Introduction to the basics of epidemiology.
Description
• How fast is a newly emerging virus spreading and how can we slow it down?
• What makes people sick? Certain genes? Certain behavior? Other determinants?
• How do we best diagnose diseases? What is the prognosis of a disease? What improves or worsens the prognosis?
• How effective are interventions in daily practice?
Are you intrigued by questions like these? This course introduces the student to the basics of epidemiology. The focus is on the methodology of the study of the occurrence of health and disease in human (and by extent in animal) populations.
The covid-19 pandemic has proven the importance of epidemiologists. Moreover, we need more people in the working field with up-to-date knowledge regarding epidemiology. It is crucial that physicians, researchers, people working in the pharmaceutical or medical world have notions regarding the occurrence of health related events and conditions in populations.
Target group
• PhD Students in an appropriate research field (medicine, biomedical sciences, pharmacy…)
• Employees from medical/pharmaceutical companies with a bachelor degree
• Physicians
• Working people interested in epidemiology with an appropriate bachelor degree (see admission requirements)
Program
This course introduces the student to the basics of epidemiology. The course starts with an overview of the history and recent and new developments in epidemiology. Then, it covers in depth the measures of occurrence and association, and the concepts of causality and systematic error. Last, the main study designs used in epidemiology are discussed. In particular, the general concepts in relation to cohort, case-control and trials are explained.
The courses will be given on 2 half days a week (daytime) and is a course within the Master of Epidemiology.
12 ECTS-credits
Remarks
Applicants should hold a university-level Bachelor’s degree. This degree should be of an academic nature, as opposed to a technical or professional degree
