This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of epidemiology, basic epidemiological computations, and understanding published epidemiological research.
Outline
HADM 379 is structured for independent study with interactive tutoring. The course comprises the following 9 units:
Unit 1: Introduction to Epidemiology
Unit 2: Measuring Disease Occurrence
Unit 3: Study Design I: Observational Studies
Unit 4: Study Design II: Intervention Studies
Unit 5: Estimating Risk
Unit 6: The Epidemiological Approach to Causation
Unit 7: Detection and Diagnosis of Disease
Unit 8: Prognosis and Intervention
Unit 9: Health Policy and Planning
Learning outcomes
Define and appropriately use common epidemiological terms.
Explain how epidemiology is used to understand health and disease within human populations.
Describe the study methods used in epidemiological research and identify the strengths and limitations associated with each.
Logically assess the associations between exposure and outcomes and the effectiveness of interventions when reading published epidemiological studies.
Describe the use of epidemiology in public health and health services.
Evaluation
To receive credit for HADM 379, you must complete all assessments, achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent), and a grade of at least 50 percent on the Final Examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Assignment 1
12.5%
Quiz 1
10%
Assignment 2
12.5%
Quiz 2
10%
Assignment 3
20%
Final Exam
35%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Celentano, D., & Szklo, M. (2019). Gordis Epidemiology (6th edition). Elsevier. (Print)
Porta, M. (2014). A Dictionary of Epidemiology. Oxford University Press. (Print)
Other Materials
All other course materials will be accessed online.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.