Health Sciences: Epi, Pub Hlth & Emerg Disease

Explores the role of epidemiology in public health, focusing on current and emerging diseases and the principles, concepts, and methods of population-based epidemiology - the study of patterns and determinants of disease in populations. Topics will include measuring disease frequency, rates and proportions, application of epidemiologic study design and disease investigation. Prerequisite: HSCI 2200.

Prerequisite enforced by the system: HSCI 2200 or instructor permission; Open to Degree and PACE students

This course will explore the role of epidemiology in public health, with a focus on current and emerging diseases and threats to public health. Disease patterns will be investigated through an examination of the impact of racism, economic disparity, ecological change, human behavior, demographics, international trade and travel and the application of advancements in science and technology. The analytical approach to determining disease emergence, spread and detection will be emphasized. Students can expect to participate in a simulated outbreak investigation and explore career paths in emerging disease epidemiology. After completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Explain the role of epidemiology in the field of public health 2. Describe current issues in health and disease, locally and globally 3. Identify the mechanisms of disease emergence 4. Analyze data from an epidemiologic investigation or study 5. Conduct simulated outbreak investigations 6. Prepare written reports that communicate public health data 7. Identify resources and tools for further exploration of emerging diseases

Students are expected to come to class daily - participation in the class is a major component of grading and is necessary for successful completion of the course. Students are expected to have a baseline knowledge of public health and a willingness to explore health concepts using tools in epidemiology.

Students will be evaluated through one problem set, one midterm, several case studies, and outbreak investigation, and a final project/presentation. There is no final exam.