This unit introduces the historical roots, core concepts, and basic methods of epidemiology, using classic case studies (e.g., Hippocrates, John Snow, James Lind) to illustrate how disease patterns are recognized and addressed. Students will learn descriptive measures, modes of transmission, prevention strategies, outbreak investigation basics, and the ethical and validity issues that shape public and community health practice, preparing them for more advanced analytic and intervention-focused units.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze historical and contemporary epidemiologic case studies to identify key contributions to epidemiologic thinking and public health interventions
- Apply descriptive epidemiology methods to calculate and interpret basic measures (incidence, prevalence, rates) and to characterize person, place, and time factors in disease patterns
- Evaluate modes of transmission, the chain of infection, immunity concepts, and primary prevention strategies to recommend interventions that interrupt disease spread
- Demonstrate the steps of outbreak investigation and differentiate surveillance, survey, and monitoring systems while assessing common sources of bias and ethical considerations in epidemiologic practice
Curriculum
- 1 Section
- 29 Lessons
- 30 hours
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- Unit 1 — Foundations of Epidemiology29
- 1.1Introducing Epidemiology20 mins
- 1.2Defining Epidemiology — What to Expect from Your Coursework and Beyond20 mins
- 1.3Meeting Hippocrates — the First Epidemiologist20 mins
- 1.4Finding the Treatment of Scurvy — James Lind20 mins
- 1.5Identifying the Modes of Transmission20 mins
- 1.6Scrutinizing an Acute Disease Model20 mins
- 1.7Knowing Person Factors20 mins
- 1.8Defining the Epidemiologic Transition20 mins
- 1.9Defining Demography — Why It’s Important20 mins
- 1.10Addressing Some Basics When Calculating Descriptive Epidemiology20 mins
- 1.11Identifying Primary Prevention20 mins
- 1.12Getting the Lowdown on Immunity20 mins
- 1.13Differentiating between Survey, Surveillance, and Monitoring20 mins
- 1.14Conducting an Epidemic Investigation20 mins
- 1.15Defining Screening20 mins
- 1.16Establishing Causality20 mins
- 1.17Looking At the Anatomy of Epidemiologic Studies20 mins
- 1.18Defining Bias20 mins
- 1.19Comprehending the Evolution of Ethical Norms in Research20 mins
- 1.20Epidemiologist20 mins
- 1.21Ask and Answer Questions in Class20 mins
- 1.22Recognizing How Numbers Can Help Study Disease20 mins
- 1.23Realizing Why Epidemiology Is Important20 mins
- 1.24Tackling the Miasma Theory20 mins
- 1.25Discovering Sources of Cholera in London’s Golden Square — John Snow20 mins
- 1.26Eyeing the Chain of Infection: Can You Break It?20 mins
- 1.27Inspecting a Chronic Disease Model20 mins
- 1.28Focusing on Place Factors20 mins
- 1.29Grasping Why Epidemiologic Transition Happens20 mins
Instructor
Free
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