Research Methods in Health: Epidemiology

This course will explore in greater depth the fundamental epidemiologic concepts introduced in Principles of Epidemiology (Week 1). The course will be taught with an emphasis on causal inference in epidemiologic research. Topics will mainly focus on chronic disease epidemiology, with a special emphasis on practical study design. Epidemiologic examples from major chronic diseases/conditions (e.g. heart disease and cancer) will be discussed. Students will revisit the issues of confounding, selection bias, effect modification, and generalizability in the context of these topics. Lectures will be augmented by workshops to illustrate practical examples in the epidemiologic literature. The material covered in Principles of Epidemiology will be assumed of the students entering this course.

Course leader

Murray Mittleman (Harvard School of Public Health)

Target group

Physicians, clinicians and public health professionals from public and private institutions who are looking for systematic training in the principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, or epidemiology applied to health care planning and evaluation. They will acquire familiarity with epidemiological and biostatistical principles and techniques and with the computational tools needed to solve practical problems.

Students in biostatistics and epidemiology, and researchers both from public and private institutions who wish to increase their familiarity with quantitative methods or to deepen their knowledge of a specific area of interest, so they can more effectively address problems in health research. They will gain knowledge in modern, advanced methods useful for health professionals engaged in clinical practice, research and teaching.

Course aim

This course will explore in greater depth the fundamental epidemiologic concepts and will be taught with an emphasis on causal inference in epidemiologic research.

Credits info

It is possible to gain credits for the Summer School’s courses, but the decision is always made by the student’s own institution.

Fee info

EUR 1450: For University students: Registration before March 24th, 2019 €1,250. After March 24th, 2019 €1,450.
EUR 1650: General: Registration before March 24th, 2019 €1,450. After March 24th, 2019 €1,650.