This advanced master's level course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for designing, conducting, and analyzing observational studies in the field of public health. Observational studies play a crucial role in understanding health-related phenomena in real-world settings, where experimental interventions may not be feasible or ethical. This course provides a comprehensive exploration of key concepts, methodologies, and analytical techniques essential for conducting rigorous and impactful observational research.

The course will begin with an in-depth exploration of study design principles, focusing on the strengths and limitations of various observational study designs such as cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, and ecological studies. Students will learn how to formulate research questions, select appropriate study designs, and implement effective sampling strategies. Emphasis will be placed on the identification and control of potential sources of bias, including confounding and selection bias, as well as strategies for minimizing measurement error. Subsequently, the course will delve into advanced statistical techniques tailored for observational data analysis. Topics will include propensity score matching, instrumental variables, and sensitivity analysis methods, providing students with the skills to address the unique challenges posed by observational data.