Epidemiology

Understanding Epidemiology

Epidemiology is a fundamental piece of public health. It allows practitioners in a variety of roles to understand and communicate the effect a disease has on a population and provides the framework by which epidemic and pandemic diseases such as Cholera, Ebola, COVID-19 and others may be understood and contained. Students will learn the fundamental terminology and heuristics of epidemiology.

Data Collection

The practice of Epidemiology relies on the collection of public health data. Students will learn to identify key data sources, check data for errors or problems, and acquire the information that is vital to preventing the spread of a disease. Students will also become familiar with the ethical and legal principles that govern the collection, maintenance and transmission of these data.

Drawing Conclusions

There are a variety of methods and tools that allow public health practitioners to draw appropriate inferences from epidemiological data. Students will learn to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a set of data and use that data to draw particular conclusions about the progress of an epidemic disease or the general health of a population.

Public Health Communications

Information needs to be in the hands of the correct stakeholders in order to have maximum impact. Students will learn to communicate their results to public health professionals, government officials and other key decision makers in a way that is accessible, specific and focused. Students will also learn to disseminate public health information to a wider audience, ensuring that the public at large understands how to behave in the face of a public health concern.