History of Epidemiologic Ideas [ESP53]

Detailed information about this course:

Description

Faculty: Prof. Alfredo Morabia, MD PhD

This is a methodology course, which focuses on the historical evolution of methods (e.g., study designs) and concepts (e.g., confounding, bias, interaction and causal inference) that constitute today’s epidemiology. For each topic, we review and discuss the historical contexts and some landmark studies that led to specific innovations in terms of performance of group comparisons, population thinking and framing of hypotheses. We finally discuss the historical conditions for the emergence of epidemiology as a scientific discipline, the phases it went through and its potential, future developments.

Objectives

To understand how epidemiologic methods have evolved across times and why they will continue to evolve.

Participant profile

Having an interest in epidemiologic methods and/or in history. Traditionally, students in a doctoral epidemiology program benefit the most from the course.

Assessment

Attendance