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501 FETP: Principles of Epidemiology

Objectives:

To introduce the basic concepts and methods of epidemiology, so that at the end of the course student will be able to:

  • understand and describe the basic epidemiological concepts and terminology
  • calculate, interpret and use measures of disease burden
  • understand the principles and methodology of different study designs and will be able to appreciate the strengths and
  • limitations of each
  • develop the skills to apply epidemiological principles in analyzing a health problem
  • interpret Demographic / Health information system data in public health perspective
  • identify and deal with random and systematic errors when interpreting epidemiological data for causal association
  • design, carry out, analyze, interpret and report investigations of disease outbreak while taking/suggesting most
  • appropriate control measures
  • appreciate the principles and practice of disease screening

Course Outline:

  • Models of disease causation and determinants of health and disease
  • Uses of Epidemiology
  • Measures of disease burden: including measures of disease frequency, effect and impact
  • Principles, methodology and analysis of epidemiological studies including Descriptive, Analytic and Experimental study
  • designs
  • Interpretation of epidemiological studies/data focusing on issues related to causality, random errors, bias and
  • confounding.
  • Designing, conducting, analyzing, interpreting and reporting investigations of disease outbreaks
  • Research methodology
  • Principles of Infectious Disease epidemiology
  • Screening, Health Management Information System and Surveillance systems
  • Miscellaneous current topics of epidemiologic interest

Teaching Strategy:

  • Teaching will consist of a series of lectures covering the topic being presented. The theory lectures will be strengthened by
  • practical sessions in which students will be working in small groups to practice the concepts presented in theory lectures.

Course Assessment:

  • The course will contribute 300 marks to the final evaluation. Assessment will be based on two written MCQ papers i.e. One paper in 1st mid-term (40%=120 marks) and Paper I of 1st term examination (60%=180 marks).
  • It will also contribute a major portion of papers in final comprehensive examination.