Outbreaks and Epidemics
Professional epidemiologists are often called on to investigate outbreaks and epidemics. This course serves as an introduction to the essentials of investigation, identifying pathogens, figuring out what's going on, reporting, and responding. You'll learn how to ask precise epidemiologic questions and apply epidemiologic tools to uncover the answers. You'll also learn about basic epidemic dynamics and the terrible law that cause them to grow, as well as the reasons why they recede and eventually go away.
Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 5 hours
- Course by Johns Hopkins University
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Offered by
About
Professional epidemiologists are often called on to investigate outbreaks and epidemics. This course serves as an introduction to the essentials of investigation, identifying pathogens, figuring out what's going on, reporting, and responding. You'll learn how to ask precise epidemiologic questions and apply epidemiologic tools to uncover the answers. You'll also learn about basic epidemic dynamics and the terrible law that cause them to grow, as well as the reasons why they recede and eventually go away. The course concludes with deep dives into some real outbreaks from Ebola, in West Africa, to the opioid epidemic in the United States.Modules
Identifying and Investigating Outbreaks: The Basics
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8
Videos
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1
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Identifying and Investigating Outbreaks
8
Videos
- Introduction to Course and Identifying and Investigating Outbreaks: The Basics
- Step 0: What Is an Outbreak?
- Step 1: Identify Cases
- Step 2: Describe the Outbreak by Person, Place, and Time
- Step 3: Identify and Characterize the Cause
- Step 4: Risk Factor Study in a Defined Population
- Step 4: Risk Factor Study in an Open Population
- Step 5: Intervene and Report
1
Readings
- Course Projects
Weighing Evidence and Identifying Causes
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6
Videos
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Weighing Evidence and Identifying Causes
6
Videos
- Introduction to Weighing Evidence and Identifying Causes
- General Questions to Precise Hypotheses
- Identifying Comparison Groups
- Basic Measures of Association 1, Risk Difference
- Basic Measures of Association 2, Relative Risk
- Understanding Basic Statistical Tests
The Terrible Law: Basic Epidemic Dynamics
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6
Videos
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1
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- The Terrible Law: Basic Epidemic Dynamics
6
Videos
- Introduction to The Terrible Law: Basic Epidemic Dynamics
- Measures of Transmissibility: Attack Rates
- Measures of Transmissibility: Reproductive Numbers
- Natural History
- Implications for Control
- Summary of The Terrible Law: Basic Epidemic Dynamics
1
Readings
- Further Reading
Case Studies in Outbreaks and Epidemics: From Ebola to Overdose
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4
Videos
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Case Studies in Outbreaks and Epidemics: from Ebola to opioids
4
Videos
- Introduction to Case Studies in Outbreaks and Epidemics: From Ebola to Overdose
- Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium in the United States
- Ebola in West Africa
- Opioids in West Virginia
Auto Summary
"Outbreaks and Epidemics" is a foundational course in Health & Fitness, led by Coursera. Ideal for aspiring epidemiologists, it covers essential investigation techniques, pathogen identification, and epidemic dynamics. Learners will explore real-world cases like Ebola and the opioid crisis over 300 minutes. Available via Starter and Professional subscriptions, this course equips you with critical epidemiologic tools and insights. Perfect for those keen on understanding and combating health crises.
Justin Lessler, PhD, MS