Prospectus

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CRiP - Advanced Concepts in Epidemiology

Course
2017-2018

Provisional Program

Admission requirements

Successful completion of the course DABS (Design and Analysis of Biomedical Studies) or an equivalent course.

Description

Program of the course

The course will focus on advanced concepts related to the design of clinical epidemiological studies. The course will start with an introduction on ‘Research Waste’, by which is meant the large amount of research investment that has been wasted (as much as 85% according to some authors) due to wrong questions being asked, poor study designs and distorted findings. Subsequently, we will discuss methods to minimize or prevent bias and (unmeasured) confounding in the design phase of a study in several lectures and practical exercises.

Research competences: A better appreciation of the importance of good research design
Knowledge on methods that decrease the likelihood of flawed research

Professional competences: Basic ability to perform peer review

Course objectives

  • You are able to discuss advanced methods and concepts used for epidemiological study design

  • you are able to apply specific methods in a study design to minimise bias and confounding

  • you are able to identify limitations in the design of a study that affect the conclusions of a paper or manuscript

Mode of instruction

Lectures, workgroups

Assessment method

The student will perform a critical peer review of a manuscript and describe its strengths and limitations in 1.5 A4 max. This document will be graded as fail, sufficient, good or excellent pass.

Reading list

To follow.