FUNDAMENTALS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY

A short course for policy makers, health workers, public health practitioners, researchers and others with an interest in epidemiology

3-6 August 2009, University House, ANU, CANBERRA

The Fundamentals of Epidemiology short course will examine principles of epidemiology and biostatistics in relation to real-world public health issues.

Topics will include:

Measures of disease in populations, eg incidence, prevalence, DALYs
Introduction to appropriate study design in epidemiology
Understanding confounding, bias and effect modification
Measures of association – odds ratios and relative risks
Confidence intervals and p-values
Causation and causal inference
Critical review of published papers
Introduction to data analysis.

Throughout the course the emphasis will be on understanding, rather than the mechanics of calculation. Both lectures and small group tutorials will be used to facilitate learning and provide opportunities to explore specific topics in more detail.

Who should attend?

This course is suitable for people working in population health or related areas, who have no previous formal training in epidemiology or those who would like to refresh their understanding.

This could include:

Government and non-government policy-makers and advisors
Public health practitioners working in the field, including clinicians and other health workers
Students wanting to develop epidemiological skills
People interested in exploring what epidemiology is about