Epidemiology Statistics and Research Methods - Short Course

Program Overview

This introductory statistics and epidemiology short course provides a foundation in data analysis and epidemiological methods for identifying and quantifying disease risks. It covers statistical concepts such as data presentation, probability theory, and inferential statistics, as well as epidemiological approaches like cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and screening principles. The course aims to equip participants with critical thinking skills and the ability to interpret epidemiological data, with a focus on investigating the major causes of disease and ill health.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This short course provides an introduction to the basic concepts in statistics and the main epidemiological methods used to identify and quantify disease and associated risks.

Objectives:

By the end of this short course, you should be able to: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the main techniques used to investigate the epidemiology of the important causes of death and ill health Identify, interpret and discuss appropriate epidemiological study designs to address population health questions Interpret and discuss the importance of epidemiological and statistical information that they have collected themselves, or has been presented by others

Other:

• Statistical subjects: types of data and data presentation, descriptive statistics, basic probability, distribution theory including the normal distribution and its properties, sampling theory, principles and techniques, inferential statistics, analysis of categorical and continuous data, non-parametric tests, correlation and regression, and survival analysis.
• Epidemiological subjects: descriptive epidemiology, measures and comparisons of disease frequency, ecological studies, cross-sectional studies, prevalence studies, case-control studies, principles of screening, study design and questionnaires and qualitative research methods.
• Credits: 20 credits
• Attendance Required: Two block weeks of teaching
• Dates: Monday 2nd October - Friday 6th October 2023 and Monday 16th October - 20th October 2023.
• Course Coordinators: Dr Sam Watson, Dr John Allotey, Dr Malcolm Price