流行病学基础（上）

Peking University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/liuxing-bing-xue

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: 流行病学基础（上） #### Overview The course "流行病学基础（上）" (Introduction to Epidemiology - Part 1), provided on Coursera, is an essential offering for anyone interested in understanding the foundations of epidemiology. This academic discipline studies the distribution and determinants of diseases and health conditions in populations, and plays a vital role in developing strategies for disease prevention and health promotion. The course is designed primarily for medical students and healthcare professionals, with a focus on equipping students with the principles and concepts of epidemiology, as well as their applications in medical settings. Taught by an esteemed faculty team from the School of Public Health at Peking University, including professors Li Liming, Hu Yonghua, and Zhan Siyuan, this course promises a well-rounded learning experience. #### Course Objectives and Content The primary goals of the course are to: 1. Enable students to grasp the basic principles and concepts of epidemiology. 2. Familiarize students with the thought processes, methods, and steps involved in conducting epidemiological research. 3. Equip students with the skills to formulate health strategies and measures based on epidemiological study results. 4. Prepare students to independently design, implement, and analyze epidemiological research. The syllabus includes critical topics such as: - **Epidemiological Introduction**: A comprehensive overview of the field and its significance. - **Distribution of Diseases**: Understanding how diseases spread within populations. - **Descriptive Epidemiology**: Methods for describing health events and trends. - **Cohort Studies**: Learning about longitudinal studies that track outcomes over time. - **Case-Control Studies**: Methods for comparing patients with a disease to those without. - **Causation and Causal Inference**: Exploring the relationship between risk factors and health outcomes. - **Final Examination**: Assessing knowledge and understanding of the course material. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Expert Faculty**: Learn from leading professionals in the field of public health and epidemiology. - **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The curriculum covers a wide range of foundational topics that are critical for understanding the field. - **Practical Skills**: The course emphasizes practical skills in research design and analysis, which are vital in real-world applications. - **Excellent Student Support**: The course structure encourages interaction with instructors and peers, enhancing the learning experience. **Cons:** - **Language Barrier**: As the course is offered in Chinese, non-Chinese speakers may find it challenging to engage fully without prior language skills or translation support. - **Intensity**: The material can be dense, requiring dedicated time for study and comprehension. #### Conclusion and Recommendation Whether you are a medical student, a healthcare professional, or simply someone interested in the field of public health, "流行病学基础（上）" is an invaluable course that lays the groundwork for advanced study and practice in epidemiology. The comprehensive nature of the content, combined with the expertise of the faculty, ensures that participants will finish with a solid understanding of the principles of epidemiology. For those who aim to pursue further studies in epidemiology, this course will provide the essential skills and knowledge necessary for success. Additionally, keep an eye out for the forthcoming "流行病学基础（下）" course, which will delve deeper into advanced topics such as experimental epidemiology and disease prevention strategies. In summary, I highly recommend enrolling in "流行病学基础（上）" for a robust introduction to epidemiology, which is undeniably crucial for understanding modern health challenges and making informed decisions in the healthcare field.

Syllabus

流行病学绪论

疾病的分布

描述流行病学

队列研究

病例对照研究

病因与病因推断

期末考试