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11655-01 - Lecture: Epidemiological Concepts (3 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2025 |
| Course frequency | Every fall sem. |
| Lecturers |
Manuel Hetzel (manuel.hetzel@unibas.ch, Assessor)
Christian Lengeler (christian.lengeler@unibas.ch) Jürg Utzinger (juerg.utzinger@unibas.ch) |
| Content | Epidemiology constitutes a core discipline for public health. This lecture with exercises covers the fundamentals of epidemiology, including: definitions and general principles, study designs, measures and measurement error, diagnostic performance assessment, and the application of epidemiology for public health. The lecture has a global focus with many examples from the Global South. The knowledge and understanding acquired in this lecture is essential for following more advanced courses. The lecture is compulsory for MSc Epidemiology students. Topics: Fundamental epidemiological concepts Epidemiological measures and measurement errors Descriptive and analytical epidemiology Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies Randomised-controlled trials Efficacy versus effectiveness Association and causation Diagnostic performance Surveillance and response Evidence in public health and the Cochrane Collaboration Ethics |
| Learning objectives | Students will acquire a conceptual understanding of fundamental epidemiological measures and study designs, and practice the application of epidemiological concepts to generate evidence relevant for public health. |
| Bibliography | Introductory basics: Bonita/Beaglehole/Kjellström: Basic epidemiology (2nd edition; English). World Health Organization 2006. (https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/43541). Supporting literature will be provided throughout the lecture. |
| Comments | This is an in-person lecture that is not recorded. During the lecture, students receive accompanying exercises and occasionally accompanying texts for self-study. A calculator (but not a computer) is required for all lectures. Additional lecturers: Tracy Glass Stefanie Knopp Peter Odermatt |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Course auditors welcome |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Wednesday | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 17.09.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 24.09.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 01.10.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 08.10.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 15.10.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 22.10.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 29.10.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 05.11.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 12.11.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 19.11.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 26.11.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 03.12.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 10.12.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Wednesday 17.12.2025 | 09.15-12.00 | Swiss TPH Neubau, Seminarraum 5 |
| Modules |
Courses: Master Infection Biology (Master's Studies: Infection Biology (Start of studies before 01.08.2024)) Doctorate Science Epidemiology: Recommendations (PhD subject: Epidemiology (Start of studies before 01.08.2025)) Module: Basics: Epidemiology (Master's degree program: African Studies) Module: Electives in Infection Biology (Master's Studies: Infection Biology) Module: Fields: Public Health and Social Life (Master's degree program: African Studies) Module: Foundations in Epidemiology (Master's Studies: Epidemiology) Specialization Module Global Europe: Global Ageing and Health (Master's Studies: European Global Studies) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Written final exam of 75 minutes |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration, dereg: cancel course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Science, studiendekanat-philnat@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Schweizerisches Tropen- und Public Health-Institut |