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Dr. Karin Yeatts
and
Dr. Lorraine Alexander
Often called “the cornerstone” of public health, epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of diseases, health conditions, or events among populations and the application of that study to control health problems. By applying the concepts learned in this course to current public health problems and issues, students will understand the practice of epidemiology as it relates to real life and makes for a better appreciation of public health programs and policies. This course explores public health issues like cardiovascular and infectious diseases – both locally and globally – through the lens of epidemiology.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Introduction, History of Epidemiology and Epidemiology Research
This module introduces the history and field of epidemiology.
Understanding Measures of Disease Frequency
Read more
Syllabus
Course Introduction, History of Epidemiology and Epidemiology Research
This module introduces the history and field of epidemiology.
Understanding Measures of Disease Frequency
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Focuses on health issues like cardiovascular and infectious diseases, which are common in the public
Taught by faculty of public health, which ensures the legitimacy and quality of the course content
Applies epidemiology concepts to real-life public health problems, making the learning practical
Covers core epidemiology concepts, including study designs and measures of association, which are essential for public health practice
In-depth coverage of epidemiology principles, making it suitable for individuals interested in pursuing a career in public health
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Reviews summary
Solid introduction to public health epidemiology
According to learners, Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health provides a solid foundation for understanding core epidemiological concepts. Many found the lectures to be clear and engaging, making complex ideas accessible. While praised as an excellent starting point for beginners in public health, some students noted that the course covers only the basics and requires further study to gain deeper expertise. The course uses practical examples to illustrate concepts, which aids understanding. Overall, it's considered a valuable introduction to the field.
A starting point for deeper learning.
"This course is definitely just the beginning; plan on needing more advanced courses to become proficient."
"Provides essential terms and concepts but you'll need supplemental materials for real-world application."
"Gave me the vocabulary and basic understanding, but not enough for professional work without more training."
Focuses on basics, good for beginners.
"It's a good overview if you're totally new to epidemiology and need to grasp the vocabulary."
"As someone with some prior scientific background, I found parts to be a bit too basic."
"Covers fundamentals thoroughly, but doesn't delve deeply into advanced analytical methods or complex studies."
Uses real-world public health cases.
"Loved how they used real public health examples to show concepts in action, made it much more relevant."
"Applying the concepts to current health issues helped solidify my understanding of study designs."
"The case studies were excellent for illustrating how epidemiology is used in practice."
Instructors explain difficult topics well.
"The professor's explanations were incredibly clear and easy to follow throughout the modules."
"Lectures successfully break down complex epidemiological ideas into understandable parts."
"Found the teaching style very engaging; it kept me interested in the material."
Excellent introduction to core concepts.
"This course gave me an excellent foundation in the basic principles of epidemiology and public health."
"A really solid start to understanding public health data and study designs. Great for absolute beginners."
"I feel much more confident with fundamental concepts like prevalence, incidence, and basic study types now."
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 Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health with these
activities:
Participate in an Epidemiology Discussion Group
Show steps
Participating in a discussion group will allow you to connect with other students and share your insights on epidemiological issues.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Find a discussion group that aligns with your interests.
-
Prepare for the discussion by reading assigned materials.
-
Attend the discussion and actively participate.
-
Reflect on the discussion and apply what you learned.
Discuss Case Studies in Epidemiology
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of epidemiology by analyzing real-world case studies with your peers.
Browse courses on
Public Health
Show steps
-
Review provided case studies
-
Participate in group discussions on the case studies
-
Share insights and perspectives with peers
Solve Epidemiology Practice Problems
Show steps
Solving practice problems will reinforce your understanding of epidemiological concepts and help you apply them to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Gather practice problems from the course materials or online resources.
-
Review the concepts and formulas covered in each problem.
-
Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
-
Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Calculate Disease Incidence and Prevalence
Show steps
Solidify your ability to calculate and interpret epidemiologic measures by practicing with real-world data.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Solve practice problems on calculating disease incidence
-
Complete exercises on determining disease prevalence
Write a Case Study on an Epidemiological Investigation
Show steps
Writing a case study will allow you to apply your epidemiological knowledge to a real-life situation and demonstrate your understanding of the research process.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Choose an epidemiological topic that interests you.
-
Research the topic and gather relevant data.
-
Analyze the data and draw conclusions.
-
Write a report that presents your findings.
Design a Study to Investigate a Health Issue
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of study designs by developing a research plan to address a specific public health concern.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Identify a research question and hypothesis
-
Select an appropriate study design
-
Determine the study sample and data collection methods
-
Analyze the data and draw conclusions
Create a Comprehensive Course Summary
Show steps
Improve your retention and understanding by creating a comprehensive summary of key course concepts.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Review notes, lecture slides, and assigned readings
-
Organize and categorize key concepts
-
Create a summary document or presentation
Present Your Epidemiology Findings
Show steps
Enhance your communication skills by effectively presenting your epidemiologic findings to a wider audience.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
-
Prepare a presentation outlining your research question, methods, and results
-
Practice delivering your presentation
-
Present your findings to classmates or a public audience
Participate in an Epidemiology Discussion Group
Show steps
Participating in a discussion group will allow you to connect with other students and share your insights on epidemiological issues.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a discussion group that aligns with your interests.
- Prepare for the discussion by reading assigned materials.
- Attend the discussion and actively participate.
- Reflect on the discussion and apply what you learned.
Discuss Case Studies in Epidemiology
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of epidemiology by analyzing real-world case studies with your peers.
Browse courses on
Public Health
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review provided case studies
- Participate in group discussions on the case studies
- Share insights and perspectives with peers
Solve Epidemiology Practice Problems
Show steps
Solving practice problems will reinforce your understanding of epidemiological concepts and help you apply them to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather practice problems from the course materials or online resources.
- Review the concepts and formulas covered in each problem.
- Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
- Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Calculate Disease Incidence and Prevalence
Show steps
Solidify your ability to calculate and interpret epidemiologic measures by practicing with real-world data.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Solve practice problems on calculating disease incidence
- Complete exercises on determining disease prevalence
Write a Case Study on an Epidemiological Investigation
Show steps
Writing a case study will allow you to apply your epidemiological knowledge to a real-life situation and demonstrate your understanding of the research process.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose an epidemiological topic that interests you.
- Research the topic and gather relevant data.
- Analyze the data and draw conclusions.
- Write a report that presents your findings.
Design a Study to Investigate a Health Issue
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of study designs by developing a research plan to address a specific public health concern.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a research question and hypothesis
- Select an appropriate study design
- Determine the study sample and data collection methods
- Analyze the data and draw conclusions
Create a Comprehensive Course Summary
Show steps
Improve your retention and understanding by creating a comprehensive summary of key course concepts.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes, lecture slides, and assigned readings
- Organize and categorize key concepts
- Create a summary document or presentation
Present Your Epidemiology Findings
Show steps
Enhance your communication skills by effectively presenting your epidemiologic findings to a wider audience.
Browse courses on
Epidemiology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Prepare a presentation outlining your research question, methods, and results
- Practice delivering your presentation
- Present your findings to classmates or a public audience
Career center
Learners who complete Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and other health problems in populations. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" can be extremely helpful for epidemiologists. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge is essential for epidemiologists to be able to effectively investigate the causes of disease and other health problems.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educator
Public health educators develop and implement programs to promote health and prevent disease. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" can be extremely helpful for public health educators. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge is essential for public health educators to be able to effectively develop and implement programs to promote health and prevent disease.
Public Health Researcher
Public Health Researcher
Public health researchers conduct research to improve the health of populations. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" can be extremely helpful for public health researchers. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge is essential for public health researchers to be able to effectively conduct research to improve the health of populations.
Public Health Program Manager
Public Health Program Manager
Public health program managers plan, implement, and evaluate public health programs. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" can be extremely helpful for public health program managers. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge is essential for public health program managers to be able to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate public health programs.
Public Health Policy Analyst
Public Health Policy Analyst
Public health policy analysts develop and evaluate policies to improve the health of populations. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" can be extremely helpful for public health policy analysts. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge is essential for public health policy analysts to be able to effectively develop and evaluate policies to improve the health of populations.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians collect and analyze data, design studies, and interpret results to help solve public health problems. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" can be extremely helpful for biostatisticians. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge is essential for biostatisticians to be able to effectively collect, analyze, and interpret data.
Statistician
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve problems in a variety of fields, including public health. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" can be extremely helpful for statisticians. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge is essential for statisticians to be able to effectively collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve problems in public health.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants provide a variety of medical services under the supervision of a physician. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" may be helpful for physician assistants. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge can be helpful for physician assistants to be able to better understand the causes of disease and other health problems.
Nursing Professional
Nursing Professional
Nursing professionals provide care to patients in a variety of settings. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" may be helpful for nursing professionals. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge can be helpful for nursing professionals to be able to better understand the causes of disease and other health problems.
Medical Doctor
Medical Doctor
Medical doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" may be helpful for medical doctors. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge can be helpful for medical doctors to be able to better understand the causes of disease and other health problems.
Public Health Social Worker
Public Health Social Worker
Public health social workers provide social services to individuals, families, and communities to improve health. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" may be helpful for public health social workers. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge can be helpful for public health social workers to be able to better understand the causes of health problems and to develop and implement effective social services.
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitian
Registered dietitians provide nutritional counseling and guidance to individuals and groups. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" may be helpful for registered dietitians. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge can be helpful for registered dietitians to be able to better understand the causes of malnutrition and other health problems.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science writers communicate scientific information to the public. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" may be helpful for science writers. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge can be helpful for science writers to be able to accurately and effectively communicate scientific information about public health to the public.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students at all levels, from elementary school to college. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" may be helpful for teachers. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge can be helpful for teachers to be able to better understand the causes of health problems and to teach students about public health.
Public Health Nutritionist
Public Health Nutritionist
Public health nutritionists work to improve the nutritional status of populations. The course titled "Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health" may be helpful for public health nutritionists. The course covers topics such as measures of disease frequency, study designs, measures of association, and causality. This knowledge can be helpful for public health nutritionists to be able to better understand the causes of malnutrition and other health problems.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/xmad9y/epidemiology
Reading list
We've selected 12 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
Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health.
This encyclopedia provides a comprehensive overview of public health. It covers a wide range of topics, from the core concepts and methods used in the field, to the major health challenges facing the world.
Save
This textbook which students and researchers can use together. This is useful for providing a mix of foundational information, examples, and professional-level explanations.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of field epidemiology. It covers the methods used to investigate and control outbreaks of disease, and valuable reference for public health practitioners.
Save
Comprehensive and up-to-date overview of epidemiology. It covers the latest methods and applications, and valuable reference for students and professionals in public health.
Focuses on the application of epidemiology to public health practice. It covers the core concepts and methods used in the field, and provides case studies to illustrate their application.
Concise and accessible introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics. It covers the core concepts and methods used in the field, and good starting point for students and professionals new to the field.
Concise and accessible introduction to epidemiology. It covers the core concepts and methods used in the field, and good starting point for students and professionals new to the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of global public health. It covers the major health challenges facing the world, and the strategies and policies used to address them.
Provides a comprehensive overview of disaster epidemiology. It covers the methods used to study the health effects of disasters, and valuable reference for public health practitioners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of public health. It covers the core concepts and methods used in the field, and provides case studies to illustrate their application.
Provides a comprehensive overview of environmental epidemiology. It covers the methods used to study the relationship between environmental exposures and health outcomes, and provides case studies to illustrate their application.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of social epidemiology. It covers the methods used to study the relationship between social factors and health outcomes, and provides case studies to illustrate their application.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/xmad9y/epidemiology
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Rating
4.7
Effort
6 hours to complete
Via
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Institution
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Instructors
Dr. Karin Yeatts
Dr. Lorraine Alexander
Language
English
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