Infectious disease epidemiology

Learning outcome

Participants are expected to have a basic knowledge of epidemiological tools, and the course aims to show how these tools apply to the study of infectious diseases.

After successfully completing this course you as a student are expected to be able to:

• explain the concepts and terms used in infectious disease epidemiology
• list the steps of an outbreak investigation
• describe the functions and problems of a surveillance system
• design a simple model for an epidemic
• explain how population mixing patterns influence epidemic spread
• design a study to test the effectiveness of a vaccine
• discuss the important determinants of the antimicrobial resistance problem
• discuss national and EU systems to control infectious diseases

Learning outcomes are classified according to Bloom's taxonomy: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

Content of the course

Definitions; immunity; transmission routes; outbreaks; vaccinology; surveillance; models and mixing patterns; specific examples, such as antimicrobial resistance; control systems.

Specific entry requirements

Knowledge in epidemiology and biostatistics equivalent to "Epidemiology I: Introduction to epidemiology" and "Biostatistics I: Introduction for epidemiologists", respectively, or corresponding courses.

Literature

• Giesecke J, ed. Modern infectious disease epidemiology, 2nd edn. London, UK:
• Arnold, Hodder Headline Group, 2002.
• For Swedish-speaking students: Ekdahl K, Giesecke J (red). Smittskyddsboken. Studentlitteratur, 2003

Course director and contact person