HSCI 3350 Epidemiology and Public Health
This course offers an introduction to the principles, concepts, and methods of epidemiologic research. Emphasis is placed on understanding epidemiological information, the concept of risk, and the tools used to evaluate health problems and policies at a population level. Topics include the calculation, interpretation and application of measures of disease frequency, association and public health impact; epidemiologic study design and analysis (including the role of chance, bias and confounding); direct standardization of rates, statistical inference and principles of screening. This course also teaches students how to apply epidemiologic methods to critically analyze and interpret public health literature. This is an introduction to the broad concepts of public health practice including the mission, core functions, structure, policy role, program activities, and collaborative endeavors of public health agencies. Theoretical and practical perspectives are studied to illustrate contemporary strategies for health promotion and disease prevention at local, state, and national levels. The course addresses public health issues in the management of various ways a population acquires a disease including water quality, wastewater, municipal and hazardous waste, vector control and air quality.