THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH
Public Health Sciences
CONCEPTS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
2nd Crash Course
11 - 15 December 2006
This introductory course on the concepts, principles and
methods of epidemiology will be based upon the textbook
Concepts of Epidemiology (Raj S. Bhopal, Oxford University
Press, 2002), which won first prize in the Public Health
section of the prestigious British Medical Association Book
Awards in 2003.
The course will aim to cover in one week most of the
material in the book, bringing participants to the level of
introductory epidemiology in Masters level courses in Public
Health.
There will be two sessions each day, comprising lectures (up
to three hours per day), small group exercises, and self
learning through tackling test papers (with answers
discussed by the whole group). Each session will
concentrate on one chapter of the course book, as detailed
below:
1. What is Epidemiology?
2. The epidemiological concept of population
3. The concept of risk and measures of disease frequency
4. Presentation and interpretation of epidemiological data
on risk
5. Variation in disease by time, place and person: a
framework for analysis
6. Variation: the role of error, bias, risk modification and
confounding
7. Cause & effect: the epidemiological approach
8. Natural history, spectrum, iceberg, population patterns
and screening
9. Study design: overview
10. Theoretical, ethical, contextual, practical and critical
foundations for future epidemiology
A teaching assistant will assist Professor Bhopal with the
practical exercises.
THE COURSE LEADER
Professor Raj Bhopal CBE DSc(Hon) MD is Professor of Public
Health at The University of Edinburgh and Honorary
Consultant at the Lothian Health Board. He was previously
Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the
University of Newcastle (1991-1999). He has taught
epidemiology to undergraduates, postgraduates and, at CPD
level, to a wide range of professionals including doctors,
nurses, health economists and health service managers.
His textbook “Concepts of Epidemiology” won first prize in
the 2003 British Medical Association Book Awards.
WHY ATTEND
Epidemiology is the scientific and applied discipline that
seeks the causes of disease as they impact on populations.
As such it is one of the fundamental disciplines
underpinning both public health and clinical research and
practice.
The central concepts, strategies and methods of epidemiology
will be covered in this course in sufficient depth for
participants to read epidemiology thoughtfully and to apply
the concepts in their practice and research.
The 2005 course was awarded 28 CPD credits by the Royal
College of Physicians. Accreditation for 2006 is pending.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The course is intended for those who want to lay a sound
foundation to their knowledge of epidemiology, particularly
as it relates to public health practice, policy and
research. It would be most suitable for those in the health
professions, such as nurses, doctors, health promoters,
health policy makers and health researchers. Social
sciences, statistics and health management colleagues may
also find the course useful
It could also be a refreshers or additional course for those
already trained in public health or epidemiology.
However, those who have completed Masters level education in
Public Health in the past 5 years may find the course too basic.
Delegate feedback from the 2005 course can be found at
www.lifelong.ed.ac.uk/cpd/courses/medicine
PREREQUISITES
No previous knowledge of epidemiology will be assumed.
Capacity to read, write and discuss at graduate degree level
(or equivalent) is essential. Further information about the
textbook can be found at www.amazon.com
Ability to do basic arithmetic with a calculator will be
necessary for some parts of the course. An understanding of
contemporary health issues would also help.
VENUE
The course will take place in the Sidney Smith Lecture
Theatre in the University of Edinburgh’s Medical School,
Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG.
The Medical School is in the heart of the University central
area, less than a mile from Edinburgh’s main railway station.
ACCOMMODATION
A limited number of rooms will be available at £39.50 or
£45.50 (including breakfast) in The University of
Edinburgh’s Kenneth Mackenzie Suite at 7 Richmond Place,
Edinburgh EH8 9ST, which is a short walk from Teviot Place.
All rooms are ensuite. To book, contact Kenneth Mackenzie
Reception directly as early as possible:
Tel: +44 (0)131 651 2063
Fax: +44 (0)131 668 3821
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web: www.edinburghfirst.com
Please contact the CPD Unit (see below) for information
about other accommodation options around the University.
Assistance can also be obtained from our accommodation
agency, Murray Accommodation:
Tel/Fax: +44 (0)131 477 3339
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web: www.murray-accommodation.co.uk
COURSE FEE
The course fee is £750.00, held from 2005. It is inclusive
of the course book “Concepts of Epidemiology”, a set of
PowerPoint slides, refreshments and lunch during the course,
and the course dinner on Thursday 14th December. Other
meals and accommodation are not included.
Potential participants who are not in paid employment or
those who cannot raise funding are invited to write in
confidence to Professor Bhopal to request a reduction in the
fee.
REGISTRATION AND FURTHER INFORMATION
To reserve your place(s), you can BOOK ONLINE at
www.lifelong.ed.ac.uk/cpd/courses
or complete the registration form on the inside cover of the
course flier (which can also be found on the website above,
together with full details of the course) and fax or post it to:
Office of Lifelong Learning - CPD Unit
11 Buccleuch Place
Edinburgh EH8 9LW
Tel: 0131 651 1180/1189
Fax: 0131 651 1746
Email: [log in to unmask]
Alternatively you can BOOK ONLINE at:
www.lifelong.ed.ac.uk/cpd/courses
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Payment should accompany your registration form. If
invoiced, fees must be paid in full at least five working
days before the course is due to commence. Failure to pay
may result in the place on the course being withdrawn.
All payments should be in GBP sterling. Payments made by
international bank transfer should include an additional
£15.00 to cover bank charges.
For cancellations received at least fifteen working days
before the course commences a 20% administrative charge will
be made. After this date, fees will not normally be
refunded, but places are transferable for a limited period.
Cancellations must be notified in writing.
The University of Edinburgh reserves the right to cancel or
postpone the course, in which case fees will be refunded in
full. In the event of cancellation, The University of
Edinburgh will not be held liable for travel or
accommodation costs incurred by registrants.
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