Course Description
This accelerated graduate course focuses on the practical application of epidemiologic methods to solve real-world public health problems. Students build on foundational epidemiologic principles to design, implement, and interpret studies; conduct disease surveillance; investigate outbreaks; assess risk factors; and evaluate interventions. Emphasis is placed on measures of disease frequency and association, study designs (observational and experimental), bias and confounding, causal inference, data analysis and interpretation, and communication of findings to diverse audiences.Through case studies, data exercises, outbreak simulations, and applied projects, students develop competencies for applied public health practice, including infectious and chronic disease epidemiology, health disparities, and integration with environmental and behavioral factors. The course prepares students for roles in public health agencies, surveillance systems, program evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making.Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: PUBH 3001 (Fundamentals of Public Health) and introductory epidemiology/biostatistics or instructor permission.
Format: Accelerated online/hybrid (8 weeks); intensive weekly modules with asynchronous discussions, data interpretation activities, and practical assignments.Course Objectives / Learning OutcomesUpon successful completion, students will be able to:Calculate and interpret measures of disease frequency, association, and impact in public health contexts.
Select and critique appropriate epidemiologic study designs for specific research questions or public health scenarios.
Identify, assess, and control for biases, confounding, and effect modification in epidemiologic data.
Apply surveillance principles and outbreak investigation methods to real or simulated public health events.
Analyze and interpret epidemiologic data, including basic adjustment techniques, and communicate findings effectively.
Integrate applied epidemiology with other public health domains (e.g., environmental health, health behavior) to address disparities and recommend interventions.
Evaluate the strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations of epidemiologic applications in practice.
Required ResourcesTextbook: Gordis, L. Epidemiology (latest edition) or Friis, R.H. & Sellers, T.A. Epidemiology for Public Health Practice (applied focus).
Additional: CDC Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice (self-study modules), MMWR case studies, selected journal articles, and public datasets (e.g., via CDC Wonder or similar).
Supplemental: Free tools like Epi Info (conceptual use) or online calculators for measures and sample size.
Weekly StructureEach week includes assigned readings, multimedia (e.g., CDC videos, outbreak case animations), one Weekly Discussion (initial post + 2–3 substantive replies), and one Assignment/Activity. The accelerated pace front-loads core methods and shifts to application and synthesis. A major culminating project integrates all components.
Week 1: Applied Epidemiology Foundations – Measures of Disease Frequency and Association
Discussion: Introduce yourself and discuss a recent public health issue where epidemiology played a key role (e.g., from news or your experience). Why is applied epidemiology essential for evidence-based public health practice? Respond to at least two peers.
Assignment: Complete introductory CDC epidemiology modules and submit a 1–2 page reflection calculating/interpreting basic measures (incidence, prevalence, rates, ratios, odds) from provided or public data.
Week 2: Epidemiologic Study Designs – Observational Approaches
Discussion: Compare and contrast cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional designs. When would you choose each for an applied public health question (e.g., chronic disease risk or outbreak)? Discuss strengths and limitations.
Assignment: Critique a published observational study or apply a design to a given public health scenario with rationale.
Week 3: Experimental Designs, Bias, Confounding, and Causal Inference
Discussion: Explain randomization, blinding, and sources of bias (selection, information, confounding). How do directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) or stratification help address these in applied settings?
Assignment: Analyze a dataset or case for potential biases/confounding and propose adjustment strategies (qualitative or basic quantitative).
Week 4: Surveillance Systems and Disease Monitoring
Discussion: Describe types of surveillance (active/passive, syndromic) and their role in public health. How has surveillance informed responses to recent outbreaks or chronic conditions?
Assignment: Review a surveillance system (e.g., via CDC) and summarize its application, strengths, and one improvement for equity or timeliness.
Week 5: Outbreak Investigation and Field Epidemiology
Discussion: Outline the steps of an outbreak investigation. Apply them to a historical or hypothetical case (e.g., foodborne, infectious, or environmental). What challenges arise in real-time applied epidemiology?
Assignment: Simulated outbreak analysis: Interpret provided epidemic curves, line lists, or data to generate hypotheses and recommend control measures.
Week 6: Screening, Evaluation of Interventions, and Health Disparities
Discussion: Discuss validity and utility of screening tests (sensitivity, specificity, predictive values) and how epidemiology evaluates intervention effectiveness. How does applied epi address health inequities?
Assignment: Evaluate a screening program or intervention using epidemiologic measures; include disparity considerations.
Week 7: Data Interpretation, Risk Communication, and Integration with Other Public Health Domains
Discussion: How do you interpret and communicate epidemiologic findings to policymakers, communities, or clinicians? Discuss ethical issues and integration with environmental health or behavior theory.
Assignment: Draft a brief public health report or risk communication piece based on analyzed data, incorporating visuals and recommendations.
Week 8: Course Synthesis and Culminating Project
Discussion: Reflect on how applied epidemiology connects concepts from prior courses (e.g., fundamentals, environmental health, health behavior theory). What is one key skill or insight you will apply in practice? Respond thoughtfully to peers.
Assignment: Culminating Project – Applied Epidemiology Investigation or Analysis (10–15 slides or 8–10 pages): Select a public health problem (infectious/chronic/environmental), formulate a question, choose/justify study design or surveillance approach, analyze/interpret sample data (or describe methods), address biases/disparities, and propose evidence-based recommendations. Include visuals, references, and integration of course concepts. (Major project, weighted heavily.)Grading Breakdown (Example)Weekly Discussions: 25%
Weekly Assignments/Activities: 40%
Culminating Project: 35%
Total: 100%This 8-week accelerated format delivers rigorous, hands-on training in applied epidemiology suitable for MPH students. It progresses from measures and designs to practical tools (surveillance/outbreak) and synthesis, with strong emphasis on data interpretation and real-world application.
