Course Syllabus
Contact Information
COURSE INFORMATION
WELCOME FROM THE COURSE INSTRUCTOR
Welcome to the online course on the principles of epidemiology! This course is set up in three units. Each week you will be required to view lecture materials, read chapters and other posted materials, answer discussion questions, complete exercises, and take quizzes. You may work ahead within each module but may not move on to the next module until after the examination.
Course Website: The course instructor will provide lectures, selected readings, module discussion questions, topic exercises, quizzes, examinations, and grades on this Canvas website.
Please be aware that all content for this course is the property of the faculty/presenters who have created it. Students may only use content for this course. Those wishing to use the materials outside of this course must receive written permission from the author.
Instructor Communication and Response Time
Course faculty strive to have open communication with students. Students are encouraged to contact faculty to discuss questions or other issues related to the course. The instructor will usually respond to e-mail messages within 48 hours during regular working hours. If you do not have a response within this period, please check to insure you have used the correct e-mail address and follow up if with the instructor if needed. The instructor will generally respond to student questions received during evenings, weekends and holidays once they are back in the office during regular business hours.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an introduction to epidemiology for students majoring in any aspects of Public Health. The principles and methods of epidemiology investigation, both of infectious and non-infectious diseases are discussed. From the HSC Course Catalogue
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of epidemiology for students pursuing various disciplines within Public Health. Participants will delve into fundamental principles and methodologies of epidemiologic research applicable to infectious as well as chronic/non-infectious diseases. Emphasizing practical application, students will acquire proficiency in statistical techniques, encompassing risk calculation, odds ratios, and measures of morbidity and mortality. The curriculum covers the essential study types, while guiding students through the nuanced understanding of bias, screening, ethical considerations, and the natural history of diseases.
PREREQUISITE(S)
None
CLASS TYPE
Lecture/Discussion
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
The laptop requirements set forth by the College of Public Health can be found in the Studen Handbook. It is your responsibility to ensure that your laptop is capable of connecting to the OUHSC wireless network and is running the latest version of the Respondus Lockdown Browser. A student whose computing device is not compliant with the College of Public Health specifications will not receive extra time to complete the quizzes or exams.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Discuss the basic concepts of epidemiology such as the natural history of disease, the multifactorial nature of all diseases, the interaction of agent, host and environment, and the transmission of disease.
- Calculate and interpret measures of frequency and adjusted rates for both morbidity and mortality data and use these measures to describe disease patterns in the community.
- Describe the methods used in epidemiologic investigation such as reporting and surveillance, surveys, case-control and cohort studies, and outbreak investigation. The student should know how to design each kind of study, and how to analyze and interpret the data.
- Identify major sources of error and bias in epidemiologic data especially in retrospective and prospective studies. The awareness should be adequate to enable the student to recognize these problems in the literature and reserve judgment about conclusions reached.
- Evaluate screening or diagnostic tests and discuss ethical issues in screening and the criteria used for inclusion of a population for screening.
- Critically read and evaluate public health literature using epidemiologic principles
REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS
- Gordis L. (2019). Gordis epidemiology (Sixth). Elsevier. January 8 2024
- Paperback ISBN: 9780323552295
- eBook ISBN: 9780323552318
Optional Text
- International Epidemiological Association. (2014). A dictionary of epidemiology (Sixth). Oxford University Press. January 8 2024
- Print ISBN-13: 9780199976720
- eBook ISBN: 9780199390069
Additional readings will be available in Canvas
CLASS PREPARATION
- Format: The course will include narrated presentations, module discussion, topic exercises, quizzes, and examinations. The instructor will provide course materials via CANVAS.
- Assigned Readings: Students are responsible for completing all assigned readings. In addition to the textbook, the instructor will assign supplemental materials throughout the semester. The instructor will post these supplemental materials to CANVAS.
CONDUCT OF THE COURSE
INSTRUCTION MODE
Distance: Content is offered 100% online
ASSIGNMENTS
Discussion questions:
The instructor will post questions for each topic at the beginning of each module. Students are required to write responses to at least two of the discussion questions and respond to at least one other student response. The discussion responses will be due by 11:59pm Sunday of each week (see due dates below). The instructor will not give credit for late submissions.
Topic Exercises:
The faculty have designed exercises to help students apply the material covered in the text and lectures. Exercises will be graded on completion and will only be marked complete if they are turned in by 11:59pm on the Thursday of each week (see due dates below). The instructor will post keys to all the exercises on CANVAS after the exercise due dates; therefore, late assignments will not be accepted. This will give you a few days to study the correct answers to the homework before you take the quizzes each week.
EVALUATION METHODS
Weekly Quizzes:
The instructor will administer online quizzes via CANVAS. Each quiz will address the material covered in the previous lecture(s) and assigned readings. The quiz will become available at the beginning of each module and must be completed by 11:59pm each Sunday night (see due dates below). Students will have one hour to complete the quiz. There will be 12 total quizzes. Quizzes are open book/open notes, but students may not use friends or classmates to help them complete the quiz. The instructor will drop the lowest quiz score from the overall grade to account for extenuating circumstances that may interfere with timely or successful completion of all quizzes; therefore, the instructor will make no exceptions to quiz deadlines.
Examinations:
There will be three examinations given during the course. The instructor will administer online examinations via CANVAS with LockDown browser and Respondus monitoring. Exams will be offered over a five-day time window (Monday 9 am to Friday 5 pm) but must be completed within the selected 3 hour time period. Students who fail to take the examinations on the scheduled date and time without permission of the instructor will receive a failing grade of zero on the examination.
Student Evaluation of the Course:
Students will have the opportunity to complete two online course evaluations. The instructor will provide details on how to complete the evaluations. The evaluations will be available during the dates listed below.
• February 28 – March 21, 2024: Mid Semester Course Evaluation
• April 18 – May 6, 2024: End of Course Evaluation
GRADES
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Quizzes | Weekly quizzes covering readings, research, and lecture materials (12) | 10% |
| Exercises | Weekly applied exercises designed as preparation for the weekly quizzes (11) | 10% |
| Discussions | Weekly peer discussions (12) | 5% |
| Exam 1 | Covering the content in Unit 1 | 25% |
| Exam 2 | Covering the content in Unit 2 | 25% |
| Exam | Covering the content in Unit 3 | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
COLLEGE POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND SERVICES
Diversity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving an equitable, diverse, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person’s unique contributions, background and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
This syllabus is intended as a guide for this course. Dates, assignments, and evaluation are subject to revision by the instructor. Any such revisions will be announced in advance.
Updated 8-2023
Copyright.
This syllabus and all related course material are protected under US Copyright Law and may not be further disseminated in any form or format without the prior explicit written consent of the faculty member. Failure to comply with this provision may subject the student to disciplinary action and/or state or federal action.
Student Professional Behavior in an Academic Program.
Ethical and professional behaviors are considered a core competency in an academic program and thus are key factors in a student’s good academic standing. Upon acceptance of an offer of admission, the student commits to comply with all professional conduct regulations established by the University, respective college, and program. The complete Student Professional Behavior in an Academic Program policyis available for review.
Academic Misconduct Code.
The Academic Misconduct Code describes academic misconduct as any acts intended to improperly affect the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement. Academic Misconduct includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, fraud, destruction, bribery or intimidation, assisting others in any act proscribed by the Code, or attempting to engage in such acts. The policy and procedures related to academic misconduct are detailed in the Academic Misconduct Code found in Appendix C of the Faculty Handbook.
Academic Appeals.
The Academic Appeals policy outlines the procedure a student must follow to request a hearing for appeals related to evaluation in a course, thesis or dissertation defense, or general or comprehensive exam. It also outlines the appeal process for a suspension or dismissal or under the Student Professional Behavior in an Academic Program Policy and for appeals of decisions resulting in dismissal, expulsion, or suspension from a program or of being required to repeat a semester of year. The sole basis for an academic appeal is an alleged prejudiced or capricious academic evaluation or decision. Policy and procedure details are in Appendix C of the Faculty Handbook.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to the goal of achieving equal educational opportunity and full participation for students with disabilities. Accommodations on the basis of disability are available by contacting the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) by email at adrc@ou.edu or by calling (405) 325-3852 or Voice (405) 217-3494 (VP). Information on policies and registration with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center may be found on the ADRC website. Students requesting accommodations related to work in a course must contact the ADRC as soon as possible; accommodations are not made retroactively.
Sexual Misconduct.
For issues regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including Advocates-On-Call 24/7, counseling services, mutual “No Contact orders,”scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator.
Information is available from the Institutional Equity Office at (405) 325-2215 (8AM-5PM) or the OU Advocates at (405) 615-0013 (24/7).
Adjustment for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues.
Students needing modifications or adjustments to course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth- related issues should contact the college’s Assistant/Associate Dean for Student Affairs (or academic advisor) or the Accessibility and Disability Resources Center as soon as possible to discuss. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. See the Pregnancy Resource FAQs for answers to commonly asked questions.
Course Drop/University Withdrawal.
The student is responsible to submit required University paperwork before the deadlines to drop or withdraw from a course, shown in the Academic Calendar. Missed homework and examination grades will be entered as a grade of zero if a student fails to formally drop the course or withdraw from the University.
Laptop/Device Encryption and Anti-Virus Software.
In advance of examinations, students must check that their laptop or PC includes up-to-date encryption software and the necessary programs for securing the device. Students who obtain new or replacement devices at any time can request access to the Student Virtual Desktop at http://ouhsc.edu/sde. OU IT will grant student access within 24 hours of request submission. Students can log in at https://mydesk.ou.edu. All students should continue to encrypt their devices with Windows 10 and MacOS encryption tools and install anti-virus software. Instructions and recommendations are linked at: Windows 10 Encryption, MacOS Encryption, and Anti-Virus Software
Absences.
If you will be absent from a course activity for any reason, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor as specified by the course syllabus.
Title IX: Confidentiality and Responsible Employee Statement.
The University of Oklahoma faculty are committed to creating a safe learning environment for all members of our community, free from gender and sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Please note that Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, and Harassment Policy designates all faculty members, including teaching assistants, as “Mandatory Reporter OR Responsible Employees.” Under the Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, and Harassment Policy all Mandatory Reporter OR Responsible Employees” must report all disclosures of sex or gender- based discrimination or violence to the University’s Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will reach out to provide resources, support, and information after receiving a report, but community members are not required to respond to such outreach. Reported information will remain private.
If you have (or someone you know has) experienced any form of sex or gender-based discrimination or violence and wish to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates at 405-615-0013, HSC Student Counseling Services at 405-271-7336, or Student Health Services, call 405-271-9675.
For more information regarding the University of Oklahoma’s Title IX procedures, reporting, or support measures, please visit the Institutional Equity Office, or call 405-325-3546.
Disclosures of gender and sex-based discrimination or violence made in relation to an assignment and/or educational prompt will not result in a referral to the University of Oklahoma’s Title IX Coordinator unless requested otherwise.
HIPAA Compliance.
The University of Oklahoma complies with all federal and state laws related to the confidentiality of patient and research participant medical information, including the Privacy and Security Regulations issued pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Students are required to comply with these laws and related University policies and procedures, including the HIPAA Privacy and Security policies, Students are required to complete the University’s mandatory annual HIPAA training. Students must also comply with the related policies and procedures of their departments and any facilities in which they rotate.
Responsible Conduct of Research.
Students, as members of the University community, have the responsibility to ensure the integrity and ethical standards of any research activity with which they are associated directly or of which they have sufficient knowledge to determine its appropriateness. Students are governed by the Policy on Ethics in Research (Faculty Handbook Section 3.25).
Distance Learning Notification.
In a Distance Learning Classroom (DLC), a student’s voice, physical presence, materials, and participation in classroom activities may be transmitted to distance learning sites and videotaped or digitally captured. DLC video/digital archives are used internally by the University for educational and informational purposes.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|