Epidemiologic Methods II
Winter 2025 (3 units)
Epidemiologic Methods II is designed to extend upon the instruction offered in Epidemiologic Methods (EPI 203). Topics include advanced coverage of study design, measurement, and overcoming threats to validity. The overarching objective is to help build skills in the design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiologic research.
Objectives
The objectives for this course are for participants to:
- Comprehend conceptual frameworks for causal inference in observational epidemiologic research;
- Identify sources of bias in observational studies;
- Comprehend and practice applying methods to address bias in observational studies;
- Identify effect modification (and interaction) and how to present them in results; and
- Gain experience in analyzing data and assessing/interpreting results from observational studies.
Prerequisites
Epidemiologic Methods (EPI 203), or equivalent, and Biostatistical Methods for Clinical Research I (BIOSTAT 200), or equivalent experience, are required. Experience with the Stata or R software programs is also required.
Faculty
| Course Director: |
June Chan, ScD |
| Course Co-Director: |
Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics |
Format
Each week, new material is introduced via a live and/or pre-recorded lecture and required readings. Seven homeworks, in the form of problem sets, are assigned during the course, and students have one or two weeks to complete them. Upon submission, homeworks are discussed with course faculty and teaching assistants in review sessions. A take-home final exam concludes the course.
Live lectures are recorded in real-time and made available the same day, after class. Participation is critical for learning, so attendance at live lectures and homework review sessions is highly encouraged.
The daily schedule of activities is posted on the course's online syllabus.
Materials
Modern Epidemiology by K. J. Rothman, S. Greenland, and T. L. Lash. Wolters Kluwer. 3rd edition. 2012. UCSF users can access an electronic version of the book at UCSF library.
Causal Inference: What If by M. A. Hernán and J. M. Robins. Chapman & Hall/CRC. Currently available exclusively online.
Assorted articles that are made available from the course's online syllabus.
Book may be purchased either through the publisher or a variety of commercial venues (e.g., Amazon.com).
Grading
Student grades are assigned as follows:
- 8 Homework assignments (70%; we drop the lowest score)
- Students will have only one week to complete homework assignments
- Final Exam (30%)
Students not in full-year TICR Programs who satisfactorily pass all course requirements receive a Certificate of Course Completion, upon request.
Only UCSF students (defined as individuals enrolled in UCSF degree or certificate programs) will receive academic credit for courses. Official transcripts are available to UCSF students only. A Certificate of Course Completion will be available upon request to individuals who are not UCSF students and satisfactorily pass all course requirements.
To Enroll
ATCR and MAS students use the Student Portal
Students taking individual courses:
Course Fees
How to pay (please read before applying)
Winter 2025 Course Schedule
Apply by January 6, 2025