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Justin Lessler, PhD, MS
Professional epidemiologists are often called on to investigate outbreaks and epidemics. This course serves as an introduction to the essentials of investigation, identifying pathogens, figuring out what's going on, reporting, and responding. You'll learn how to ask precise epidemiologic questions and apply epidemiologic tools to uncover the answers. You'll also learn about basic epidemic dynamics and the terrible law that cause them to grow, as well as the reasons why they recede and eventually go away. The course concludes with deep dives into some real outbreaks from Ebola, in West Africa, to the opioid epidemic in the United States.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/l2ung0/outbreaks
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What's inside
Syllabus
Identifying and Investigating Outbreaks: The Basics
In this module we're going to be talking about outbreaks. All the way through identifying the pathogens and figuring out what's going on to reporting and responding to the outbreak. In doing so we're going to learn several important epidemiological concepts.
Read more
Syllabus
Identifying and Investigating Outbreaks: The Basics
In this module we're going to be talking about outbreaks. All the way through identifying the pathogens and figuring out what's going on to reporting and responding to the outbreak. In doing so we're going to learn several important epidemiological concepts.
Read more
Weighing Evidence and Identifying Causes
In this module, we'll be learning about how to ask precise epidemiologic questions and how to investigate these using important tools.
The Terrible Law: Basic Epidemic Dynamics
In this module, we'll be talking about basic epidemic dynamics and the terrible law that causes epidemics to grow, and the reasons why epidemics recede and eventually go away
Case Studies in Outbreaks and Epidemics: From Ebola to Overdose
In this module, we're going to take a deep dive in some outbreaks from Ebola, in West Africa, to the opioid epidemic in the United States.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Offers a comprehensive study of outbreak investigation
Taught by recognized experts in epidemiology
Develops essential investigation skills and tools
Explores basic epidemic dynamics and their consequences
Investigates real-world outbreaks from Ebola to opioid epidemic
Assumes basic understanding of epidemiology
Save this course
Save Outbreaks and Epidemics to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Epidemiological case studies
Learners say Outbreaks and Epidemics is an excellent course that provides informative case studies and engaging assignments. The course is well presented, with clear explanations and helpful illustrations. It is well received by learners, who have given largely positive reviews. They recommend it to anyone who wants to expand their knowledge about outbreaks and epidemics, especially given the current coronavirus pandemic.
Well presented
"Very well presented , the knowledge and expertise ."
"The explanations of Professor Lessler are clear and straight to the point."
Engaging assignments
"I really liked the course and the explanation of the material by the professor."
"The whole learning experience was great having learned comprehensively topics from basics of outbreaks and investigation, to use of statistics and other measures of association to better comprehend the outbreak process, dynamics and to actual samples."
Excellent case studies
"Great content with applied epidemic studies in Epidemiology."
"Learnt the ins and outs of crucial reproductive numbers (Ro) on this COVID-19 pandemic and how Ebola spread in West Africa."
"This is a very relevant course (especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic) and neatly illustrates the conceptual components of an outbreak investigation and an epidemic study."
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 Outbreaks and Epidemics with these
activities:
Review Fundamentals of Epidemiology
Show steps
Review the key concepts of epidemiology prior to the start of the course to enhance comprehension of course materials
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Find a comprehensive online resource or textbook on epidemiology
-
Read through the resource or book, taking notes on key concepts such as measures of disease frequency, study design, and data analysis
Review History of Epidemics
Show steps
This course will cover historical outbreaks and epidemics; reviewing prior epidemics will enhance understanding of the course content
Browse courses on
Epidemics
Show steps
-
Read historical accounts or articles about past epidemics, such as the Black Death or the 1918 flu pandemic
-
Identify the causes, spread, and impact of these epidemics
Explore the CDC's Outbreak Investigation Resources
Show steps
Familiarizing yourself with the CDC's outbreak investigation resources will equip you with valuable tools and best practices for outbreak response.
Show steps
-
Visit the CDC website and explore the resources available.
-
Review the guidelines and protocols for outbreak investigations.
-
Learn about the different tools and technologies used in outbreak management.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Review: Outbreak: The Epidemic That Changed Medicine and the World
Show steps
Richard Preston details the 1994 Ebola virus outbreak to provide a comprehensive overview of infectious diseases, outbreaks, and the importance of epidemiology in this groundbreaking book.
View
Crisis in the Red Zone
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Identify the key pathogens and outbreaks discussed in the book.
-
Analyze the role of epidemiologists in outbreak investigations.
-
Evaluate the challenges and ethical considerations in outbreak management.
Solve Epidemiology Case Studies
Show steps
Working through epidemiology case studies will enhance your ability to analyze data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions in outbreak situations.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
-
Review the case study materials and identify the key details.
-
Apply epidemiological principles to analyze the data and identify potential causes.
-
Develop hypotheses and design further investigations to test them.
-
Interpret the results and draw conclusions.
-
Discuss the implications of the findings and make recommendations for action.
Create a Public Health Campaign
Show steps
Designing a public health campaign will help you appreciate the principles of effective communication in promoting health behaviors and preventing outbreaks.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific health issue or behavior to address.
-
Develop a clear and concise message that resonates with the target audience.
-
Choose appropriate channels and strategies to reach and engage the audience.
-
Create compelling materials such as posters, brochures, or social media content.
-
Evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign and make adjustments as needed.
Annotated Bibliography on Epidemic Dynamics
Show steps
Compiling an annotated bibliography will help you organize and synthesize your knowledge of the latest research and theories in epidemic dynamics.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant research articles and books on epidemic dynamics.
-
Read and summarize the key findings of each source.
-
Organize the sources into a coherent structure.
-
Write annotations that provide a critical analysis of each source.
Build an Epidemic Simulation Model
Show steps
By creating a simulation model of an epidemic, you can gain hands-on experience in understanding how diseases spread and how interventions can impact their course.
Browse courses on
Epidemic Modeling
Show steps
-
Choose a specific disease or scenario to model.
-
Identify the key parameters and transmission dynamics involved.
-
Develop a mathematical model to represent the epidemic.
-
Implement the model in a programming language or software.
-
Run simulations and analyze the results to explore different scenarios and interventions.
Volunteer as a Mentor for Epidemiology Students
Show steps
Mentoring others can reinforce your own understanding while supporting the next generation of epidemiologists.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
Reach out to local universities or organizations to offer your services.
-
Meet with mentees regularly and provide guidance and support.
-
Share your experiences and insights to help mentees develop their skills.
Contribute to Open-Source Epidemiology Projects
Show steps
Contributing to open-source projects will give you hands-on experience in applying your skills to real-world epidemiology challenges.
Browse courses on
Software Development
Show steps
-
Identify open-source epidemiology projects that align with your interests.
-
Review the project documentation and codebase.
-
Contribute bug fixes, feature enhancements, or new modules to the project.
-
Collaborate with other developers and learn from their expertise.
Review Fundamentals of Epidemiology
Show steps
Review the key concepts of epidemiology prior to the start of the course to enhance comprehension of course materials
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a comprehensive online resource or textbook on epidemiology
- Read through the resource or book, taking notes on key concepts such as measures of disease frequency, study design, and data analysis
Review History of Epidemics
Show steps
This course will cover historical outbreaks and epidemics; reviewing prior epidemics will enhance understanding of the course content
Browse courses on
Epidemics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read historical accounts or articles about past epidemics, such as the Black Death or the 1918 flu pandemic
- Identify the causes, spread, and impact of these epidemics
Explore the CDC's Outbreak Investigation Resources
Show steps
Familiarizing yourself with the CDC's outbreak investigation resources will equip you with valuable tools and best practices for outbreak response.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the CDC website and explore the resources available.
- Review the guidelines and protocols for outbreak investigations.
- Learn about the different tools and technologies used in outbreak management.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Review: Outbreak: The Epidemic That Changed Medicine and the World
Show steps
Richard Preston details the 1994 Ebola virus outbreak to provide a comprehensive overview of infectious diseases, outbreaks, and the importance of epidemiology in this groundbreaking book.
View
Crisis in the Red Zone
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key pathogens and outbreaks discussed in the book.
- Analyze the role of epidemiologists in outbreak investigations.
- Evaluate the challenges and ethical considerations in outbreak management.
Solve Epidemiology Case Studies
Show steps
Working through epidemiology case studies will enhance your ability to analyze data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions in outbreak situations.
Browse courses on
Data Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the case study materials and identify the key details.
- Apply epidemiological principles to analyze the data and identify potential causes.
- Develop hypotheses and design further investigations to test them.
- Interpret the results and draw conclusions.
- Discuss the implications of the findings and make recommendations for action.
Create a Public Health Campaign
Show steps
Designing a public health campaign will help you appreciate the principles of effective communication in promoting health behaviors and preventing outbreaks.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific health issue or behavior to address.
- Develop a clear and concise message that resonates with the target audience.
- Choose appropriate channels and strategies to reach and engage the audience.
- Create compelling materials such as posters, brochures, or social media content.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign and make adjustments as needed.
Annotated Bibliography on Epidemic Dynamics
Show steps
Compiling an annotated bibliography will help you organize and synthesize your knowledge of the latest research and theories in epidemic dynamics.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant research articles and books on epidemic dynamics.
- Read and summarize the key findings of each source.
- Organize the sources into a coherent structure.
- Write annotations that provide a critical analysis of each source.
Build an Epidemic Simulation Model
Show steps
By creating a simulation model of an epidemic, you can gain hands-on experience in understanding how diseases spread and how interventions can impact their course.
Browse courses on
Epidemic Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific disease or scenario to model.
- Identify the key parameters and transmission dynamics involved.
- Develop a mathematical model to represent the epidemic.
- Implement the model in a programming language or software.
- Run simulations and analyze the results to explore different scenarios and interventions.
Volunteer as a Mentor for Epidemiology Students
Show steps
Mentoring others can reinforce your own understanding while supporting the next generation of epidemiologists.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Reach out to local universities or organizations to offer your services.
- Meet with mentees regularly and provide guidance and support.
- Share your experiences and insights to help mentees develop their skills.
Contribute to Open-Source Epidemiology Projects
Show steps
Contributing to open-source projects will give you hands-on experience in applying your skills to real-world epidemiology challenges.
Browse courses on
Software Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source epidemiology projects that align with your interests.
- Review the project documentation and codebase.
- Contribute bug fixes, feature enhancements, or new modules to the project.
- Collaborate with other developers and learn from their expertise.
Career center
Learners who complete Outbreaks and Epidemics will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of disease outbreaks and epidemics. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation, data analysis, and reporting. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as an Epidemiologist.
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses work to prevent and control the spread of disease and promote health in communities. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of public health, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Public Health Nurse.
Physician
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Physician.
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technicians perform tests to diagnose and monitor diseases. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Laboratory Technician.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make better decisions. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Data Analyst.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze data related to health and medicine. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Biostatistician.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Health Educator.
Infection Control Nurse
Infection Control Nurse
Infection Control Nurses work to prevent and control the spread of infection in healthcare settings. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as an Infection Control Nurse.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies to improve health outcomes. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Health Policy Analyst.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify and manage risks to health and safety. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Risk Manager.
Emergency Manager
Emergency Manager
Emergency Managers plan for and respond to emergencies, including disease outbreaks. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as an Emergency Manager.
Health Informatics Specialist
Health Informatics Specialist
Health Informatics Specialists use technology to improve health outcomes. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Health Informatics Specialist.
Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental Health Specialists work to protect the environment and public health. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as an Environmental Health Specialist.
Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational Health Nurses work to prevent and treat work-related injuries and illnesses. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as an Occupational Health Nurse.
Toxicologist
Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on human health. This course provides a valuable overview of the principles and practices of epidemiology, including outbreak investigation and response. It also covers the latest advances in epidemic dynamics and control measures. Taking this course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a Toxicologist.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/l2ung0/outbreaks
Reading list
We've selected seven 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
Outbreaks and Epidemics.
Save
Offers a comprehensive overview of biostatistical methods, including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and regression analysis. Useful for learners seeking a deeper understanding of statistical analysis in epidemiology.
Introduces Bayesian statistical methods, which are increasingly used in epidemiology for outbreak investigation and risk assessment. Useful for learners interested in advanced statistical modeling.
Presents a historical account of major outbreaks in American history, including their causes, consequences, and the lessons learned. Useful for understanding the social and political context of outbreaks.
Provides a foundational overview of epidemiologic principles and methods, including measures of disease frequency, study design, and data analysis. Useful for students with limited prior knowledge of epidemiology.
Taking a historical and societal perspective on epidemics and pandemics, this book provides a robust historical context for the information in the learning modules.
Delving deeper into the methodology behind epidemiological research, this book can be a reference for best practices and advanced techniques in research.
Save
Designed as a textbook for students in Taiwan, this book introduces the principles of epidemiology and infectious disease, making it a valuable resource for the course.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/l2ung0/outbreaks
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Effort
4 weeks, 1-2 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructor
Justin Lessler, PhD, MS
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
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Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
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қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Epidemiology in Public Health Practice. It's comprised of five courses:
Good to know
Offers a comprehensive study of outbreak investigation
Taught by recognized experts in epidemiology
Develops essential investigation skills and tools
Explores basic epidemic dynamics and their consequences
Investigates real-world outbreaks from Ebola to opioid epidemic
Assumes basic understanding of epidemiology
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