Often called “the cornerstone” of public health, epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of diseases, health conditions, or events among populations and the application of that study to control health problems. By applying the concepts learned in this course to current public health problems and issues, students will understand the practice of epidemiology as it relates to real life and makes for a better appreciation of public health programs and policies. This course explores public health issues like cardiovascular and infectious diseases – both locally and globally – through the lens of epidemiology.
Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health
Offered By
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1Course Introduction, History of Epidemiology and Epidemiology Research
This module introduces the history and field of epidemiology.
6 videos (Total 45 min), 1 quiz
6 videos
Welcome3m
Introduction and History of Epidemiology6m
Pioneers of Epidemiology (History continued)10m
Examples of Research Areas Using Epidemiology5m
Definitions5m
Person, Place, Time and Population Perspective13m
1 practice exercise
Module 1 Quiz24m
Week
2Understanding Measures of Disease Frequency
This module introduces measures of disease frequency.
6 videos (Total 36 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
6 videos
Prevalent vs Incident Cases2m
Prevalence8m
Risks5m
Rates8m
Odds4m
1 reading
Additional Resources10m
1 practice exercise
Module 2 Quiz30m
Week
3Study Designs
This module introduces the following study designs: experimental, cohort, case control, cross-sectional, and ecologic.
7 videos (Total 65 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
7 videos
Experimental Study Design Part 25m
Experimental Study Design Part 33m
Cohort Study Design14m
Case Control Study Design 12m
Cross-Sectional Studies10m
Ecologic Studies9m
1 reading
Additional Resources10m
1 practice exercise
Module 3 Quiz40m
Week
4Measures of Association
This module introduces measures of association and confidence intervals.
5 videos (Total 37 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
5 videos
Odds Ratio6m
Interpreting Measures of Association3m
Confidence Intervals9m
Confidence Interval Example3m
1 reading
Additional Resources10m
1 practice exercise
Module 4 Quiz36m
4.6
353 Reviews41%
started a new career after completing these courses
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Top Reviews
By DA•Nov 16th 2015
Very useful and comprehensive information. I warmly recommend this course to all the ones interested in getting a proper understanding of the terms, concepts and designs used in clinical studies.
By SB•Oct 30th 2017
One of the best classes I've taken. It was difficult for me. I had to take the quizzes many times usually to get an A. Worth the effort. I completed the class. I'm proud of the accomplishment.
Instructors
Dr. Karin Yeatts
Clinical Associate ProfessorDepartment of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
Dr. Lorraine Alexander
Clinical Associate Professor, Director of Distance Learning (North Carolina Institute for Public Health)Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
About The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is known around the world for innovative teaching and research. Regularly ranked as the nation’s best value for academic quality, UNC has produced the most Rhodes Scholars for the past 25 years among U.S. public research universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
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Is financial aid available?
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