Investigating Outbreaks

EPI 523 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

The investigation of disease outbreaks both predates and gave birth to the fields of epidemiology and public health. In the modern day, tried and true epidemiologic methods persist along with new, sophisticated methods of discovery. The topic of outbreaks is also the fodder of movies and television with fictional characters playing the glamorous role of disease detectives solving ripped from the headlines situations. This course is grounded in the evidence-base and draws from the literature and field-based experience of the instructors to create an intensive and immersive two and a half-day learning experience. Key to the success of the course are learning experiences that leads up to (developing of Epi Info skills) and follows the interactive classroom-based experience (synthesis paper).

This course focuses on the fundamental epidemiologic skills needed to investigate an outbreak investigation. Mastery of the knowledge and skills in this area along with application during the course will foster the use of problem solving frameworks and implementation strategies needed to address future outbreak situations that you may face in your career. The case examples in the course and the real-time experience of attempting to address these scenarios will illustrate the complexities and unexpected nature of outbreak investigations. The experience of working in teams will also highlight the importance of collaboration in addressing pressing public health challenges.

Students outside of HSPH must request instructor permission to enroll in this course