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.