The course introduces the main research methods used in epidemiology and is a follow-up course for HEAAC03 Basic Epidemiology.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student will - be familiar with the principles of selecting an appropriate study design to assess occurrence and etiology of public health problems - be cognizant of the concepts underlying use of cohort, case-control and clinical trial designs - understand the strengths and limitations of major epidemiologic study designs - be able to identify sources of bias in epidemiologic studies and be familiar with methods to minimize such biases. - be able to critically review existing epidemiologic literature and interpret the results of a particular study after considering potential sources of errors, including bias and confounding. - be able to consider the limitations of a particular study in the context of other research in the field - be able to write a structured research plan
Contents
Epidemiologic concepts, epidemiologic study designs, assessment of sources of error and causal relations will be covered at more advanced level compared with courses “KATEA001 Epidemiologian perusteet” and “HEAAC03 Basic epidemiology”. This course also includes practical exercises.
Further information on prerequisites and recommendations
Participation in lectures, practicals and writing a research plan for a proposed epidemiologic study.
Lectures are in English, practicals may be offered in both English and Finnish.
Modes of study
Option
1
Available for:
Degree Programme Students
Other Students
Open University Students
Doctoral Students
Exchange Students
Participation in course work
In
English
Evaluation
and evaluation criteria
Numeric 1-5.
The research plan will be assessed on scale 1-5, based on the public health importance of the topic, background and rationale for the proposed study, clarity in the formulation of the study question, appropriateness of the methods and selected study design, feasibility of conducting the study, and overall clarity of the research plan.