This course aims to bridge the gap between theoretical epidemiological concepts and application in clinical research and medicine. Understanding of basic epidemiological principles is therefore a prerequisite.
Students will learn how abstract concepts from epidemiological theory can be translated to clinically observable phenomena. Tools and skills taught in this course will be readily applicable in clinical research on etiology, efficacy, diagnosis and prognosis. Successful completion of this course will enable students to continue with more formal training in theoretical causal inference as well as advanced courses in clinical effectiveness and clinical epidemiology.

The course will consist of interactive lectures, working groups, group presentations and an individual assignment. Through in-class exercises the student will be provided with the opportunity to utilize the knowledge covered in the lectures on a study from the recent literature.

Objectives

• To appraise epidemiological concepts on efficacy, etiology, diagnosis and prediction in a setting of clinical research.

• To critique the epidemiological merit of research in clinical medicine.

Participant profile

This course is especially suited for anyone interested in conducting clinical research. This includes clinicians, clinician-scientists, research physicians, nurse practitioners and other researchers from any background working in clinical research. After completion of this course the students will have a sound methodologic basis to carry out their own research successfully.

Assessment