HEP602 - BASIC PRINCIPLES and METHODS of EPIDEMIOLOGY

Course Name Code Semester Theory
(hours/week)
Application
(hours/week)
Credit ECTS
BASIC PRINCIPLES and METHODS of EPIDEMIOLOGY HEP602 1st Semester 2 2 3 5
PrequisitesMust have taken or currently taking BIS 605 or HSP 652 courses
Course languageTurkish
Course typeElective 
Mode of DeliveryFace-to-Face 
Learning and teaching strategiesLecture
Discussion
Question and Answer
Drill and Practice
 
Instructor (s)Prof. Dr. Banu Çakır (Group A), Prof. Dr. Bahar Güçiz DoÄŸan (Group B) 
Course objectiveThe aim of this course is to give training for introducing epidemiology as a methodological science for conducting and interpreting health-related research; discussing the basic areas for implementing epidemiologic tools; describing basic data resources for medical research. 
Learning outcomes
  1. At the end of this course, the student will be able to : describe epidemiology as a methodological science and explain the historical development of epidemiology
  2. discuss the strategies of epidemiology
  3. describe different study designs used in epidemiology describe characteristics of descriptive studies, name the areas of using, and specify the advantages and disadvantages of descriptive studies
  4. describe characteristics of analytical (cross-sectional, cohort, case-control) studies, name the areas of using, and specify the advantages and disadvantages of analytical studies
  5. describe characteristics of interventional (experimental) studies, name the areas of using, and specify the advantages and disadvantages of intervention studies
  6. describe characteristics of methodological (validity and reliability) studies, name the areas of using, and specify the advantages and disadvantages of methodological studies; discuss the areas where epidemiology can be used and how
  7. describe the characteristics of epidemiological data sources, the main sources of errors, and relevant methods to minimize such errors
  8. discuss a scientific paper in a criticizing manner specify research planning steps, define the appropriate research plan for a given topic
Course ContentEpidemiology as a methodological science for medical research; its basic strategies and areas of implementation; epidemiologic study designs; epidemiologic data sources and related issues; ways to present and interpret epidemiologic data. 
References1. Tezcan S. Epidemiyoloji. Tıbbi Araştırmaların Yöntem Bilimi. Halk Sağlığı Vakfı, Yayın No: 92/1 Ankara, 1992.
2. Rothman KJ, Greenland S. Modern Epidemiology. 2nd ed. Lippincot-Raven Publishers, Philadelphia, PA, 1998.
3. Hennekens, C.H., Buring, J.E. Epidemiology in Medicine. ISBN 0-316-35636-0. Little, Brown and Company, USA, 1987.
4. Actual papers
5. Problem sets
 

Course outline weekly

WeeksTopics
Week 1Introduction to epidemiology; Historical background
Week 2Basic strategies of epidemiology, uses of epidemiology in health
Week 3Epidemiologic study designs
Week 4Descriptive studies
Week 5Analytical studies
Week 6Problem solving (1)
Week 7Experimental studies
Week 8Methodological studies (Validity and Reliability)
Week 9Problem solving (2)
Week 10Data sources and general characteristics
Week 11Scientific paper evaluation
Week 12Epidemiological indices (health measures)
Week 13Ways to present epidemiologic data (tables and graphics)
Week 14Epidemiological research planning
Week 15Final Exam

Assesment methods

Course activitiesNumberPercentage
Attendance00
Laboratory00
Application220
Field activities00
Specific practical training00
Assignments110
Presentation00
Project00
Seminar00
Midterms00
Final exam170
Total100
Percentage of semester activities contributing grade succes330
Percentage of final exam contributing grade succes170
Total100

WORKLOAD AND ECTS CALCULATION

Activities Number Duration (hour) Total Work Load
Course Duration (x14) 14 2 28
Laboratory 0 0 0
Application14228
Specific practical training000
Field activities000
Study Hours Out of Class (Preliminary work, reinforcement, ect)14456
Presentation / Seminar Preparation11010
Project000
Homework assignment11313
Midterms (Study duration)000
Final Exam (Study duration) 11515
Total Workload4546150

Matrix Of The Course Learning Outcomes Versus Program Outcomes

D.9. Key Learning OutcomesContrubition level*
12345
1. Has up-to-date knowledge at the level of expertise in the field of health based on undergraduate level qualifications, develops and deepens them.    X
2. Have knowledge about statistics as a tool which is continuously used in the studies conducted in the field of health and use the related software effectively.    X
3. Uses the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the field of health at the level of expertise.    X
4. Write the report of his research.    X
5. Uses statistical software effectively in the field, chooses statistical methods correctly, calculates correctly and interprets correctly.    X
6. Publish a scientific article in a national journal or present it in a scientific meeting.    X
7. Evaluates the information in the field of health with a critical approach and directs learning.    X
8. Performs statistical analysis in the level of reading and evaluating a scientific article on statistical analysis and follows the evidence-based practices and conducts researches that will constitute evidence in their field related to professional practices.    X
9. Observes and teaches social, scientific and ethical values in the stages of data collection, recording, interpretation and announcement of the health field.    X
10. Applies the knowledge and problem solving skills in the field of health in interdisciplinary studies.    X
11. Knows the importance of ethical principles and ethical boards for individual and society, behaves ethically.    X

*1 Lowest, 2 Low, 3 Average, 4 High, 5 Highest