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UM SPH Graduate Summer Session in Epidemiology Courses

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EPID701
Fundamentals of Biostatistics
Summer term(s)
3 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
This course will provide students with some of the tools necessary to compute sample and population statistics and to make inferences using them. Some of the topics to be covered will be descriptive statistics, probability, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, correlation and simple linear regression. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the assumptions made to perform some statistical techniques and what can be done if these assumptions are violated. The course will be based on lectures, homework and reading assignments and some class exercises. Hand calculators will be required.

EPID701D
Fundamentals of Biostatistics
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: General algebra
This course will provide students with some of the tools necessary to compute sample and population statistics and to make inferences using them. Some of the topics to be covered will be descriptive statistics, probability, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, correlation and simple linear regression. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the assumptions made to perform some statistical techniques and what can be done if these assumptions are violated. The course will be based on lectures, homework and reading assignments and some class exercises

EPID702
Principles and Applications of Epi Info
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Introductory level courses in Biostatistics and Epidemiology and knowledge of IBM PC and Perm. Instr.
This course will focus on the use of Epi Info 2000 software for the conduct of epidemiologic studies and surveillance from the data collection stage through final data analysis. Students in the course will learn how to create questionnaires and data entry forms with built-in validity checks, enter data, merge and update data from multiple sources, perform statistical analyses and create basic graphics, and import/export data between Epi Info and other programs. Students will also be introduced to Epi Map, a Geographic Information System (GIS) module within Epi Info 2000 that can be used to spatially represent epidemiological data. Class participants will receive extensive hands-on experience by working as individuals or in groups to enter and analyze their own data. Prerequisite: Introductory-level course in epidemiology. No previous experience using Epi Info is required.

EPID703
Topics in Infectious Diseases
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr., Introductory epidemiology and microbiology.
This course will focus on current topics and new concepts in infectious disease epidemiology. We will discuss factors and issues of diseases most currently prevalent in the world, their status, epidemiology, and methods of control and prevention and barriers to their successful applications. The diseases to be discussed include but are not limited to: diarrheal diseases, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, vaccine preventable diseases, avian influenza, emerging infections, West Nile virus, hemorrhagic fevers, zoonoses such as ehrlichiosis and variant Creuzfeldt-Jacob disease, hospital infections including multiple resistant staphylococcus and antibiotic resistance of other organisms. The class format will include lectures, discussions, and critical review of assigned reading material. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of epidemiology and microbiology.

EPID704
Epidemiology, Biology, and Prevention of Cancer
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Schottenfeld, David
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr. and Intro level course in Epidemiology
The Epidemiology of selected cancer sites will be reviewed comprehensively, emphasizing current concept of cancer biology, established risk factors, and probable causal mechanisms. Major causal factors will be reviewed in relation to lifestyle, the workplace, medical care, and the general environment. Special topics will include how molecular epidemiological studies may incorporate biomarkers of exposures in tissues, or that determines host susceptibility.

EPID705
Epidemiology in Public Health Policy
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.; Intro Epidemiology and Microbiology
This course deals with selected applications of epidemiologic methods and findings to health-services research, population health planning and evaluation, risk assessment and health policy. The major objective is to provide a framework for integrating causal inference with decision making, thereby bridging the gap between science and practice. Emphasis is given to important conceptual and methodologic issues that confront public-health and clinical researchers, policy analysts, health planners, attorneys, and decision makers. Prerequisites: Introductory level courses in epidemiology and biostatistics.

EPID707
Nutritional Epidemiology
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
The overall objective of this course is to provide an understanding of the theoretical and practical considerations in the conduct of nutritional epidemiologic studies. The course will review methods for assessing dietary intake as well as cover specific studies of diet, nutrition, and chronic diseases. In addition, given the obesity epidemic and the public health importance of this nutritional disease in our society, the course will also examine epidemiologic research related to the causes, consequences, and prevention of obesity. Prerequisite: Introductory-level course in epidemiology.

EPID709
Fundamentals of Epidemiology
Summer term(s)
3 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Previous or concurrent course in Intro. Biostats, P.I.
The course will provide participants with an understanding of basic concepts and methods of epidemiology. The course will familiarize students with specific methods and quantitative techniques for describing patterns of disease and for elucidating disease etiology. Applications of epidemiology to certain areas of public health such as screening as an approach to disease control will be illustrated. The course will be based on lectures, discussions, assigned readings, and problem solving. Students are required to bring hand calculators to class.

EPID710
Intermediate Epidemiologic Methods
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff; Morgenstern, Hal
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Perm. Instr
This course expands on the concepts, principles and methods covered in Epid 709 and focuses on the investigation of disease etiology and other causal relations in public health and medicine. Class topics include types of research strategies (experiments, quasi experiments, observational studies), concepts of causation (counterfactuals, sufficient-cause model, effect measures), principles of analysis in observational studies (frequency, association, impact measures; confidence intervals, p values), error in effect estimation (precision; selection bias, misclassification bias, confounding), and methods for dealing with covariates (stratified analysis, matching and matched analysis; effect modification).

EPID711
Epidemiology of Injury and Violence
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Perm. Instr.
Injuries, both unintentional and intentional, are the leading cause of premature death and a leading cause of physical and emotional disability. Injuries occur in predictable patterns, and they are highly amenable to prevention and to interventions that reduce their severity. A basic understanding of the epidemiology of injuries is an important first step to successful prevention and control. This course will introduce students to the theory and methods used in injury epidemiology. The course will review the different approaches to studying injury patterns including causal mechanisms and the different phases where injuries occur and can be controlled. Specific topics include: theoretical basis of injury control research; review of available national and local data sources and their limitations; classification schemes for types and external causes of injury; measures of injury occurrences including exposure measurement, risk, and rate derivation; describing and interpreting injury data; and appropriate choice of study design and effect measures for injury studies. This course emphasizes the use of epidemiological methods and data in considering injury control options and the evaluation of the effectiveness of injury control programs. The curriculum includes lectures, discussions, practical exercises, and critical review of epidemiological literature. Students will practice prioritizing injury problems, formulating approaches for studying different injury problems, and interpreting epidemiological data pertaining to injury causation and prevention. Prerequisite: Introductory level course in epidemiology.

EPID713
Epidemiology of Psychiatric Disorders
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
This course offers an introduction to the epidemiology of mental health and mental illness. This course takes an explicit epidemiologic perspective and focuses on the study of the determinants of mental illness. A broad array of potential determinants will be discussed, including psychosocial, biologic, and genetic determinants. Students will learn about the epidemiology of specific diseases, but will also consider the methodologic challenges involved in the study of mental health and illness, the social consequences of mental illness, and the social and political contexts within which mental health and mental illness occur. This course will be divided into three primary sections. The first section will serve as an introduction to psychiatric epidemiology, considering the role of psychiatric epidemiology and the historic, political, and cultural context of mental illness. The second section will consider epidemiologic insights about some of the key psychiatric disorders, including affective, psychotic, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Each topic discussion will also consider the interrelationship between these disorders and the role of epidemiologic methods in studying these conditions. The third section will consider special topics in psychiatric epidemiology, including issues of comorbidity, measurement (including case ascertainment and diagnostic methods), and issues that pertain to service delivery and its assessment.

EPID714
Preventing the Disabling Conditions of Aging
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Perm. Instr.
This course begins with a basic overview of research on the epidemiology of important clinical and social conditions that lead to disablement and death among older persons in the United States and other western countries. There will be a detailed consideration of known and putative risk factors for these conditions, examining the level of evidence and addressing newly suggested factors. Conditions that will be emphasized include general physical disability, dementia and Alzheimers disease, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, coronary heart disease, selected cancers, depression, elder abuse and selected common infections. Finally, each condition will be explored for its preventability using both clinical and population intervention strategies. Prerequisite: Introductory-level course in epidemiology.

EPID716
Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Decision Making
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
With the increasing demand for an evidence-based approach in the delivery of health care services and the economic pressures for a more rational and efficient use of limited health care resources, practitioners and administrators in the health care field need to develop clinical measurement and evaluative skills in order to conduct their work optimally. Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Decision Making identifies and teaches these skills. The course will cover the basic concepts of clinical epidemiology in the context of appraising the recent medical literature pertaining to issues of causation, diagnosis, management, and economic evaluation. The format will include problem-based learning. Course materials will be provided in advance of the sessions, and should be reviewed before the course begins in order to obtain the maximum benefit from enrollment in the course. All health professionals (clinicians and administrators) who rely on the medical literature to guide their activities are invited to attend the course. No prerequisite.

EPID717
Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Perm. Instr
The theoretical and practical challenges to be considered in designing and conducting a clinical trial will be presented. Topics to be discussed include the specification of a primary objective, adherence to accepted ethical guidelines, the role of randomization and the means of its implementation, the choice of design strategy and design strengthening features, and the considerations involved in sample size determination and patient recruitment. Detailed analytic issues will be considered in the complementary one-week course that follows. No prerequisite.

EPID718
Analysis of Clinical Trials
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Biostatistics and Perm. Instr.
Methods of analysis appropriate to various designs, such as cross-over designs, nested designs, factorial designs, and designs with repeated measures will be presented. The use of GLM techniques for analysis will also be illustrated. Topics will include estimation of survival functions, survival comparison between groups of subjects, identification of important covariates, adjustment for covariates, testing for interaction, and understanding the difference between confounding and interaction. Specific tools to be discussed include the Kaplan-Meier estimators, the log-rank (Mantel-Haenszel) statistics, and the Cox proportional hazards model. Instruction will focus on empirical use of methodologies rather than formal algebraic knowledge. Practical applications of manual and software-based analysis will illustrate specific procedures and interpretation of results. Students receive a disk with the data and analysis programs for all examples in the course. Students are advised to bring a scientific calculator.

EPID719
Genetics in Epidemiology
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm Instr; Introductory level courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, human genetics. Completion of EPID 773.
This course will focus on the methods used for identifying disease susceptibility genes, and evaluating their contribution to disease risk in epidemiologic research. There will be discussions relating to three broad genetic issues: 1) methods used in gene mapping, 2) data collection issues for family and population studies, 3) statistical approaches for examining familial aggregation, linkage and association. In addition, the use of biomarkers of exposure in epidemiologic research will be discussed. The course will include didactic lectures, data analysis and discussions of current literature. Prerequisites: Introductory level courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, and human genetics. Completion of EPID 773 ﾖ Introduction to Genetics in Epidemiology is sufficient to meet the human genetics requirement. NOTE: There is a companion weekend course EPID 773 Introduction to Genetics in Epidemiology.

EPID720
Planning, Delivery, and Evaluation of Community-Based Interventions for Behavioral and Social Change
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
Community-based programs that are designed to change health-related behaviors comprise the vast majority of the public health efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality in populations. This course covers the life stage of community-based programs from inception, implementation, and sustainability. The course applies the theoretical concepts from the social and behavioral sciences, health education, and health communication to the planning, design, and evaluation of community-based interventions. A program planning framework provides the methodology to examine social and behavioral determinants of health and to identify appropriate intervention design. Characteristics of theory-based interventions are discussed, critiqued, and assessed for relevance to the needs of the students who will have the opportunity to apply these ideas to their own work. No prerequisite.

EPID722
Pharmacoepidemiology
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Perm. Instr.
This course will cover the application of epidemiologic methods to study the use and effects of pharmaceuticals, biologics and other medical products. In particular, it will cover methods of detecting adverse and beneficial drug effects, including spontaneous reporting systems, ad hoc epidemiologic studies, and the growing use of automated databases. Emphasis will be placed on the need to quantify the frequency of drug effects and risk factors for these drug effects, rather than simply documenting causation. We will also address the renewed interest in adverse events as a major public health problem and how it will impact the health care system through the more recent implementation of pharmaceutical risk management plans. Other topics to be covered include measuring the frequency of drug use, the quality of prescribing, and new developments in pharmacoepidemiology methods. Teaching methods will include lectures and workshops, as well as development of a study protocol. Prerequisite: Introductory-level course in epidemiology.

EPID723
Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.; Intro level Epid and intro to biostatistics
This course will cover the fundamental concepts and methods used in Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology. Designs and methods used for the analyses of occupational cohort, nested and population based case-control, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies will be reviewed. Methodological issues such as exposure misclassification and common sources of bias such as the healthy worker survivor effect will be discussed. Qualitative and quantitative (e.g. meta-analysis) for the review of occupational and environmental epidemiologic studies, and the use of risk assessment methods will also be reviewed. Case studies on a variety of environmental and occupational hazards will be used to illustrate these issues. Prerequisites: Introductory Epidemiology.

EPID724
Risk Assessment in Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Perm. Instr.
Risk assessment has become an essential tool in the development of policies for controlling environmental and occupational hazards, and the use of epidemiological data in risk assessment has been steadily increasing. This course will provide an overview of the current practices and controversies in risk assessment as it is practiced today, and of issues of particular concern regarding the use of epidemiology in risk assessment. Methods for using epidemiological data for identifying hazards will be reviewed including meta-analysis. Methods for developing quantitative estimates of risk by modeling epidemiological data using statistical and biologic models will also be reviewed. Class laboratory exercises will be conducted using contemporary examples where epidemiological data has played a major role in risk assessment such as: particulate air pollution and respiratory disease, electromagnetic fields (EMF) and cancer risk, and benzene and leukemia risk.

EPID725
CVD Epidemiology: Foundation for Public Health Policy & Practice
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Level Epid and Perm. Instr.
This course will provide an opportunity through lectures and discussion to address major aspects of CVD epidemiology, including 1) the nature and scope of cardiovascular diseases (principally coronary heart disease and stroke) in their population context; 2) the determinants of cardiovascular diseases as they contribute to differences in rates among populations and risks among individuals; 3) concepts of prevention of cardiovascular diseases as these have evolved over several decades; and 4) the culmination of these in a new, comprehensive, public health strategy for heart disease and stroke prevention. In addition, questions will be posed for discussion that may be critical for research in cardiovascular disease epidemiology in the future. The framework for the course is given by the text, Epidemiology and Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Global Challenge, Labarthe, Aspen 1998. Supplemental materials will be provided as needed. Prerequisite: Introductory-level course in epidemiology.

EPID727
Fertility and Pregnancy - An Epidemiologic Perspective
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro course in epidemiology and Perm. Instr.
Few stories in biology are as fascinating as the development of a fully formed infant from a single fertilized cell and no period of life is more crucial in laying the groundwork for long-term health. This course covers the gamut from fertility and conception to fetal development, birth defects, diseases of pregnancy, the controversial role of birth weight in survival, and the long-term effects of events during pregnancy on adult diseases. A sub-plot in this story is the array of deceptive analytic traps inherent in epidemiologic studies of reproduction and pregnancy. Finally, we will consider the importance of evolution and genetics in perinatal studies, and the special role of the case-parent-triad study design as a genetic tool. No prerequisite.

EPID729
Applied Epidemiology in Public Health Practice
Summer term(s)
3 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
The course will emphasize the practical application of the principles of applied epidemiology to the investigation of public health problems. The material will be directed toward public health practitioners whose responsibilities include epidemiological investigations of disease problems in the community as well as to others who are interested in a refresher course or entry level course in applied epidemiology. There will be presentations and discussions of applied epidemiology, field investigations, public health surveillance, methods of control and prevention, surveys and sampling, and evaluation. Participants will work on a number of case studies prepared from actual field investigations that will extend the discussion of the above subjects. This allows a practical application in the classroom of the principles of epidemiology to the solution of disease problems. Selected diseases will be discussed that will emphasize the principles of epidemiology as applied to infectious and non-infectious diseases. Students are requested to bring hand calculators to class.

EPID730
Occupational and Environmental Exposure Assessment
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology, P.I.
In recent years significant advances have been made in the exposure assessment methods used in epidemiologic studies of occupational and environmental hazards. These have resulted in major improvements in both validity and reliability and have increased our understanding of the impact of misclassification. This course will present an overview of the methods currently available for occupational and environmental exposure assessment in both workplace and community-based studies and provide participants with the ability to assess the strengths and limitations of different strategies. Topics will include assessing feasibility, designing an effective strategy, quantitative and semi-quantitative methods, assessing misclassification, and analysis strategies. The course will use a combination of lectures, case studies, and problem-solving exercises. Prerequisite Introductory level course in epidemiology. NOTE: It is highly recommended that students for this course also take Epid 723 Occupational and Environmental Epidemiololgy which is offered during the same week in the morning session.

EPID731
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Epidemiological Principles
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
Microbes, passion, power, and politics converge to create public health policy for STD and HIV. Each of these fascinating diseases brings a unique set of epidemiological features and social issues. The course will cover bacterial diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia), viral diseases (herpes, hepatitis B, genital warts, Kaposiﾒs sarcoma, AIDS, and cervical cancer), and syndromes caused by sexually transmitted infections (pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy). We will: focus on characteristics of the infections that influence their distribution and provide opportunities for public health intervention; emphasize fundamental epidemiological principles illustrated by studies of these diseases; and explore issues involved in the design and evaluation of control programs. No prerequisite.

EPID734
Epidemiology of Substance Abuse
Summer term(s)
3 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: P.I.
Substance abuse is associated with death, disease and injury especially among children and young adults. This course will cover the various substances of abuse and will focus on alcohol, cocaine crack, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, marijuana and heroin. Information helpful in conducting and/or interpreting epidemiological studies of substance abuse will be presented. These include data on trends and patterns of drug use, biologic and other causal theories, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Edition), and other classification typologies, and methodological research problems unique to substance abuse. Various methods of studying substance abuse and associated morbidity and mortality and other consequences will be illustrated and examined. Epidemiological issues will be discussed including the validity and reliability of self-reported drug use, urinalysis and other means of detecting and quantifying drug use. Consequences of substance abuse presented include depression and suicide, traffic accidents and other injuries, crimes and violence, deaths, adverse pregnancy outcomes, HIV infections and other sexually transmitted diseases and the impact of substance abuse on the health care system.

EPID740
Methods in Medical Quality Assessment and Improvement
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Clinical training, intro epidemiology, knowledge or experience in hospital epidemiology or other quality assurance, risk management, or utilization review programs, P.I.
This course will focus on methods of assessing and improving the quality of medical care. Measurement is an essential component of quality improvement efforts. The course will emphasize the application of common epidemiological tools and methods, and explore the use of other techniques including survey methodologies, quality improvement techniques, and methods for evaluating cost.

EPID741
Epidemiology Measures
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Perm. Instr.
The features and pitfalls of using rates, odd ratios, rate ratios, probabilities and probability ratios are descibed in biostatistical terms producing an in-depth understanding of these fundamental epidemiologic tools for measuring association. The companion concepts of interaction (effect-modification) and confounding bias are also presented to identify important issues in drawing conclusion from these statistical measures. Once the properties of these summary statistics are established, such topics as combining data, analysis of trends, transformations and smoothing techniques are presented to illustrate the process of measuring associations in collected data. Rigorous and detailed explanations combined with applied illustrations are intended to improve the application of statistical measures to the analysis of epidemiologic data. Prerequisites: Introductory level courses in epidemiology and biostatistics.

EPID742
Introduction to Logistic and Poisson Models
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Perm. Instr
The vast majority of epidemiologic data involve either binary or count data. Logistic (binary data) and Poisson (count data) regression analyses are two important analytic approaches that frequently provide valuable insights into collected data. Both techniques will be presented in a practical and an applied fashion. The discussed material begins with the simplest case with the goal of understanding the fundamental properties of each model. Once these properties are established, more advanced topics such as collinearity, variable selection, non-linear explanatory variables and goodness-of-fit will be described and applied to several multivariable epidemiologic data sets. These two analytic approaches not only provide simple and effective ways to explore complex relationships but illustrate the general process of using a linear model to draw conclusions from the analysis of epidemiologic data. Prerequisites: Introductory level courses in epidemiology and biostatistics.

EPID743
Applied Linear Regression
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Perm. Instr
This course discusses the applications of linear regression models to medical research and public health data. We will focus on the two major goals of linear models: (1) explanation, the estimation of associations using linear regression models, and (2) prediction, the use linear regression models to predict subject outcomes, as with diagnostic tests and nomograms. Specific topics include graphical exploratory data analysis, assumptions behind simple and multivariate linear models, the use of categorical explanatory variables, identifying when transformations of explanatory and/or outcome variables are needed, assessing the presence of predictor/outcome associations through hypothesis testing, identifying when confounding and effect modification are present, assessing model fit, and model selection techniques. Prerequisite: Targeted audience members include researchers and health professionals with some basic knowledge of statistics and epidemiology who desire some in-depth exposure to the concepts and principles of linear regression models. Although some statistical output will be presented, students will not directly analyze data in this course and no prior knowledge of any statistical software, such as SAS or SPSS, is required.

EPID745
Women's Health
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr., Introductory epidemiology
This course will cover the epidemiology (and methodology) of the following topics: sex differences in cardiovascular disease; (mis-)interpreting the results from clinical trials in women; breast, cervical, and uterine cancers; sex differences in obesity, fat distribution, and diabetes; osteoarthritis and osteoporosis; sex differences in endogenous sex hormones and outcomes; reproductive endocrinology; and psychosocial issues and women's health. Prerequisite: Introductory level course in epidemiology.

EPID747
Successful Scientific Writing
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
This course takes an active, participatory approach to help public health and health care professionals learn how to communicate the findings of their research and investigations more effectively and expedite publication of their manuscripts. Working in small groups, students spend much of their class time critiquing actual published and unpublished manuscripts, including their own, and solving a wide range of exercises that exemplify the real-world challenges that authors face. Free-form in-class discussions make it possible for class members to learn from one another's experiences. Major components of the course include the following: basic sections of a scientific article: the purpose, elements and organization of each section; principles of style for writing in public health and epidemiology; systematic approaches to the process of writing and publishing an article in a peer-reviewed journal; effective strategies for dealing with requests of journal editors and reviewers.

EPID749
Applied Computing in Epidemiologic Research
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perm. Instr.
The overall objective of this course is to have students develop skills to improve their use of computers in epidemiologic research. A number of case studies are used to step through the process of performing simple descriptive analyses to more complicated multivariable analyses. An important aspect of this process includes how to perform certain epidemiologic and statistical analyses using software and, just as important, how to interpret the output. Programs such as Epi Info, SAS, SPSS, OpenEpi, and others will be presented. Epidemiologic analyses, such as stratification, logistic regression, and survival analysis, are described. The important issues of assessing and dealing with effect modification and confounding are emphasized. Some basic programming in Epi Info and SAS will be presented. Prerequisites: Introductory-level courses in epidemiology and biostatistics. Experience with the use of statistical software is desirable.

EPID750
Cancer Epidemiology I: Illustrating the Etiologic Evidence for Cancer Prevention
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Perm. Instr.
This course will review advances in cancer epidemiology that illustrate causal mechanisms and the basis for cancer prevention. The syllabus will include lectures on the global burden of cancer; environmental and lifestyle factors; and the possible role of hormones in human carcinogenesis. Topics related to cancer pathways and biomarkers of exposures and susceptibility will be also discussed. Prerequisite: Introductory-level course in epidemiology.

EPID751
Cancer Epidemiology II: Applications for Research and Cancer Prevention
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro level Epid and Perm. Instr.
This course will stimulate cancer epidemiology research by improving knowledge and skills of applied cancer epidemiology among researchers and clinicians. Students will discuss opportunities for improving the quality of data from cancer registries; collection, processing, and use of biologic specimens in cancer epidemiology research; and examples of epidemiologic and prevention research using cancer registry data. Students will also be asked to apply the knowledge gained to a problem related to current and/or future research projects. The course format includes lectures complemented by seminars devoted to exercises and discussion of current examples of epidemiologic studies. Prerequisite: Basic course in cancer epidemiology (e.g. Epid 750 or 621).

EPID752
Epidemiology and Prevention of Violence
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
Violence-related injury is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Using a public health perspective, this course will explore the epidemiological, etiological, and programmatic landscape of violence-related injury in its prevention. Students will learn about: 1) how to find and interpret relevant epidemiologic information, 2) theories and evidence regarding causes of violent behavior, 3) leading evidence-based strategies for preventing violent behavior, and 4) strategies to implement, evaluate, and maintain programs to prevent violent behavior. No prerequisite.

EPID753
Ethics and Epidemiology
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
This course focuses on topics that are common in conducting epidemiologic research, including the development of the informed consent process, the assessment of risks and benefits, conflict of interest, and scientific misconduct. The course examines the underlying ethical principles, international ethical guidelines and federal regulations that are relevant to these issues, as well as the application of these concepts to actual situations. Prerequisite: Course or equivalent in epidemiological methods.

EPID754
Design and Evaluation of Injury Prevention Programs
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Perm. Instr.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop basic skills necessary for the design, implementation and evaluation of prevention programs. Although examples used throughout the course will be drawn from the field of injury prevention, most concepts are also directly applicable to intervention development in other areas of public health. Using a problem-solving framework, students will be introduced to problem identification, definition, and measurement; identification of key determinants and of modifiable casual factors; identification of possible intervention strategies; selection of an intervention strategy; and integrated implementation and evaluation planning. The contest focus will be on developing prevention programs in a way that optimizes limited resources while achieving the maximum likelihood of success. Special attention will be given to assessing the social and environmental factors that impact the development, delivery, and outcomes of interventions. The educational focus will be on practical skill building. The class will be interactive, and students are encouraged to bring real-world injury prevention problems or success stories to contribute to class discussions and group exercises. Strongly recommended prerequisite: Previous or concurrent course in epidemiology.

EPID755
Emerging and Re-Emerging Infections
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff; Staff
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of epidemiology and microbiology
Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases continue to represent a major worldwide public health problem. Naturally occurring and bioterrorist introduced agents can result in disease and death. Societal, technological and environmental factors have a significant effect on infectious diseases facilitating the emergence of new diseases and the re-emergence of old ones. Recent occurrences that underscore the public health concerns include viral infections, such as HIV, SARS, NIPAH virus, dengue, SLE, West Nile virus and bacterial infections, such as Helicobacter pylori, E. coli 0157: H7, and antibiotic resistant organisms including tubercle bacilli, staphylococci, streptococci, and gram negative rods. The role of infectious agents as causative factors of malignancies will be reviewed. We will discuss the general factors that have influenced the occurrence of these diseases and the programs promoted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other professional organizations, to combat these infectious diseases. The major emerging and re-emerging infections will be discussed emphasizing their identification, epidemiology, recommended control and prevention measures, and their current unresolved problems. We will also discuss the threat of bioterrorism in reintroducing an infectious agent. The format will include lectures, discussions, and a critical review of assigned reading materials. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of epidemiology and microbiology.

EPID756
Epidemiology and the Law
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Peyser, Patricia A
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
Increasingly, epidemiological studies are offered as evidence or as a foundation for expert testimony in criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings. Presently, courts and administrative agencies are implementing the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court in Daubert, a landmark 1993 case that established new standards for the admission of scientific evidence. Daubert emphasized that to be legally reliable, scientific evidence must be scientifically ﾓvalid.ﾔ This course reviews evidentiary standards focusing on the tests that should be applied to epidemiological studies to assess their scientific validity. The Federal Rules of Evidence will be the primary legal standards discussed. Recent court decisions interpreting these rules will be reviewed. Scientific writing describing how to assess study designs, data, methods, and reporting of findings will also be reviewed. The application of legal and scientific standards will be illustrated through simulations presenting realistic situations for class discussion. The course is intended for judges, lawyers, regulators, witnesses, students of law and epidemiology, and practicing epidemiologists interested in legal issues.

EPID757
Introduction to Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Perm. Instr.
In the last several years, there has been an explosion in the number of published meta-analyses in the biomedical literature. Although controversy exists about the relative merits of the technique of meta-analysis (compared to results obtained through single trials or through qualitative reviews), the widespread and growing application of meta-analyses to address important research questions, makes it useful for health professionals to be able to understand and critique this research design. This one-week course will provide a detailed examination of the strengths and limitations of the technique as well as intensive introduction into the design and execution of a meta-analysis. Specific topics to be covered (and emphasized through numerous examples from the medical literature) include: *identification of research questions appropriate for meta-analysis; *systematic abstraction and quality scoring of data from research articles; *a critique of the performance of meta-analysis contrasted with conclusions from clinical trials; selection of a proper statistical model in meta-analysis, including computer-based problem sets with practical examples of fixed and random effects models; the use of meta-regression to evaluate heterogeneity; *graphical and tabular templates for the presentation of data from a meta-analysis

EPID759
Introduction to SAS
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro. Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Perm. Instr
This course will present SAS at an introductory level for public health professionals. The overall objective of the course is to enable students to develop the ability to use SAS for basic statistical analyses, and to prepare for more advanced uses of SAS. Students in the course will learn how to navigate SAS in the Windows environment, create and submit command files, print output, do simple troubleshooting, create and manipulate SAS data sets, recode and transform variables, and do simple statistical analyses using SAS. Data management tasks, such as merging data sets to add variables, and adding cases to a data set will also be covered, as will information on how to import/export data between SAS and other programs, such as Excel, dBase, SPSS, and Epi Info. SAS/INSIGHT will be introduced for examining the distributions of variables and checking statistical assumption, using interactive graphics. The class will be taught as a lab, with lectures and demonstrations.

EPID760
Economic Measures of the Effectiveness of Health Care Services
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
This course will introduce students to tools of economic evaluation and demonstrate how these tools can be used in the health care arena. Specifically, students will learn the mechanics of cost minimization, cost effectiveness, and cost utility analyses. Major foci of the class will be on how to frame studies and on the different ways to define and measure health outcomes, particularly quality adjusted life years (QALYs). The class format will be lectures, supplemented by discussion of case studies from the literature.

EPID761
Perspectives in Social Epidemiology
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Perm. Instr.
There are few arenas of epidemiologic inquiry which do not bear the imprint of societal and psychosocial processes. This course will provide an introduction to some of the core theories, concepts, methods, and findings in the social epidemiologic investigation of health and diseases. Using a combination of lectures, in-class exercises and discussions, we will focus on describing and understanding the associations between social class, race and ethnicity, psychosocial factors, neighborhood characteristics and lifecourse processes to the incidence and progression of various health outcomes. Our approach will include a discussion of both upstream and downstream factors, covering both policy and intervention issues as well as the more proximal behavioral and biological mechanisms which link social and psychosocial factors to health outcomes. Prerequisite: Introductory-level course in epidemiology.

EPID762
Complex Sample Surveys Data Analysis with SUDAAN
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intermediate Biostat, Introductory Epid, Statistical package experience, prefer (SAS)
Do you need to analyze data from complex health sample surveys such as NHANES, NHIS, BRFSS, PRAMS or YRBS? Do you need to learn how to use specialized statistical methods and software so you can obtain correct point estimates, confidence intervals and tests of significance for sample survey data analyses? Do you need to compare or combine sample surveys over time? If yes, then this course is for you! Participants use the comprehensive sample survey software SUDAAN Release 9 for descriptive and design based modeling analyses of sample survey data. SUDAAN offers several variance estimation options: Taylor Series linearization and replication techniques ( balanced repeated replication [BRR] and jackknife). The SUDAAN procedures DESCRIPT, CROSSTAB, RATIO, LOGISTIC (logistic regression) and REGRESS (linear regression) are used for descriptive, comparative and design based modeling analyses. Marginal prediction options are illustrated for logistic regression. Participants analyze the sample survey datasets NHANES-III, NHANES 1999-2002 (maybe through 2004). SUDAAN design syntax for other sample surveys (e.g. BRFSS, PRAMS, and YRBS) is reviewed so that participants can use acquired SUDAAN skills for other sample survey datasets. The course packet includes copies of Power Point slides for the course, annotated example analyses with SUDAAN, structured lab exercises using SUDAAN, answers to lab exercises, recently published articles on sample survey data analysis, and a bibliography. The course packet serves as useful reference material when participants conduct future analyses with SUDAAN. This course does not include details on how to design probability samples; see EPID 764 for this topic. Prerequisites: Intermediate biostatistics, basic epidemiology, experience with at least one statistical software package, and basic knowledge of SAS. Background in the theory and/or practice of sample surveys (e.g. EPID 764) is helpful but not mandatory. Bring a zip disk (100 or 250 MB) or a memory stick 1 to store your data files and lab work for the course.

EPID763
Integration of Biomarkers in Epidemiology
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Perm. Instr
Topics to be covered include study design considerations, the types of samples that can be collected and how they can be used (e.g., urine or blood; use of a biomarker as the exposure or as the endpoint), sample collection and storage, both sources and evaluation of laboratory variability, dealing with batch-to-batch variability in the data, and ethical issues in the use of biomarkers.

EPID764
Probability Sampling Techniques in Epidemiology
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro level Epid and Biostat, P.I.
Do you need to design/select probability samples for epidemiological studies? Do you need to hire/monitor a contractor who designs/selects probability samples for you? Do you need to write/critique research proposals or articles that include simple or complex sampling methodology? Do you need to understand sampling plan documentation for public release sample survey data? Have you missed formal training or mentored experience in practical sampling methods? If yes, then this course is for you! Course participants learn the operational procedures, advantages, disadvantages, and cost implications of: (1) simple random sampling, (2) stratified random sampling, (3) multi-stage cluster sampling, (4) random digit dialing (RDD), and (5) area probability sampling (sometimes referred to as household sampling). Prototype sampling plans are illustrated with BRFSS, NHIS, NHANES-III, continuing NHANES, PRAMS, YRBS and others. Participants learn how to define survey response rates, including recent AAPOR recommendations on this topic. Participants learn the general strategy in weighting sample survey data, including nonresponse adjustments and poststratification. Probability sampling procedures available in SAS (SURVEYSELECT) and SPSS (CSPLAN and CSSELECT) are illustrated. Course participants design probability samples of dialysis facilities and patients in the U.S., using sampling techniques discussed in the course. The course packet serves as a useful reference for designing probability samples. Course participants are encouraged to e-mail to the instructor a draft description of any probability sampling plan(s) they are developing. These examples may be discussed in the course. This course does not include procedures for analysis of complex sample survey data; see EPID 762 for this topic. Prerequisites: Introductory level courses in biostatistics and epidemiology. Basic knowledge of either SAS or SPSS is helpful, but not required.

EPID765
Analyzing Complex Sample Surveys: SPSS and STATA Procedures
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intermediate Biostat, Introductory Epid, Statistical package experience
Do you need to analyze data from complex health sample surveys such as NHANES, NHIS, NHSDA, BRFSS, YRBS, or PRAMS? Do you need to learn how to use specialized sample survey methods and software so you can obtain correct point estimates, confidence intervals and tests of significance for sample survey data? Do you need to compare or combine sample surveys over time? If yes, then this course is for you! Participants will use SPSS and STATA, general statistical software packages, for descriptive and modeling analyses of sample survey data. STATA has comprehensive sample survey analysis capability, and SPSS released its first sample survey procedures in late 2003 as an add-on module for Version 12. SPSS sample survey descriptive and analytical procedures include CSDESCRIPTIVES and CSTABULATE. STATA descriptive and design based modeling commands include: svyset, svydes, svymean, svyprop, svytotal, svyratio, svytab, lincom, nlcom, testnl, svylogit (logistic regression), and syregress (linear regression). The basics of navigating STATA are reviewed for those who have not used STATA previously. Participants analyze the NHANES-III and NHIS sample survey datasets. SPSS and STATA syntax for other sample surveys (BRFSS, PRAMS, YRBS, etc.) is explained so that participants can use their SPSS and STATA skills for other sample survey datasets. Handouts include copies of Power Point slides for the course content, annotated example analyses with SPSS and STATA, structured lab exercises, answers to lab exercises, recently published articles by the instructor on sample survey data analysis, and a bibliography. Handouts serve as useful reference material when participants conduct future sample survey analyses with SPSS or STATA. Prerequisites: Intermediate biostatistics, basic epidemiology, experience with at least one statistical software package, and basic knowledge of SPSS. Experience with STATA is not necessary. Background in the theory and/or practice of sample surveys (e.g. EPID 764) is helpful but not mandatory. Bring a zip disk (100 or 250 MB) or a ﾓmemory stick 1ﾔ to store your data files and lab work for the course.

EPID766
Analysis of Longitudinal Data from Epidemiologic Studies
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Intro. Level Epid and Biostat, P.I.
It has been popular in epidemiology to conduct longitudinal studies where study participants are followed over time and repeated measurements of interest are obtained. Compared to traditional cross-sectional or case-control studies, longitudinal studies can be more efficient to detect difference of interest, offer more evidence for possible causal inference, etc. However, longitudinal data are likely to be correlated, which presents substantial challenge in analyzing such data. This course will address 1) epidemiologic methods for the design and interpretation of longitudinal studies involving repeated measures and 2) statistical methods appropriate for longitudinal data including generalized estimating equations (GEEs), linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models. A series of studies will be used to illustrate the major design issues and statistical approaches. Relevant procedures in statistical package SAS will be introduced and appropriate interpretation of results will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Introductory level courses in epidemiology and biostatistics and courses in linear regression and logistic regression.

EPID767
The Law and Public Health Practices
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: P.I.
Health-related behaviors are major contributors to risk, morbidity, and mortality for many different health problems. Effective programs designed to modify risk behaviors and promote healthier ones can have significant benefits for both individuals and communities. This course will help students apply theoretical concepts from the social and behavioral sciences, health education, and health communication to the planning, design, and evaluation of health promotion and behavior change programs. A program framework will be used to help students examine social behavioral determinants of health, and to identify appropriate intervention strategies to address those factors. Examples of effective, theory-based interventions will be presented and discussed, and students will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to their own work. No Prerequisite.

EPID768
Global Health Issues and Dynamics
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
Many of the worlds developing countries are plagued by unemployment, poor housing, low education, high infant mortality, malnutrition, communicable and parasitic diseases, and disability due to injury and occupational hazards. They are also affected by natural or manmade disasters, wars and conflicts that produce situations of emergency with a high impact in the life of exposed population groups. Developed countries also face some of these problems, as well as worldwide issues like emerging diseases, violence, bio-terrorism and drug trafficking. It is essential for the health professional and community leaders to be aware of the health conditions in the various countries of the world, how economic, social and political factors influence observed health and living trends and how international health activities, both from bilateral and multilateral agencies are organized to face them. This course will review the present knowledge and approaches to these issues through presentations, videotapes and special exercises and will provide an opportunity for students to become acquainted with the problems related to emergencies and crisis situations and the methods used for preparedness, mitigation and cooperation among countries. This course is presented in English but students could also use Spanish, Portuguese, French or Italian in their participation. No prerequisite.

EPID770
Environmental Determinants of Infectious Diseases
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Wilson, Mark L
This course will explore the diverse associations and processes underlying broad range of environmental influences that affect the transmission of infectious disease agents. The fundamental mechanisms of transport and colonization will be addressed in their ecological and evolutionarycontexts. Various anthroponotic and zoonotic diseases in the U.S. and abroad will be compared by considering how different environmental factors shape their distributions, maintenance, intensity and epidemic potential. The role of ecological changes such as dams, irrigation, agricultural intensification, urbanization, deforestation and reforestation will be considered for a variety of water- , vector- , and airborne diseases. Possible effects of global climate change and species introductions on these infectious diseases, as well as new analytical tools for their study, also will be explored. No Prerequisites.

EPID774
Introduction to Evaluation Research
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: P.I.
This short course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of evaluation research as applied to public health programs and policies. The course covers impact, outcome, process and participatory evaluation, and a number of research designs common in public health evaluation research. The course also discusses strategies for planning an evaluation and working with stakeholders, as well as ethical issues common to evaluation research. Class format includes lecture, class discussion and small group exercises.

EPID775
Public Health Informatics
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Familiarity with the use of personal computers and experience using at least one public health data system, P.I.
This course is an introduction to the field of public health informatics, the systematic application of information and computer science and technology to public health practices and research, Students will learn practical principles and techniques enabling them to become effective managers of information systems development projects and serve as high-level advisors to policy makers and scientist at federal, state and local health agencies regarding the acquisition, development, and management of integrated, enterprise-wide public health information systems. Topics include information architecture, database design, networks, data standards, privacy, confidentiality, security, managing information technology people and projects, information resource management, avoiding information system disasters, and effective internet use,. Prerequisites: Familiarity with the use of personal computers, and experience using at least one public health data system. Prior work in a public health agency helpful. No previous computer science or programming training required.

EPID776
Bioterrorism and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction; How Can Public Health Respond to the Threat?
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Perm. Instr.
This course will focus mainly on bioterrorism but will also include discussions of other weapons of mass destruction (chemical and radiological). Initial lectures will cover descriptions of biological, chemical, and radiologic weapons and the dangers they pose. Questions to be considered include: Why would anyone use these weapons? Who would use them? How easy is it to access or produce these weapons? Subsequent lectures will focus on how localities, states and the federal government are preparing for the inevitable use of these weapons. Questions to be considered in these lectures include: Are we currently prepared for weapons of mass destruction events? Can we ever prepare adequately for these events? How must preparation for biological events differ from preparations for chem/rad events? The course will conclude with a discussion of future research aimed at detecting biological agents and treating victims of biological attacks. No prerequisite.

EPID777
Geographic Information Systems for Epidemiology
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used for analyzing and displaying spatial data. Data from a variety of sources may be compared with overlay analysis and spatial statistics. Modern tools permit novice GIS users to perform advanced spatial analysis without extensive training. This course will introduce students to ArcView, the world's leading GIS analysis package. Examples of epidemiological applications will give students the opportunity to see and use this powerful tool. Some of the topics to be covered are data import/export, layering, table management, classification, labeling, spatial and attribute queries, buffering, and address geocoding. No prerequisite.

EPID780
Causal Inference and Causal Regression Models in Epidemiology
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Introductory-level courses in epidemiology and biostatistics.
The course will serve as a relatively gentle introduction to issues regarding estimation of causal effects, with emphasis on observational data. Much of the course will concentrate on defining rigorously a causal effect and the minimal conditions necessary to consistently estimate such effects. We will discuss different parameters of interest (total effects, direct effects, etc.) as well as techniques used to estimate such parameters. Specific topics to be discussed include confounding, counterfactuals, causal effects, statistical and graphical models, the G-computation algorithm and marginal structural models. Although the material is challenging, the course is designed for students with limited statistical background. Prerequisites: Introductory-level courses in epidemiology and biostatistics.

EPID781
Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Introductory-level course in epidemiology.
The objectives of this course are a) to introduce students to basic concepts in molecular epidemiology of cancer, design considerations for gene-environment interaction, and statistical methods for analyzing haplotype data; b) to discuss practical issues such as biologic specimen collection, processing and banking of samples, and quality control in the laboratory; c) to understand methodologic issues related to the major categories of biologic markers (exposure, susceptibility, and early biologic response); and d) to review current research in the molecular epidemiology of cancer. The course will explore concepts and issues found at the interface of the basic sciences and cancer epidemiology, including discovery of new biomarkers, whole genome association studies, expression profiling and proteomics, and development of new technologies for cancer screening. Students will be asked to apply the knowledge gained to a particular problem in cancer epidemiology. The course will incorporate lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: Introductory-level course in epidemiology.

EPID782
Introduction to Deductive and Probability Logic for Epidemiologists
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
This course provides basic training in deductive and probability logic, core skills for the practicing epidemiologist. In deductive logic, we see how even simple relations such as negation and disjunction can be mishandled in epidemiologic discourse. Using truth tables, we distinguish valid arguments from fallacious ones. We dwell on the fallacy of affirming the consequent, endemic in epidemiology. After reviewing subjective and objective interpretations of probability, we apply the rules of probability logic in screening and other epidemiologic problem settings, Bayess theorem playing its central role. Fallacies again receive special attention, particularly the prosecutors fallacy, the root cause of misinterpretations of P-values and confidence intervals. We discuss attitudes toward uncertainty and review ways of communicating probabilistic information to consumers of epidemiologic research. Time permitting, we enroll ourselves into a mock clinical trial to deepen our appreciation of the role of chance in epidemiologic results.

EPID783
Methods in Community-Based Participatory Research for Health
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: No prerequisite
There is increasing recognition and support for more comprehensive and participatory approaches to research and interventions in order to address the complex set of determinants associated with public health problems that affect populations generally, as well as those factors associated with racial and ethnic disparities in health more specifically. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is one such partnership approach that equitably involves all partners in all aspects of the research and intervention process, aimed at both increasing knowledge and understanding and linking the knowledge gained with interventions and policy change to enhance the health and quality of life of community members. This course will provide an introduction to some of the core principles, concepts and methods involved in using a CBPR approach. Organized along the phases of CBPR, this course will focus on describing and understanding partnership formation, maintenance and evaluation; the use of quantitative and qualitative methods (e.g., survey, focus group interview, observational checklist) for the purposes of community assessment, examining basic research questions, and developing and evaluating interventions; and feedback, interpretation, dissemination and application of research results. The course will examine the rationale for, benefits of and challenges associated with using a community-academic partnership approach to research and interventions. Class format includes lectures, discussions, case studies, and small group exercises.

EPID784
Survival Analysis Applied to Epidemiologic and Medical Data
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Introductory level course in statistics.
The description of survival analysis is frequently mathematically complex because the topic is mathematically complex. The primary goal of his course, however, is a sophisticated introduction to survival analysis concepts using only elementary mathematics and relying heavily on examples and intuitive explanations. The mathematical level is completely accessible with knowledge of high school algebra, a bit of calculus (one semester) and a one-year course in basic statistical techniques (for example, t-tests, chi-square analysis, correlation and some experience with linear regression models). With this background in mathematics and statistics, the participant should be able to appreciate the analytic methods and with the help of modern computer systems use these techniques to analyze and to interpret much of epidemiologic and medical survival data. The topics covered will be: Rates and their properties Product-limit estimation Life tables Exponential survival probability distribution Weibull survival probability distribution Analysis of two-sample data General survival model: parametric -- Weibull model General survival model: nonparametric -- Cox proportional hazard model All statistical techniques are extensively illustrated with both analytic and graphic examples from the San Francisco Men's Heath Study. This unique study was established in 1983 to conduct a population based prospective investigation of the epidemiology and natural history of the newly emerging disease, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The collected data are a source of valuable and extensive information on the AIDS epidemic in its earliest years. These data are used to illustrate realistically the discussed analytic techniques. A "workbook" of non-computer problems is included to further explore the practical side of survival analysis. Finally, a bit of computer code is presented to give a sense of survival analysis software.

EPID785
Public Health Surveillance
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of epidemiology and descriptive statistics.
Public health surveillance is an integral ingredient of any efficient and effective disease control and prevention program. Public health professionals must have information concerning the parameters of a diseases occurrence in order to be able to develop and maintain a program to reduce the occurrence of that disease. This course will provide a strong background in all aspects of public health surveillance. Discussions will cover its history, purposes and uses, and the elements involved in a public health surveillance program, surveillance data sources, data analysis, preparation of reports, program evaluation, and ethical and legal issues. Newer concepts of public health surveillance will also be discussed such as syndromic surveillance. Surveillance at local, state, and federal levels as well as as practiced in other countries will also be discussed. Several case exercises will be worked on in the classroom.

EPID786
Bias and Its Control in Epidemiologic Research
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff
Prerequisites: Participants should have some previous training or experience in epidemiologic research, in particular, having some knowledge about epidemiologic study designs and measures of frequency and effect.
This is a second level epidemiology course that emphasizes the underlying concepts and methods for addressing validity and bias issues in epidemiologic research. Topics covered in the course include: overview of validity and bias, selection bias, information bias, confounding bias, and options for controlling extraneous variables. Administrators, practicing professionals, researchers, graduate or undergraduate students in the health, medical, and behavioral sciences interested in learning fundamental principles and methods of epidemiologic and public health research should take this course.

EPID787
An Introduction to Multilevel Analysis in Public Health
Summer term(s)
1 Credit Hour(s)
Instructor(s): Staff; Staff
Prerequisites: Knowledge of linear and logistic regression
Multilevel analysis has recently emerged in multiple fields as an analytical technique that allows the simultaneous investigation of the effects of factors defined at multiple levels on individual-level outcomes. This short course will review the rationale for multilevel analysis in public health, the fundamentals of the statistical approach and its difference with other regression approaches, and the basics of fitting different types of multilevel models. Special emphasis will be placed on the strengths and limitations of multilevel analysis in investigating social and group-level determinants of health. Prerequisites: Knowledge of linear and logistic regression.

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