Epidemiology, Ph.D.

Program Overview

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The Epidemiology program at [University Name] provides rigorous training in epidemiological methods, biostatistics, and population health research. Students develop the skills to identify and address health-related problems through coursework, projects, and a thesis. Graduates are prepared for careers in public health, research, and academia, including roles as epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and public health researchers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Epidemiology is the scientific discipline primarily concerned with identifying the distribution and causes of disease in populations. It encompasses a rich methodology including observational and experimental study designs, statistical methods, an understanding of pathogens, environmental and behavioral risk factors, and human biology. Epidemiological methods have evolved to meet threats of global infectious diseases and the complex health challenges presented by an aging population, as well as to capitalize on the expanding understanding of human genetics. As the fundamental discipline of public health, epidemiology provides essential knowledge to design, implement, and assess approaches to effectively prevent disease and improve quality of life in the population. The research-oriented degree programs are designed to provide rigorous training to develop students' abilities to synthesize knowledge and skills needed to address today's health-related problems. Faculty, staff, and students in the Department of Population Health Sciences engage in a wide variety of world-class epidemiological and health services research projects. The interdisciplinary focus allows students the flexibility to work with a wide array of research/faculty on campus. The department offers two graduate degree programs: an M.S. and a Ph.D. in epidemiology and an M.S. and a Ph.D. in population health. While the program is based on a sequence of core courses, students, in consultation with their major professor, have some flexibility to design advanced study and research that best prepares them for their chosen area of interest.

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Outline:

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Introduction to SAS Programming for Population Health (2 credits)

This course introduces students to the basics of SAS programming, a widely-used statistical software package in population health research. Students will learn how to import, clean, and analyze data using SAS, and how to generate reports and visualizations.

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Introduction to Biostatistics for Population Health (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of biostatistics, including descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. Students will learn how to apply these principles to population health data to answer research questions.

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Regression Methods for Population Health (3 credits)

This course covers more advanced regression methods, including logistic regression, Poisson regression, and survival analysis. Students will learn how to use these methods to model complex relationships between variables in population health data.

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Advanced Regression Methods for Population Health (3 credits)

This course covers advanced topics in regression analysis, including multilevel modeling, structural equation modeling, and causal inference. Students will learn how to use these methods to address complex research questions in population health.

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Introduction to Epidemiology (3 credits)

This course provides an overview of the field of epidemiology, including the history of epidemiology, the different types of epidemiological studies, and the methods used to conduct epidemiological research.

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Epidemiologic Methods (3 credits)

This course covers the core methods used in epidemiological research, including study design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of results.

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Advanced Epidemiology: Causal Inference in Epidemiological Studies (3 credits)

This course covers advanced topics in causal inference, including the different types of causal relationships, the methods used to establish causality, and the challenges of causal inference in observational studies.

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Advanced Epidemiology: Practice of Epidemiology (3 credits)

This course provides students with hands-on experience in conducting epidemiological research. Students will work in teams to design, conduct, and analyze an epidemiological study.

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams: Exams are given at the end of each course to assess students' understanding of the course material.
• Projects: Students are required to complete a number of projects throughout the program, which allow them to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems.
• Thesis: Students are required to write a thesis based on their original research.
The thesis is defended in front of a committee of faculty members.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively involved in research. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and to helping them develop the skills they need to be successful in their careers. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce new material and to provide students with an overview of the field.
• Discussions: Discussions are used to allow students to ask questions and to discuss the material in more detail.
• Projects: Projects are used to allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems.
• Research: Students are encouraged to participate in research projects with faculty members.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in public health, research, and academia. Common career paths include:

• Epidemiologist: Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and develop strategies to prevent and control disease.
• Biostatistician: Biostatisticians design and analyze studies to collect and interpret data on the health of populations.
• Public health researcher: Public health researchers conduct research to identify and address the health needs of populations.
• Academic: Academics teach and conduct research in the field of epidemiology.