Introduction to Epidemiology

Introduction to Epidemiology

  • Definition: Epidemiology is the study of how diseases are distributed in populations and the factors influencing this distribution.
    • Etymology:
    • Greek: Epi = upon; Demos = people; Logos = study

Course Outline

  1. Introduction and course navigation
  2. Review of assigned reading (Gordis Epidemiology, Chapter 1)

Instructors

  • Dr. M. Karen Campbell: Coordinator for weeks 1-3, 6, 7
  • Dr. Joel Gagnier: Weeks 4, 5, 8
  • Dr. Igor Karp: Weeks 9-11
  • Dr. Francisco Olea-Popelka: Week 12

Teaching Assistants (TAs)

  • Zachary Freeman
  • Michael Huang
  • Diya Patel
  • TAs are graduate students in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, run tutorials, grade assignments, and offer office hours.

Communication and Support

  • TAs are first point of contact for questions.
  • Discussion Forum: Use the OWL platform for asking questions and getting responses from TAs and instructors.
  • Email: Students may email instructors for additional support.

Lectures

  • Purpose: Explain key concepts from readings and introduce examples.
  • Slide availability: Posted on OWL on class day.
  • Note: Lecture slides are copyrighted.

Tutorials

  • Review and apply course material.
  • Opportunity to ask questions and prepare for exams.
  • Quiz: One-question quiz in each tutorial.

Evaluation Methods

  • Quizzes: 10 total (10% of mark).
  • Assignments: 5 total (20% of mark).
  • Mid-Term Exam: (25% of mark, Feb 13, 2025) covers weeks 1-5.
  • Final Exam: (45% of mark) cumulative, covering weeks 1-12. Must pass to pass the course.

Course Content Preparation

  • Read assigned chapters before class.
  • Attend all classes and tutorials; review all materials.
  • Complete quizzes and assignments.

Required Textbook

  • Gordis Epidemiology:
    • Author: Leon Gordis (1934-2015)
    • Editions: This course will use the 7th edition (2024).

Course Objectives

  • Define and distinguish epidemiological terms.
  • Describe strengths and limitations of epidemiological study designs.
  • Perform and interpret basic calculations.
  • Explain variations in conclusions from multiple studies.

Key Topics in Epidemiology

  1. What is epidemiology?
    • Studies distribution and determinants of health and disease.
    • Key determinants: genetic, environmental, lifestyle factors, etc.
  2. Objectives of Epidemiology
    • Assess disease extent in communities, natural history, identify risk factors.
  3. Disease Prevention
    • Three types: Primary (prevent disease), Secondary (early detection), Tertiary (reduce impact).
  4. Integration with Clinical Practice
    • Research informs clinical diagnosis and treatments.
  5. Epidemiological Approach
    • Descriptive: Patterns based on demographics.
    • Analytic: Test hypotheses regarding associations.

Classical Examples in Epidemiology

  1. John Snow and Cholera
    • Pioneered the study of water sources and disease control.
    • Demonstrated cholera spread via contaminated water rather than miasma.
  2. Smoking and Lung Cancer
    • Correlation between cigarette use and incidence of lung cancer.
    • Studies established smoking as a causative factor without needing to identify all biological mechanisms.

Impact of Epidemiology on Public Health

  • Epidemiology informs health policy and disease prevention strategies.
  • Significant decreases in mortality due to improvements in hygiene, clean water, and vaccination strategies.

Final Remarks

  • The first tutorial is on January 9, 2025.
  • Next lecture: Read Chapter 2 of Gordis Epidemiology in preparation for January 14, 2025.