Epidemiology 100 Class Notes
Course Overview of EPI 100
Introduction to epidemiology: basic concepts, principles, and methods for research
Emphasis on epidemiological measures and study designs
Focus on specialty areas within epidemiology
Instructor and Contact Information
Instructor: Marjan Javanbakht, MPH, PhD
Email: javan@ucla.edu
Teaching Assistants:
Phoebe Lu (phoebelu@ucla.edu)
Eden Moore (edenmoore@ucla.edu)
Naira Setrakian (nairas293@g.ucla.edu)
Office Hours:
Marjan: Friday 10-11 am
Phoebe: Thursday 10-11 am
Eden: Tuesday 10-11 am
Naira: Monday 11-12 pm
Course Requirements and Materials
Participation in Bruin One and UCLA Inclusive Access programs
Class attendance not mandatory, except for exams
Assessment Breakdown
Quizzes (40%): Six quizzes total, lowest two scores dropped
In-class assignments (20%): Five assignments, due at the end of class
Homework (40%): Four major assignments with no late submissions allowed after the key is released
Extra Credit (up to 5%): In-class opportunities
Late Assignment and Make-Up Policies
Worksheets due end of class with a 11:59 PM submission policy for same day late work
Homework within 24 hours incurs a 50% penalty; no acceptance after that
Make-up quizzes will not be provided; missed quizzes count as drops
What is Epidemiology?
Study of disease patterns, not limited to individual cases
Not limited to specific fields; encompasses various health issues including chronic diseases and mental health
Definitions of Epidemiology Over Time
1927: Science of infective diseases
1943: Focus on group behavior rather than individual responses
1974: Study of distribution and determinants of diseases and injuries in populations
1995: Application of findings to control health issues
Key Uses of Epidemiology
Outbreak investigations; termed as "disease detectives"
Surveillance: Ongoing collection and analysis of disease data to guide public health decisions
Studies on incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for diseases
Measures of association (odds ratios, relative risk) to identify disease causes
Core Descriptors in Epidemiology
Person: Characteristics of individuals affected by disease
Place: Geographic considerations and environmental factors
Time: Temporal patterns and trends of health issues
Incidence and Prevalence
Incidence: New cases of a disease within a specified time (e.g. )
Prevalence: Existing cases at a specific time (e.g. )
Historical Perspectives in Public Health
Hippocrates: Emphasized environmental factors in health
Avicenna: Early suggestions about contagion and quarantine practices
John Graunt: Pioneer in public health statistics, population analysis
William Farr: Vital statistics and cholera studies leading to disease prevention insights
John Snow: Landmark cholera investigations leading to the identification of waterborne disease transmission
Case Study: John Snow's Cholera Investigation
Examined outbreaks in London; hypothesized contaminated water as cause
Utilized meticulous data collection and mapping to support hypothesis
His work established foundational principles for modern epidemiology
Epidemiological Methodology
Combination of historical data analysis and contemporary observational studies
Strategic focus on identifying exposures leading to health outcomes and associations between variables
Conclusion
Epidemiology interlinks complex health factors and is essential for effective public health practice and interventions.