Observational Epidemiology (Epi 1.5)

Course Syllabus

Course Description

Expands upon material presented in Principles of Epidemiology (340.601) and provides opportunity to learn more about epidemiologic concepts as applied to cohort and case-control studies. Emphasizes interpretation and the ability to critically evaluate observational study designs and methods of data analysis. Intermediate concepts include measures of association, bias, confounding, and interaction/effect modification, and are illustrated in the context of analytic observational study designs.

Course Format

The content of the course is presented through lectures and the concepts applied during LiveTalk discussions over the eight-week period of the 3rd term.
• Lectures: Students are expected to complete the lectures as scheduled. There will be no lectures during the last 2 weeks of the course.

• LiveTalk sessions: During the first 6 weeks of the course, there will be two LiveTalk sessions designed to facilitate discussion of lecture content and supplemental materials. During the last 2 weeks of the course, there will be an additional 3 LiveTalks, each of which will focus on a particular paper. The emphasis of these sessions will be to critically evaluate the literature using the skills gained during the lecture portion of the course. All LiveTalk sessions will be recorded and archived.

• Bulletin Board System (BBS): The lecture and LiveTalk content should be discussed with other students on the course Bulletin Board. Participation in the Bulletin Board discussion is a course requirement.

• Quizzes and Exam: The purpose of the quizzes and the final exam is to integrate and apply the information discussed in lectures and LiveTalks with data from published observational studies. Students will be asked to answer a series of questions, applying the knowledge and critical reading techniques they have learned in the course.

Course Grades and Evaluation

Course grades will be determined by the following distributions:

40%: Final exam (cumulative)
50%: Quizzes (25% each)
10%: LiveTalk attendance

Course Materials

There is no required text. Required readings taken from published papers, as well as selections from the following two textbooks (these will be posted to the Online Library):

Savitz, David A. (2003). Interpreting epidemiologic evidence: Strategies for study design and analysis. New York: Oxford University Press.
Elwood, M. (2007). Critical appraisal of epidemiological studies and clinical trials (3rd Rev Ed). Oxford: Oxford Medical Publications, Oxford University Press (ISBN number: 9780198529552).

Contact Information

Send all course-related emails to epi608@jhsph.edu

Primary Faculty

Stephen Gange, PhD
Professor, Epidemiology
SPH E7638
Baltimore, MD 21205
Phone: 410-502-9771
Fax: 410-614-7125
sgange@jhsph.edu

Elizabeth Golub, PhD
Associate Scientist, Epidemiology
SPH E7636
Baltimore, MD 21205
Phone: 410-502-2502
Fax: 410-955-7587
egolub@jhsph.edu

Course Coordinator

Ayesha Khan
akhan@jhsph.edu

Teaching Assistants

Beth Linas
blinas@jhsph.edu

Help

Concerns

Contact

Concerns about course topics and assignments

TAs (epi608@jhsph.edu)

Technical concerns about the functionality and operation of course Web pages (before emailing, please make sure that you can replicate the problem)

DEHelp, the central help system for all tech support inquiries related to DED courses

Technical help on weekends

JHSPH User Support: 410-955-3781

Concerns about your Internet connection

Your Internet service provider (e.g., AT&T, Erols, etc.)

Concerns about your personal software

Your software vendor

Ethical Conduct

The academic ethics code, as discussed in the Policy and Procedure Memorandum for Students, March 31, 2002, will be adhered to in this class.

Disability Support Services

If you are a student with a documented disability who requires an academic accommodation, please contact Betty H. Addison in the Office of Career Services and Disability Support: dss@jhsph.edu, 410-955-3034, or Room E-1140.

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