Gain an introduction to foundational epidemiologic concepts and approaches to population health issues in public health. Learn what epidemiology is and how it relates to other disciplines. Through online instruction, applied learning activities and assigned readings, you will examine a broad spectrum of topics, including the major causes and trends of morbidity and mortality in the U.S., outbreak investigation, epidemiologic study design and properties of tests. You’ll also understand the role of epidemiologic methods in describing and assessing a population’s health. 

This course is ideal for anyone interested in working in the public health field, and it can be taken as part of the Public Health Certificate Program or as a standalone course.  

Learning Outcomes 

• Explain what epidemiology is and how it relates to other disciplines.  
• Explain and be able to utilize frequently used terms and methods of epidemiology 
• List major causes and trends of morbidity and mortality in California, the U.S. and globally 
• Analyze quantitative data for measures of disease occurrence, mortality, standardization of disease and mortality rates, measures of effect, summary measures of effect, screening and diagnostic testing accuracy and performance  

Skills You'll Gain 

• Ability to analyze strengths and weaknesses of different study designs. 
• Use rates, ratios and proportions to understand health data 
• Data analysis skills