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.