Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

Summer Epidemiology Essentials: Understanding Disease Dynamics

This course offers teens an in-depth look at how diseases spread, the impact of epidemics on societies, and the science behind disease prevention and control, preparing them for advanced studies or careers in health sciences.
Class
Play

What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content

Class Experience

Course Overview: Epidemiology Essentials

"Epidemiology Essentials" is a four-week, intensive online course designed to introduce high school students to the fascinating world of epidemiology. This course is structured to build upon knowledge progressively, starting with historical perspectives and moving towards contemporary issues and data analysis in public health. Here’s what parents and students need to know about the curriculum and the teaching approach:

Learning Style: Hands-on learning through data manipulation and analysis tasks, culminating in a practical project that simulates real-world epidemiological work.
Interaction and Teaching Approach:

The course is designed to be highly interactive. Each week, students will have the opportunity to engage with the material through:

Lectures and Video Clips: To introduce and explain complex topics.
Interactive Quizzes and Problem-Solving Exercises: To reinforce learning and ensure comprehension.
Discussion Boards: To foster a community learning environment and allow students to query concepts and ideas in real-time.

This course not only equips students with a fundamental understanding of epidemiology but also enhances their analytical and critical thinking skills. It's perfect for students interested in a future in health sciences, public health policy, or any field that values analytical thinking and an understanding of global health dynamics.
Learning Goals
By participating in the "Epidemiology Essentials" course, students will achieve a comprehensive understanding of epidemiology through specific, targeted learning objectives:

Understand the Fundamentals of Epidemiology:

Gain a clear understanding of what epidemiology is and its critical role in public health.
Learn about the historical significance of epidemiology and how it has shaped responses to disease outbreaks.

Core Epidemiological Concepts:

Become proficient in interpreting basic epidemiological metrics such as infection rates, mortality rates, and reproduction numbers.
Understand how these metrics are calculated and used in real-world scenarios to track and manage diseases.

Analyze Modern Disease Outbreaks:

Develop the ability to critically analyze the effectiveness of different public health strategies used in recent outbreaks, such as COVID-19.
Learn about the scientific and logistical challenges involved in developing and distributing vaccines.

Apply Epidemiological Data:

Acquire practical skills in handling and interpreting data related to disease spread.
Execute a capstone project where students use real data to calculate infection rates and suggest appropriate public health interventions.

Engage in Critical Thinking and Discussion:

Engage in thoughtful discussions and debates about public health policies and their impact, fostering critical thinking skills.
Develop the ability to articulate and support arguments using epidemiological evidence.

Project-Based Learning:

Through a hands-on project, learn to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, enhancing problem-solving skills.
Gain experience in designing and implementing a disease mitigation strategy based on epidemiological data.
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Module 1: Introduction to Epidemiology
 •	Videos and readings on the history and significance of epidemiology.
•	Case studies of historical outbreaks (e.g., Spanish Flu, SARS). 
Lesson 2:
Module 2: Key Concepts and Tools
 •	Instructional videos on infection rates, mortality rates, and basic reproduction numbers.
•	Quizzes to reinforce learning. 
Lesson 3:
Module 3: Modern Outbreaks and Responses
 •	Analysis of recent case studies, like COVID-19.
•	Discussions on public health responses and vaccine development. 
Lesson 4:
Module 4: Data in Epidemiology
 •	Tutorials on how to use data to track disease spread.
•	Project: Students use a simple dataset to calculate infection rates and suggest mitigation strategies. 

Other Details

Parental Guidance
This course is designed with a focus on education and engagement in a respectful and safe environment. The following details address content sensitivity and the use of third-party tools: Content Sensitivity: While the course discusses disease outbreaks and public health emergencies, all content is presented in a factual and non-alarming manner. The course aims to educate rather than scare, helping students understand how diseases are managed and prevented. Third-Party Tools: The course utilizes platforms like Khan Academy for supplementary educational videos, which are accessible without creating an account. Any use of data for projects involves anonymized, hypothetical datasets designed for educational purposes.
Pre-Requisites
For learners interested in joining Level 11, Week 4, it's important that they have a basic knowledge of biology, basic statistics and data interpretation skills, ability to think critically and solve problems.
Supply List
Basic Stationery:

Notebooks and pens/pencils for taking notes during lectures and while working on assignments.


Printable Materials:

Some worksheets and data sets will be provided in PDF format for students to print at home if they prefer hard copies for analysis. Ensure access to a printer if needed.
Joined January, 2024
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
The instructor for "Epidemiology Essentials" possesses the following qualifications and experience:

Academic Background: Holds a Doctoral Degree in Epidemiology.
Professional Experience: Over ten years of experience working in public health, focusing on infectious disease surveillance and epidemiological research.
Teaching Experience: Has taught courses in epidemiology and public health at the university level for several years, known for an engaging and clear teaching style that makes complex subjects accessible and interesting.
Continuing Education: Regularly attends conferences and professional development workshops to stay current with the latest developments in public health and epidemiology.

Reviews

Self-Paced Class
Share

$25

weekly or $99 for all content
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content

Choose your start date
Ages: 15-18

Not Accepting Enrollments
About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyManage Data PreferencesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool