Introduction to Epidemiology (online)

Introduction to Epidemiology will provide you with insights into the basic terminology and principles of epidemiology. These range from the history and design of epidemiological research to the different measures of frequency and association. We will also address the principles of bias and confounding, thereby enabling you to familiarize yourself with all the key epidemiological concepts.

At the end of this course, the student

• has insight in the basic terminology and principles used in epidemiology
• has an overview of important historical developments in health sciences in general, and epidemiology in particular
• has insight in the different measures of frequency, association and impact that are commonly used in epidemiological research
• is able to calculate these measures using simple numerical examples
• has insight in the different aspects of epidemiological research (etiologic / diagnostic / prognostic / therapeutic, causal / descriptive)
• has knowledge of the different study designs used in epidemiological research
• is able to read and understand (simple) epidemiological scientific papers and recognize, in these papers, which study design was used
• is able to apply the correct measures of frequency and association belonging with the different epidemiological study designs
• understands the meaning of the terms bias and confounding
• has insight in the different fields of epidemiological research as covered at UMC Utrecht and UtrechtUniversity

Are courses are aimed at clinical researchers, nurses, general practitioners, and other health professionals who want to improve their skills in epidemiology, statistics and (clinical) research.

3 weeks, 14 hrs per week

Even though you can manage your own time our courses are not intended as individual education. We offer personalized online learning with lots of interaction with peer students, the E-moderator and lecturers. Flexibility from students, a positive attitude towards teachers and peers and the willingness to learn together and help each other is invaluable to our courses. To experience maximum interaction, we advise you to log on several times per week.

Note that the starting dates of courses, interim deadlines, and dates of exams are fixed, but you can choose when and where you want to watch web lectures and work on assignments. The e-moderator of the course will inform you about the beginning of the course and about deadlines during the course.

The average required study workload for the courses of MSc Epidemiology Postgraduate Online is 14 hours per week. You will need this time to study, to keep up with the assignments and course material.