Course Coordinator:

Prof. dr. Siswanto Agus Wilopo, SU, M.Sc., Sc.D.,

Clinical Epidemiologist, Biostatistician, and Demographer of the Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Population Health (BEPH), Graduate Public Health Program, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada

Address         : Gedung IKM Lantai 1, Phone: +62-274-565076 or 548156

Email         : sawilopo@ugm.ac.id

Class website : https://elok.ugm.ac.id/ or http://gamel.fk.ugm.ac.id.

Course Description

In this module, students will be introduced to principal features of major epidemiology study designs, understand their relative strengths and weaknesses, and learn about the different types of epidemiological measures, including disease frequency and effect that are possible across different designs. Students will consider the rationale for determining which study design is most appropriate. The module covers the risk of bias and confounding in observational studies and the techniques to minimize these in the study design and in analysis. It also covers the rationale for the use of multivariable analysis and interpretation of measures of effect derived from a multivariable analysis. 

The module covers both the design and statistical analysis of epidemiological studies. It is designed for students who want to improve their understanding of the methods used in public health research. The module is focused on design aspects and key epidemiological concepts. In this part of the course, students learn the strength and weaknesses of the different designs and how to choose an appropriate sample size. They are also introduced to the concepts of confounding and selection bias through the use of causal diagrams. Module describes how to conduct observational and experimental epidemiology studies, including cross-sectional, case-control, cohort and intervention trials (randomized control clinical trials). The rest of the module focusses on the use of logistic regression models to adjust for confounding in epidemiology research. 

Students will have the opportunity to analyze data in a number of computer-based practical classes. However, the emphasis in these classes, and throughout the course, is on understanding epidemiological concepts and gaining statistical skills. Students will earn how to critically appraise an epidemiology study and interpret finding based on an assessment of the impact of bias and confounding that might affect results.

Learning Objectives 

1. to equip students with the necessary skills to understand and appraise the design, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological studies, and
2. provide a critical understanding of the key considerations in planning, design, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological studies, including experimental trials.

Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

1. demonstrate knowledge of strengths and weaknesses of epidemiological study designs,
2. evaluate theoretical and practical design issues to determine the most appropriate design for a research question,
3. demonstrate knowledge of ethical consideration in doing epidemiological study,
4. compare sampling technique and the methods to calculate sample size for observational and experimental epidemiology studies,
5. appraise the methods to minimize bias and confounding in study design and analysis,
6. demonstrate how to conduct cross sectional studies, case-control, cohort, randomized clinical trials, non-randomize clinical trials, quasi experiment and meta-analysis.
7. select different statistical methods, including multivariable analysis, used in epidemiological studies for observational and experimental designs,
8. demonstrate how to present results of analysis of epidemiology study, 
9. demonstrate understanding of the use of writing guideline of epidemiology study, especially using STROBE and Consort, and
10. demonstrate critical appraisal skills and interpret study findings in epidemiology study.