Epidemiology Program

Epidemiology is commonly defined as the study of the distribution and determinants of health related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to the control of health problems. The methods of this field of study began with the investigation of epidemics of infectious disease, in the 19th century. Currently epidemiological methods are applied to the study of the etiology, prevention, treatment, and outcomes of a wide variety of chronic and acute conditions.

Activities

Educational Administrative

Educational Activities

In addition to course offerings and degree programs, the Division of Epidemiology supports two seminar series programs:

• the Doctoral Seminar (CHL5423H)
• the Journal Club


Doctoral Seminar (CHL5423H)

While this is a required course for first and second-year PhD students, it is also the Division-wide biweekly seminar series which runs from September through April. All members of the Division – faculty, PhD students, MPH students – are expected to attend, and to present research ideas, research-in-progress, or completed research projects.


Journal Club

The PhD students organize and manage the Journal Club, which meets monthly and is open to all PhD and MPH students. Faculty are invited depending on the topic under discussion. Topics generally arise from review of recent methodological papers from the peer-reviewed literature.

2010-2011 Coordinator - Beth Rachlis

Administrative Activities

The administrative work in the Division of Epidemiology is organized around standing committees:

• Admissions
• Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation
• Curriculum
• PhD Comprehensive Examinations

Each committee comprises of representatives from both faculty and students, serving one- to three-year terms, as appropriate