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.

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.

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.

The curriculum for "Epidemiology Essentials" is supported by a range of reputable sources to ensure accuracy and reliability:

Textbooks and Journals: Information is drawn from respected texts like "Epidemiology: An Introduction" by Kenneth J. Rothman and peer-reviewed journals within the field.
Online Resources: Websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) provide up-to-date data and case studies used in course materials.
Educational Videos: Khan Academy and other educational platforms offer videos that supplement the learning materials, providing clear explanations of complex concepts.