Epidemiological Studies

Objectives

Conceptual goals (CG):

1. Master basic concepts in epidemiology;

2. Distinguish the major research designs in epidemiology;

3. Recognize the principles, applications and limitations of genetic epidemiology;

4. Master basic concepts in experimental design and sampling;

5. Master concepts related to exploratory data analysis;

6. Distinguish between hypothesis testing, methods of maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods;

7. Recognize the potential of meta-analysis in epidemiology.

General skills (GS):

1. Search bibliography and prepare abstracts;

2. Interpret and communicate scientific information;

3. Work in a team.

Specific skills (SS):

1. Analyze experimental designs and sampling programs;

2. Apply exploratory data analysis.

3. Apply hypothesis testing;

4. Apply correlation, regression and generalized linear models.

5. Apply Bayesian statistics; 6. Apply epidemiological measures of the occurrence, effect and potential impact.

Program

1. Concepts in epidemiology

Definition and objectives

Measures of occurrence, association and potential impact

Causality in epidemiology

2. Epidemiological studies

Descriptive vs. analytic epidemiology

Types of studies

Studies of cases and of case series

Ecological studies

Cross-sectional studies

Case-control studies

Cohort studies

Experimental studies

3. General principles of genetic epidemiology

4. Experimental design and sampling

Types of experimental design

Determination of the number of samples

5. Exploratory Data Analysis

Graphical representations

Sample statistics

6. Hypothesis Testing

Tests for one, two or k samples

Parametric and non parametric tests

7. Correlation and Regression

Parametric and non-parametric correlation

Simple and multiple linear regression

8. Generalized linear models (GLM)

Applications in epidemiology

9. Bayesian Statistics

Applications in epidemiology

10. Potential of meta-analysis in epidemiology

Teaching Methodologies

In theoretical and theoretical-practical sessions understanding of the course contents is encouraged; talks are supplemented with problem solving, exploration of cases, as well as with sessions devoted to article reading and discussion. It is intended that students are engaged in active learning. As a group activity students critically analyze: i) a scientific paper concerning an epidemiological study; ii) an article published in the media on a topic related to epidemiology. Students are assessed by written and oral examination of this presentation. In practical activities the acquisition of skills through the practical application of statistical tools (Excel, SPSS, WinBugs) in epidemiology is enhanced, while avoiding the teaching of statistical "recipes". Exercises related to the various contents taught are solved in order to apply the various concepts and develop skills, which are evaluated by performing a computer based practical examination.

Bibliography

Afonso A & C Nunes (2011) Estatística e probabilidades: aplicações e soluções em SPSS. Escolar Editora, Lisboa, 554 pp.

Christensen R, W Jonson, A Branscum & TE Hanson (2011) Bayesian ideas and data analysis. An introduction for scientists and statisticians. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, 498 pp.

Estévez JI, MA Martínez & M Seguí (2004) Epidemiología Aplicada. Ariel, Barcelona.

Friedman GD (2004) Primer of epidemiology. Boston: McGraw‐Hill.

Gouveia de Oliveira A (2009) Bioestatística, Epidemiologia e Investigação. Teoria e aplicações ‐ Uma nova abordagem sem equações matemáticas. Lidel, Lisboa.

Greenberg RS, SR Daniels, WD Flanders, et al. (2005) Medical Epidemiology. McGraw‐Hill, New York.

Haines JL, MA Pericak‐Vance (2006) Genetic Analysis of Complex Traits. Willey, New‐Jersey.

Wassertheil‐Smoller S (2004) Biostatistics and epidemiology: a primer for health and biomedical professionals. Springer, New York.