Admission requirements
Required course(s):
None, but the successful completion of at least one 100-level Global Public Health course is strongly recommended.
Description
Epidemiology is the study of how often diseases occur in specific populations and why. Epidemiological research is the cornerstone of public health. Epidemiological evidence provides the foundation for public health measures, aimed at reducing disease burden in specific populations. This course will introduce you to basic methods and study designs in epidemiology. By using examples, this course teaches different study designs used in epidemiology and public health research such as: case-control studies, cohort studies, randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Also, basic epidemiological and public health measures of associations will be discussed as well as potential biases and internal and external validity of epidemiological findings.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, students will:
know the prevalence, incidence and main determinants of common communicable and non-communicable diseases.
understand basic measures used in epidemiology and global public health, including the
incidence, prevalence, and measures of association.be able to recognize study designs used in epidemiology and global public health
be able to recognize selection bias, information bias, confounding and effect modification and indicate the major pros and cons of the various study designs
know the difference between internal and external validity.
be able to select the most suitable study design to address a specific research question.
Timetable
Timetables for courses offered at Leiden University College in 2024-2025 will be published on this page of the e-Prospectus.
Mode of instruction
Online Lectures
Journal clubs
Case studies and exercises
Group assignment and presentations.
Assessment Method
In-class participation (Ongoing week 1-7,10%)
Individual assignment (Week 3, 15%)
Group assignment: design a study (Week 6 presentation and discussion,15%), week 7 final assignment, 30%))
Final written exam (open and multiple-choice questions (30%, due week 8))
Reading list
Required reading:
- Webb P, Bain C. Essential Epidemiology: An Introduction for Students and Health Professionals. 2nd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2011.
Other material that will be used in the course will be distributed via BrightSpace:
Skolnik R. Global Health 101. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. 2019.
Chapter 3: The Nuremberg Code (1947): http://ori.hhs.gov/chapter-3-The-Protection-of-Human-Subjects-Federal-regulations
The Belmont Report (1979): http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/belmont-report/
Registration
Courses offered at Leiden University College (LUC) are usually only open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Leiden University students who participate in one of the university’s Honours tracks or programmes may register for one LUC course, if availability permits. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator, course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Dr. Mirte Boelens, m.boelens@lumc.nl
Remarks
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