g., notes, slides, assignments)
- Organize and synthesize the information into a logical structure
- Include key concepts, definitions, and examples
- Review and revise the study guide regularly
Complete online tutorials on statistical software
Show steps
Statistical software is essential for analyzing epidemiological data. Completing online tutorials will help you to develop the skills you need to use these tools effectively.
Browse courses on
Statistical Software
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a statistical software package that you want to learn.
- Find online tutorials for that software package.
- Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.
- Apply your new skills to analyze epidemiological data.
Develop an infographic or presentation on epidemiological research
Show steps
Create a visual representation to solidify your understanding of epidemiological principles
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific epidemiological concept or topic to focus on
- Gather data and conduct research on the topic
- Design an infographic or presentation that clearly explains the concept
- Share your infographic or presentation with peers or experts for feedback
Solve practice problems on epidemiological concepts
Show steps
Solving practice problems will help you to apply the epidemiological concepts you are learning in class to real-world situations.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems in your textbook or online.
- Solve the problems and check your answers.
- Review the correct answers and explanations to identify areas where you need improvement.
Conduct a literature review on a specific epidemiological topic
Show steps
Conducting a literature review will allow you to explore a specific epidemiological topic in depth and develop a strong understanding of the current state of knowledge in that area.
Browse courses on
Systematic Review
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific epidemiological topic that you are interested in.
- Search for relevant studies in academic databases.
- Review the studies you find and extract the relevant data.
- Summarize the findings of your review in a written report.
Follow tutorials on advanced epidemiological methods
Show steps
Expand your knowledge and skills by following tutorials on advanced epidemiological methods
Browse courses on
Measures of Association
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify online tutorials or courses on topics such as risk estimation, causal inference, or diagnostic testing
- Follow the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the techniques
- Apply the methods to real-world datasets or case studies
- Share your findings and insights with peers or mentors
Learn Advanced Data Visualization Techniques
Show steps
Developing advanced data visualization skills will enhance your ability to represent and communicate epidemiological data.
Browse courses on
Interactive Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Explore online tutorials on data visualization tools like Python's Plotly
- Complete hands-on projects to create interactive data visualizations
- Seek feedback on your visualizations from peers and industry professionals
Mentor junior students or individuals new to epidemiology
Show steps
Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring others
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Volunteer or find opportunities to mentor junior students or individuals new to the field
- Provide guidance and support on epidemiological concepts and research methods
- Encourage them to ask questions and share their perspectives
Contribute to relevant open-source projects
Show steps
Contribute to open source initiatives to reinforce the topics covered in the course and for hands-on experience
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a suitable open-source project related to epidemiology
- Review the project's documentation and codebase
- Identify an area to contribute to (e.g., bug fixes, feature enhancements)
- Make a pull request with your contributions
- Engage with the project maintainers to get feedback and improve your contributions
Career center
Learners who complete Measuring Disease in Epidemiology will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and develop strategies for prevention. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for epidemiologists. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for epidemiologists who work in the field of public health.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to problems in biology, medicine, and public health. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for biostatisticians. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for biostatisticians who work in the field of public health.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research scientists conduct research to investigate the causes of disease and develop strategies for prevention. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for research scientists. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for research scientists who work in the field of public health.
Medical Researcher
Medical Researcher
Medical researchers conduct research to investigate the causes of disease and develop strategies for treatment and prevention. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for medical researchers. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for medical researchers who work in the field of public health.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data analysts use statistical methods to analyze data and draw conclusions. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for data analysts who work in the field of public health. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for data analysts who work in the field of public health.
Public Health Administrator
Public Health Administrator
Public health administrators plan and manage public health programs. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for public health administrators. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for public health administrators who work in the field of public health.
Statistician
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for statisticians. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for statisticians who work in the field of public health.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health educators develop and implement programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for health educators. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for health educators who work in the field of public health.
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctor
Medical doctors diagnose and treat diseases. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for medical doctors. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for medical doctors who work in the field of public health.
Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases in animals. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for veterinarians. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for veterinarians who work in the field of public health.
Nurse
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients and families. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for nurses. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for nurses who work in the field of public health.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for social workers. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for social workers who work in the field of public health.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide counseling on their use. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for pharmacists. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for pharmacists who work in the field of public health.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for teachers who teach health education or public health. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for teachers who work in the field of public health.
Writer
Writer
Writers create written content for a variety of purposes. This course provides a strong foundation in the statistical methods used in epidemiology, which is essential for writers who write about health or public health topics. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, measures of association, and strategies for prevention. This knowledge is essential for writers who work in the field of public health.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/czbvz3/measuring
Reading list
We've selected ten 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
Measuring Disease in Epidemiology.
Save
Comprehensive textbook of epidemiology that covers all the essential topics in the field. It valuable resource for students and researchers in epidemiology and related fields.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of epidemiological principles and methods, with a particular focus on their application in public health practice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of statistical methods used in epidemiology. It valuable resource for students and researchers in epidemiology and related fields.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of epidemiology and biostatistics. It valuable resource for students and researchers in epidemiology and related fields.
Provides a practical guide to the principles and methods of clinical epidemiology, with a focus on the application of epidemiological research to clinical practice.
This practical guide focuses on the application of epidemiological principles and methods in public health settings, including the evaluation of disease prevention and control programs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of clinical trials. It valuable resource for students and researchers in epidemiology and related fields.
Save
This French-language textbook provides a comprehensive overview of epidemiology, covering topics such as measures of disease frequency, association, and causation.
This Portuguese-language textbook provides a comprehensive overview of epidemiology, covering topics such as measures of disease frequency, association, and causation.
Save
Provides a concise and accessible introduction to epidemiology. It good starting point for students and general readers who want to learn more about the field.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/czbvz3/measuring
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Rating
4.8
Effort
Approx. 10 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Imperial College London
Instructor
Filippos Filippidis
Language
English
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آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Epidemiology for Public Health. It's comprised of three courses:
- Measuring Disease in Epidemiology (viewing)
- Validity and Bias in Epidemiology
- Study Designs in Epidemiology
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