Intro to Epi 2023

Applications are closed

Introduction to Epidemiology and Research Methodology April-June 2023

Applications are closed!

The course will be held virtually, on the Microsoft Teams platform and takes place over 13 sessions, every Monday from 10h00 – 12h00, starting 03 April 2023.

Course fee: R 4000,00

Enquiries may be directed to the SACEMA Training Coordinator, Faikah Bruce (faikah@sun.ac.za) or the SACEMA Deputy Director: Operations, Lynnemore Scheepers (scheepersl@sun.ac.za).

Epidemiology is broadly defined as the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations and the application of this study to the prevention and control of health problems. Encompassing the methods and research designs needed to interpret evidence of health research, epidemiology is not only a discipline of the health sciences in itself, but also a much needed skill for practitioners in other branches of health research.

Epidemiology concentrates on questions like these: What are the determinants, distribution, and frequency of disease? Who gets ill and why? What are the crucial differences between those who become ill and those who do not? (Both sick and healthy people are to be studied.) How effective are interventions in treating disease, and in stopping further spread? How effective are health services in addressing health needs? What information do they need to make decisions? What is the risk assessment, and what is the threshold for action?

The 13 lecture series comprises: Introduction, basic tools; Demographic aspects; Cross-sectional designs; Construction of questionnaires; Case-control studies; Cohort designs, randomised controlled trials; Sampling; Screening and surveillance; Bias in design; Causation; Disease clusters, outbreaks; Hints on writing a research proposal; Hints on writing research papers and constructing conference presentations.

Speaker: Dr Jo Barnes