SPPH 401: Basic Epidemiology for Infection Control

Course Outline:

SPPH 401 is designed to explore fundamental concepts in epidemiology, biostatistics for epidemiology, study design and analysis, outbreak investigation and critical appraisal as it applies to infections in health care facilities and the continuum to the community. The course is online in a problem-based learning format. The course contents are, including, but not limited to:

• Introduction to Epidemiologic Thinking and Measurement
• Study Designs
• Statistical Language for Surveillance and Outbreak Investigation
• Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections
• Outbreak Investigation
• Infection Control Continuum – Acute Care to the Community
• Critical Evaluation of the Medical Literature
  

Objectives:

Students who complete the course will:

• have a basic understanding of epidemiological and biostatistical principles;
• be able to apply this knowledge to analysis of common infection control problems;
• be able to communicate their ideas in a written format;
• become adept at retrieving and assimilating information from a variety of authoritative and peer reviewed references;
• develop skills for participate in problem solving with their colleagues.
  

Evaluation:

Assessment will be accomplished at the end of each on-line lesson by an evaluation of the quality of the answers presented to the instructors and the level of participation by the student. The course grade is based on completion of case readings and associated assignments, and participation in the group discussion based on the lesson materials. 

• Case assignments = 70%
• Group discussion / participation = 30%