Registration is closed for this course.
Course Description
In the age of digital media, public health “news” is everywhere. How can we ensure its accuracy and the soundness of public health recommendations? How do we assess evidence to help inform interventions and policies? Answering these questions requires training in the critical evaluation of epidemiologic data. By understanding the basics of rigorous study design, conduct, and analysis, we can evaluate, interpret, and communicate the strength and applicability of epidemiologic data.
In this program, participants will build a solid foundation in epidemiology and skills in the critical evaluation of epidemiologic evidence in order to make informed decisions in research, interventions, public health recommendations, and policies. Through interactive sessions and exercises, we will explore issues in measuring health indicators, determining causation, dealing with bias, and interpreting evidence. Students will discuss the controversy surrounding disease screening and the social, behavioral, environmental, and genetic determinants of a wide range of diseases and disabilities.
Competencies
Participants will learn to:
- evaluate the strengths and limitations of epidemiologic studies, and select the appropriate design for a particular research question;
- identify issues in the design, conduct and analysis of epidemiologic studies, and solutions to remedy them;
- critique published epidemiologic studies and communicate findings clearly and precisely to various stakeholders and audiences.
Required knowledge/pre-requisites
An interest in understanding data evaluation