BBH 440Principles of Epidemiology

3 credits · Biobehavioral Health · Penn State

This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the principles of Epidemiology and to familiarize students with the methods and applications of epidemiology to understanding the bases for heterogeneity of disease and health among populations. The goals of the course are: 1) recognize and use basic principles, concepts, terminology, and techniques in Epidemiology as applied to the study of infectious disease, chronic diseases, and other health-related problems; 2) examine and understand measures of risk and burden of illness on populations defined in terms of age, race, gender, class, time, and other relevant socio-cultural and demographic factors; 3) be able to interpret and critique epidemiological research reports on the identification of risk factors and casual factors for diseases in populations; 4) assess the health status and burden of diseases and health problems of populations at multiple levels of analysis for the purpose of planning health promotion activities and health care services; 5) have a basic understanding of the epidemiology tools for disease screening and other methods for primary and secondary prevention of disease and health problems; 6) examine the validity and applicability of various health interventions used to improve health status and the barriers for successful interventions; and 7) have a basic understanding of the epidemiology of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. and for other selected regions and nations of the world. This is a required course in the Biobehavioral Health major and an elective course in the Health Policy and Administration major. The course is also appropriate for students intending to advance to post-baccalaureate graduate and professional programs in medicine, public health, health policy and planning, and other health-related careers. Students will be evaluated based on their performance on a combination of written assignments, a term paper or project, and exams.