Resources & Tools

This course has key features and applications of descriptive and analytic epidemiology, an in-depth study of public health surveillance, and a step-by-step description of outbreak investigations. It will show you how to calculate and interpret frequency measures (ratios, proportions and rates) and measures of central tendency, how to use tables, graphs, and charts to organize, summarize, and display data. 

A calculator with square root and logarithmic functions may be needed for some of the course exercises.  In addition, Heymann’s Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 20th Edition, from the American Public Health Association is recommended for reference.

The course provides information and updates on:

• Computer technology to create graphics and figures
• How geographic information systems identify geographic patterns
• Syndromic surveillance
• Descriptions of core epidemiologic functions
• Tips for organizing data
• Measures of public health impact
• Identifying health problems for surveillance
• Identifying or collecting data for surveillance
• Analyzing and interpreting surveillance data
• Disseminating data

A basic understanding of the practices of public health and biostatistics is recommended before taking this course. 

Technical Content: Richard Dicker, MD, MSc., Lead Author, CDC/CDD/OWCD (retired); Fatima Coronado, MD, MPH, CDC/CDD/OWCD; Denise Koo, MD, MPH, CDC/CDD/OWCD; Roy Gibson Parrish, II, MD