I.
HPS 4490/01 SPECIAL TOPIC: EPIDEMIOLOGY
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, AND SPORT SCIENCE
FALL 2010
II.
INSTRUCTOR:
III.
CLASS MEETING:
IV.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: 1. Merrill, R. M. 2010. Introduction to Epidemiology (5th Ed.) Sudbury,
MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
2. Calculator
V.
CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Dr. Ping H. Johnson, Associate Professor
Office:
CC3044
Phone:
770/423-6216 (main office), 770/499-3149 (direct line)
Fax:
770/423-6561 (main office), 770-302-4580 (direct line)
E-Mail:
http://vista.kennesaw.edu, pjohnso2@kennesaw.edu
Office Hours:
MW 3:30pm – 4:45pm, by appointment
TBD
This course will introduce the basic epidemiological principles with an emphasis on the examination
of human and environmental factors that enhance or diminish human health. Topics will include the
study of human disease determinants and distribution, strategies for health enhancement, and the
application of epidemiological principles in developing health promotion interventions.
VI.
PURPOSE/RATIONALE:
The purpose of this course is to provide students with practical applications that incorporate up-todate epidemiological findings into health promotion and disease prevention concepts in the public
health, health promotion and disease prevention, nursing, medicine, and environmental health fields.
This course will offer a step-by-step guide to the epidemiological process, including surveillance and
investigation, how studies and trials are conducted (and categorized), and how findings are used to
plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion and disease prevention programs
Knowledge Base: Epidemiology is the study of diseases from a population-based perspective; it
involves the factors affecting disease rates and the distribution of disease and disabilities in
populations. As a fundamental science of preventive medicine and public health, epidemiologic
research has traditionally focused on questions of disease causation through population studies for
both infectious and chronic diseases. The range of topics now addressed by epidemiologic methods
includes health promotion, disease prevention, and assessing the quality of health care.
Use of Technology: Library research required in this course is supported by the networked CD-ROM
databases of the KSU library. As a member of the University System in Georgia, a consortium of
major libraries in the Atlanta-Athens area provides electronic as well as hard copy access. Exposure
to computer usage in exercise and health science will be used for analysis of instruction, data
management and presentation, and incentives. Requirements of the course include typed
assignments with encouragement to use word processing for fulfilling those requirements as well as
solve simple epidemiological problems using spread sheet.
Diversity: It is our vision to create a strong multicultural and diverse educational environment at KSU
in order to increase student satisfaction and to promote an understanding and awareness of people
from various backgrounds upon graduation. In this way, KSU students will be educated for, and can
effectively compete in the global society. (KSU catalog).
Kennesaw State University provides program accessibility and accommodations for persons defined
as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities
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Act of 1990. A number of services are available to support students with disabilities within their
academic program. In order to make arrangements for special services, students must visit the
Office of Disabled Student Support Services (ext. 6443) and develop an individual assistance plan.
In some cases, certification of disability is required.
Please be aware there are other support/mentor groups on the campus of Kennesaw State
University that address each of the multicultural variables outlined above.
VII. COURSE GOALS/OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Discuss the foundation and basic concepts of epidemiology;
2. Explain disease concepts in epidemiology;
3. Describe historical developments of epidemiology;
4. Interpret epidemiological measures of health status and vital statistics;
5. Calculate mortality and morbidity (i.e., rates and ratios);
6. Collect and present vital statistics data;
7. Address the importance of the various aspects of time, place, and person on epidemiological
study and analysis;
8. Interpret and utilize descriptive statistics in epidemiology; and
9. Design and conduct appropriate epidemiological research in various settings.
ASSESSMENT OF GOALS/OBJECTIVES
Course
Goals/Objectives
1~4
5~9
Learning Activity
Lectures, Article Reviews, class
activities, Case Studies,
Disease/Condition Report, MMWR
Lectures, Article Reviews, class
activities, Case Studies,
Disease/Condition Report, MMWR
Assessment
Article Reviews, Case Studies,
Chapter Exercises, Disease/
Condition Report, Midterm
Exam, MMWR
Article Reviews, Case Studies,
Chapter Exercises, Final Exam,
MMWR
VIII. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Classroom Policies:
In order to create the most positive learning environment for all students, it is important to eliminate
disruptive and distracting behaviors in the classroom. Thus, all students are expected to:
1) Arrive for class on-time and not leave until the instructor dismisses the class. Exceptions to this
policy must be discussed with the instructor before the situation occurs.
2) Disruptive, non-class/topic related talking to another student is not permitted.
3) Turn-off all electronic devices (e.g., laptops, cell phones, beepers, pagers, etc.) prior to arrival in
the class.
Violation of these disruptive classroom policies will be handled by the instructor, with the offending
student, in an appropriate manner.
2. Communication Policies:
1) This course will be taught in conjunction with Vista. This will be the principal medium for class
communication.
a) Use the FAQ placed in the Start Here! folder to post a request for help or receive answers
for any general questions. ALL students are expected and required to answer questions
from their peers.
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b) For any personal issues that you do not wish to share with the class, use the Mail tool to
send me a private message. Do not use private message for issues the class can resolve.
2) All messages will be broadcast to the class electronically through the Vista Announcement tool
(located on the top right hand corner of the screen).
3) The use of Vista is a privilege. Correspond with colleagues as one would in a business letter by
typing out all messages using proper grammar and spelling. Misuse of the media such as
cursing, insults, profanity, swearing, sarcastic, racist, or negative comments will result in loss of
privileges and can lead to dismissal from class.
4) KSU provides computer/internet access and support for all of its students.
a) ALL students MUST have reliable internet access. Inability to access the internet is NOT an
acceptable excuse. If a student has any doubts about the internet access from his or her
home, use an ITS computer lab (the computer labs located in the campus housing units are
NOT supported by the university ITS and their use is not recommended). For computing lab
hours and locations, go to: http://its.kennesaw.edu/labs/index.htm
b) If you choose to use a computer other than one from an ITS Lab on campus, you will be
responsible if you are unable to (1) submit assignments on time; (2) complete quizzes on
time; OR (3) access any of the course materials.
c) ALL students MUST have basic computer skills and be able to use Vista, MS Word, and
other related computer programs. If anyone is unsure of how to use any of those program,
go to https://its.kennesaw.edu/booklets/ to read Using Internet booklet, Microsoft,
GeorgiaVIEW Vista Student Guide, and other booklets provided by KSU ITS, or get
assistance from a lab assistant in the Computer Lab on the fourth floor of Burruss Building.
Lab assistants in other on-campus computer labs may not be able to help you. Therefore,
go to the Burruss Building 4th floor computer lab if you need assistance. If anything goes
wrong, ask the lab supervisor on-duty to e-mail me the problem.
d) Contact the new Student Technology Services for assistance in any distance learning and
campus technology needs by Email (studenthelpdesk@kennesaw.edu), Phone (770-4993555), or Walk-in (Burruss 475, ITS Student Labs).
3. Assignment Policies:
1) Each assignment is due at the start time of class on the due date to earn FULL credit.
Assignments will receive up to HALF credit if they are submitted after they are due AND before
the start time of the following class. Assignments turned in after the start time of the following
class will receive NO credit.
 For assignments that can/must be submitted through Vista, follow the steps to add
attachment to the specified assignment drop box. When submitting assignments through
Vista, only ONE (1) submission can be made (one CANNOT upload anything the second
time). So, spell check, proofread and check material before submission. Use the e-mail
function to confirm that materials were successfully submitted.
 Ask an ITS Computer Lab Assistant for help in downloading, uploading, or submitting
materials using Vista.
 Do not wait until the last moment to upload and submit assignments. Early
completion/submission is strongly encouraged so that you can avoid any potential
technical difficulties when pressed by deadlines.
 It is your responsibility to ensure that all submitted assignments are virus free. Infected
files or files in a format that cannot be opened by a program supported by KSU (e.g., MS
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) will NOT be opened or graded.
 To prevent plagiarism, ALL papers and reports must also be submitted to Turnitin, a
comprehensive plagiarism prevention system, by the due date. The university has a campus
wide license and you need to create an account in order to access the course. For more
information, please go to: https://web.kennesaw.edu/online/turnitin and follow the directions
to create your account. It is highly recommended that you submit your own work to check for
similarities and make revisions before you submit your work to Turnitin.
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2) Any assignment missed because of legitimate excuses (i.e., sudden illness, family emergencies,
military obligation, court-imposed legal obligations, participation in university athletic or scholastic
activities, or other situations deemed appropriate by the instructor) may be granted a ONE-week
extension. Written documentation from an appropriate authority (e.g., a physician, a commander,
a judge, or a director) is required.
4. Exam Policies:
1) There will be two exams with questions drawn from class activities, discussions, and readings
covered prior to the exam. The exam may include multiple choice, short answer, essay, and fill-inthe-blank items.
2) No make-up exams will be given except under extenuating circumstances (i.e., hospitalization or
a death in the immediate family, or other situations deemed appropriate by the instructor)
substantiated through documentation (e.g., note from doctor, funeral home, etc.). Approved
make-up exam will not be the same as the one given and must be taken within one week of the
scheduled exam time.
5. Reassessment:
If a request is made for any scored material to be reassessed, please recognize that it will be possible
to retain, gain, or lose points in the reassessment process. Make any reassessment requests by Vista
mail within one (1) week of grading. Please make a follow-up appointment (Vista mail, phone, or fax)
to meet the instructor during office hours to review the results of any reassessment.
6. Review of Materials:
All materials will be retained for one (1) month after the start of the following term for review or grade
appeal. Contact the instructor for an appointment to review.
7. Responsibilities:
1) Instructor
a. Come prepared to every class.
b. Plan the class to achieve the objectives.
c. Treat students as responsible adults.
d. Create a mutually respectful classroom
environment.
IX.
EVALUATION AND GRADING:
Item
Article Review: x 1
Attendance/Participation
Case Study: x 1
Disease Report: x1
Exams: x 2
MMWR Report: x1
Chapter Exercises
Total
X.
2) Student
a. Come prepared to every class.
b. Complete all work on time.
c. Behave as responsible adults.
d. Treat others with respect.
Points
30
50
30
20
200
20
50
400
Percent
7.5
12.5
7.5
5.0
50.0
5.0
12.5
100.0
Grade Distribution
Points*
Percent Grade
360~400
=>90
A
320~359.9
=>80
B
280-319.9
=>70
C
240-279.9
=>60
D
0-239.9
<60
F
There will NOT be “round-ups”.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, as
published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section II of the Student Code of Conduct
addresses the University's policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism
and cheating, unauthorized access to University materials, misrepresentation/falsification of
University records or academic work, malicious removal, retention, or destruction of library
materials, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services, and misuse of student
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identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the
established procedures of the University Judiciary Program, which includes either an "informal"
resolution by a faculty member, resulting in a grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure,
which may subject a student to the Code of Conduct's minimum one semester suspension
requirement.
Plagiarism and Cheating No student shall receive, attempt to receive, knowingly give or attempt to
give unauthorized assistance in the preparation of any work required to be submitted for credit as
part of a course (including examinations, laboratory reports, essays, themes, term papers, etc.).
When direct quotations are used, they should be indicated, and when the ideas, theories, data,
figures, graphs, programs, electronic based information or illustrations of someone other than the
student are incorporated into a paper or used in a project, they should be duly acknowledged.
DO NOT copy any sentences or paragraphs from internet or elsewhere. Always use your own words
to paraphrase and provide the reference for the information used in your work. To prevent
plagiarism, submit your work to Turnitin (https://web.kennesaw.edu/online/turnitin) to check for
similarities and make revisions before you submit the final work Turnitin.
XI.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
The first class starts on the university officially scheduled date and time. It is the student’s
responsibility to be registered and in class on the first day of class. If a student is prevented
from registering for the class or attending the first week of classes by reasons beyond the student’s
control (when the class is closed, financial aid payment is delayed, family emergencies, or other
situations deemed appropriate by the instructor), official documentation must be provided and the
missed class work must be made up within one week.
All students are expected to be seated at the start time of all scheduled class sessions. Class
participation and attendance are imperative for students to achieve the basic objectives of the
course and program. Assigned readings must be completed before the scheduled class. It is
expected that every student will come to each class session on time, actively participate in class
activities and discussions, and leave the classroom when the class is dismissed. Students who meet
those expectations will receive full Class participation points. Each incident of unexcused tardy,
leaving early, or engaging in non-class related activities (e.g., talking, texting, sleeping, reading noncourse related materials, etc.) in class will result in a reduction of 5 points. Each unexcused absence
will result in a loss of 10 points. Incidents that can be excused are extenuating circumstances (i.e.,
hospitalization or a death in the immediate family, or other situations deemed appropriate by the
instructor) substantiated through documentation (e.g., note from doctor, funeral home, etc.).
XII. COURSE OUTLINE:
Week
Topic
1
Introduction, Course Syllabus, etc.
Foundations of Epidemiology
2
Historic Developments in
Epidemiology
3
Practical Disease Concepts in
Epidemiology
4
Labor Day – No Class 
5
Design Strategies and Statistical
Methods in Descriptive Epidemiology
6
Descriptive Epidemiology According
to Person, Place, and Time
Reading
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
5
Assignment Due
Disease Report
MMWR Report
Disease Report
MMWR Report
Disease Report
MMWR
Disease Report
MMWR
Article Review
Week
Topic
Reading
7
General Health and Population
Chapter 6
Indicators
Exam I (5:00pm-6:30pm)
8
Chapters 1~6
Exam Review
Last day to withdraw without academic penalty
9
Design Strategies and Statistical
Chapter 7
Methods in Analytic Epidemiology
10
Experimental Studies in
Chapter 8
Epidemiology
11
Statistical and Casual Associations
Chapter 9
12
Field Epidemiology
Chapter 10
13
Chronic Disease Epidemiology
Chapter 11
14
Clinical Epidemiology, Case Study
Chapter 12
discussion by graduate students
Review and Catch-up
Exam II (5:00pm – 6:30pm)
15
Chapters 7~12
Case Study discussion by
undergraduate students
16
Term Project Presentation by
graduate students
17
Term Project Presentation by
graduate students
This schedule is tentative and subject to change with notice.
Assignment Due
Disease Report
MMWR Report
Disease Report
MMWR Report
Disease Report
MMWR Report
Disease Report
MMWR Report
Disease Report
MMWR Report
Disease Report
MMWR Report
Disease Report
MMWR Report
Disease Report
MMWR Report
Disease Report
MMWR Report
Case Study
Important Note:
Please read this syllabus carefully. Everybody, including the instructor, should strive to abide by this
syllabus. If you have any concern(s) regarding any part of this syllabus, please discuss it with the
instructor by August 24, 2010.
XIII. REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY:
CDC. 2006. EXCITE — Excellence in Curriculum Innovation through Teaching Epidemiology and the
Science of Public Health. http://www.cdc.gov/excite/index.htm
CDC. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/
CDC. Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/index.htm
Miller, R. C. 2002. Epidemiology for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Professionals. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-7890-1599-0
WGBH Educational Foundation and Vulcan Productions, Inc. 2005. Rx for Survival: A Global Health
Challenge. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/rxforsurvival/index.html
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