This course is intended for public health practitioners who do not have significant knowledge or experience in the field of epidemiology. The course offers an opportunity to learn how an epidemiologist investigates the causes of disease, its distribution, how it spreads, and measures for control and prevention.

Awareness

Length of Course: 2 1/2 hours

 Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

• Discuss important terms and concepts for basic epidemiology practice.
• Describe the inter-related aspects of the infectious disease process and methods of breaking this "chain" of infection.
• Understand basic epidemiology in practice, using a case study of a food-borne outbreak as an example.
• Perform basic surveillance tasks in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Utilize your regional epidemiologist as a resource for outbreak investigations.

Course Description

There are four modules in this course:

1. Important Terms in Epidemiology
2. Models for Understanding the Infectious Process
3. Epidemiology in Practice
4. Surveillance

There are review questions at the end of modules 1 and 2. These review questions will provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills presented in these modules. There is a quiz at the end of module 3. In addition, some modules contain practice exercises to help you better understand the material.