PHC 6003 EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTION OF CHRONIC DISEASES
Fall SEMESTER 2012 Section 1635
Instructor
Todd Manini, Ph.D.
Email: tmanini@ufl.edu
Phone: 273-5914
Hours: Tuesday 9:00-10:00 AM or by appointment.
Office: Building 220 (Aging Rehabilitation and Research Center). See map
Teaching assistant
Xingdi Hu
Email: qmshjwhx@phhp.ufl.edu
Hours: Thursday 3:15-4:15 or by appointment.
Office: To be announced
Class time and location
Wednesday 1:55-4:55 PM
Room 1102, HPNP
Required textbook
Title: Epidemiology of Chronic Disease: Global Perspectives
Author: Randal E. Harris
Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning
ISBN: 1449653286
Materials will be assigned and provided on the Sakai for downloading.
Prerequisite courses: PHC 6001 and PHC 6052 / PHC 6050
Course description
This course extends the concepts and methods of epidemiology from PHC 6001 (Principles of
Epidemiology) to specific chronic diseases that include: cancer, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and
metabolic origins. It is intended to be a survey of the major chronic diseases with emphasis on recent
epidemiology research and findings. Research design, case definition and disease etiology are
emphasized throughout the course. The student will develop competency in identifying and
understanding the historical context of chronic disease epidemiology, epidemiological terminology of
specific chronic diseases and methodological concepts. The student will be expected to communicate
current epidemiological constructs in chronic disease using both written and oral forms. The goal of
this course is to provide a foundation in epidemiological methods to study a variety of chronic
diseases and communicate findings to the field of public health.
Course Objectives
1. Interpret study designs and methods used in epidemiologic research to survey risk factors for
chronic disease.
2. Identify methodological principles to study chronic disease.
3. Develop a basic understanding of disease etiology and patho-physiology sufficient to use in
epidemiological settings.
1
4.
5.
6.
7.
Critically apprise published research studies for their strengths and weaknesses.
Communicate epidemiology of chronic disease in written and oral forms.
Identify etiologic factors in causation of chronic diseases.
Evaluate epidemiological methods used as preventative strategies (surveillance and
intervention).
Additional specific objectives might be presented throughout the course.
Evaluation
Weekly assignment – Students will complete a weekly assignment. Typically, this assignment will be
a one-page page paper (signal spaced, 1 inch margins). The paper will focus on developing a design
to study a specific chronic disease— one that was discussed in the previous lecture. Attendance in
the class is necessary to have knowledge of the weekly assignment.
Presentations - Students will present one assigned research article. The presenting student is
expected to make a formal presentation of the paper, i.e., PowerPoint presentation. The presentation
should include some information about the author(s) or the database/clinical trial or cohort that might
not be included in the paper itself. Following the presentation, the student will be expected to answer
questions from the instructor and other class members. The presentation and question and answer
period should last 13-15 minutes. The presentations will be timed and points will be deducted if the
time is either too short or too long. The presenter is expected to be the "expert" on the topic, which
may require reviewing other papers for background. Each student will provide a peer evaluation that
will count as part of their presentation grade.
Mid-term Exam – The mid-term exam will cover lecture material and reading assignments that are
presented prior to the mid-term examination. The exam will include a combination of multiple choice
and essay questions.
Final exam – The final exam will cover lecture material and reading assignments that are presented
following the mid-term examination. The exam will include a combination of multiple choice and
essay questions.
Class Attendance - Class attendance is mandatory. Excused absences follow the criteria of the UFL
Graduate Catalogue (e.g., illness, serious family emergency, military obligations, religious holidays),
and should be communicated to the instructor prior to the missed class day when possible. UFL rules
require attendance during the first two course sessions, and students also must attend all course
sessions of student presentations for this class. Missing more than three scheduled sessions without
qualified excuse will result in a failure. Regardless of attendance, students are responsible for all
material presented in class and meeting the scheduled due dates for class assignments.
Evaluation
Weekly assignment / attendance
Presentation & peer evaluation
Mid-term exam
Final exam
Percent of final grade
30%
20%
25%
25%
Policy on Make-Up Work: No make-ups will be permitted for in class assignments. The assignment
will not be counted for those students who miss class due to a qualified absence. An assignment may
be completed prior to the due date in absences that have been pre-approved by the instructor.
Students are allowed to make up presentations ONLY as the result of illness or other unanticipated
circumstances warranting a medical excuse and resulting in the student missing a presentation,
2
consistent with College policy. Documentation from a health care provider is required. Work missed
for any other reason will receive a grade of zero.
Grading
Letter A
grade
Grade 4.0
points
A-
B+
B
3.67 3.33 3.0
B-
C+
C
2.67 2.33 2.0
C-
D+
D
1.67 1.33 1.0
D-
E
0.67 0
WF
I
NG
0
0
0
SU
0
Non-Punitive Grades and Symbols – Zero Grade Points; Not Counted in GPA
W = Withdrew
U = Unsatisfactory
H = Deferred grade assigned only in approved sequential courses or correspondence study
N* = No grade reported
I* = Incomplete
Failing Grades – Zero Grade Points; Counted in GPA
E = Failure
WF = Withdrew failing
NG = No grade reported
I = Incomplete
Back to Top
I*, N* and I, NG Grades
I* or N* grades recorded on the student record indicate the non-punitive initial-term receipt of an I or
NG. A grade of I* or N* is not considered a failing grade for the term in which it is received, and it is
not computed in the grade point average. However, if the I* or N* has not been changed by the end of
the next term for which the student is enrolled and receives grades, it will be counted as a failing
grade and used in computation of the grade point average.
For purposes of determining grade point average after the initial receipt of an I* or N* grade, the three
summer terms are considered collectively as a single term. I* and N* grades are not assigned to
graduating students; they receive failing grades of I or NG.
An incomplete grade may be assigned at the discretion of the instructor as an interim grade for a
course in which the student has completed a major portion of the course with a passing grade, been
unable to complete course requirements before the end of the term because of extenuating
circumstances, and obtained agreement from the instructor and arranged for resolution of the
incomplete grade. Instructors are not required to assign incomplete grades.
If make-up work requires classroom or laboratory attendance in a subsequent term, the students
should not register for the course again. Instead, the student must audit the course and pay course
fees.
If the make-up work does not require classroom or laboratory attendance, the instructor and student
should decide on an appropriate plan and deadline for completing the course.
When the course is completed, the instructor will initiate the change of grade. These procedures
cannot be used to repeat a course for a different grade. An I* grade will not be assigned to a student
who never attended class; instead, instructors will assign a failing grade.
3
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If you require classroom accommodation because of a disability, you must first register with the Dean
of Students Office (http://www.dso.ufl.edu/). The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation
to you, which you then give to the instructor when requesting accommodation. The College is
committed to providing reasonable accommodations to assist students in their coursework.
Counseling and Student Health
Students may occasionally have personal issues that arise in the course of pursuing higher education
or that may interfere with their academic performance. If you find yourself facing problems affecting
your coursework, you are encouraged to talk with an instructor and to seek confidential assistance at
the University of Florida Counseling Center, 352-392-1575, or Student Mental Health Services, 352392-1171. Visit their web sites for more information: http://www.counsel.ufl.edu/ or
http://www.health.ufl.edu/shcc/smhs/index.htm#urgent
The Student Health Care Center at Shands is a satellite clinic of the main Student Health Care Center
located on Fletcher Drive on campus. Student Health at Shands offers a variety of clinical services,
including primary care, women's health care, immunizations, mental health care, and pharmacy
services. The clinic is located on the second floor of the Dental Tower in the Health Science Center.
For more information, contact the clinic at 392-0627 or check out the web site at:
www.health.ufl.edu/shcc
Crisis intervention is always available 24/7 from:
Alachua County Crisis Center: (352) 264-6789.
Do not wait until you reach a crisis to come in and talk with us. UF counseling services have helped
many students through stressful situations impacting their academic performance. You are not alone
so do not be afraid to ask for assistance.
Classroom etiquette
Please come to class on time and be prepared to stay until the time scheduled as the end of class.
We think your investment in the degree is worth my maximizing your in-class experience, and we
usually provide materials that extend the full, scheduled class times. Pagers and cell phones should
not be used in class. The use of cell phones, text messaging, and pagers is one of the most common
complaints I have from students in recent years. Please turn them off. Or, if you expect urgent calls,
set them to “vibrate.”
4
# Date
Topic
1 8/22/12
Course overview
2 8/29/12
Introduction and review
3 9/5/12
Epidemiology of Cardiovascular disease I
4 9/12/12*
Epidemiology of Cardiovascular disease II
5 9/19/12
Epidemiology of Diabetes I
6 9/26/12**
Epidemiology of Diabetes II
7 10/3/12
Epidemiology of Obesity & The metabolic syndrome
8 10/10/12*
Epidemiology of physical activity & sedentary behavior & Jeopardy mid-term exam review
9 10/17/12
Mid-term – 1.5 hours
10 10/24/12*** Epidemiology of Cancer I
11 10/31/12^
Epidemiology of Cancer II
12 11/7/12
Epidemiology of Cancer III
13 11/14/12
Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal disorders I
14 11/21/12
Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal disorders I
15 11/28/12
Epidemiology of Aging, physical disability & dementia I
16 12/5/12
Epidemiology of Aging, physical disability & dementia II & Jeopardy final exam review
Final exam: Wednesday, December 12th, 1:55 to 4:55
* TA oversight at end of class
* TA oversight at end of class
*** Guest lecturer
^ TA lecture
5
#
1
2
3
Date
8/22/12
8/29/12
9/5/12
Topic
Course overview
Introduction and review
Epidemiology of Cardiovascular disease I
4
9/12/12
Epidemiology of Cardiovascular disease II
5
9/19/12
Epidemiology of Diabetes I
6
9/26/12
Epidemiology of Diabetes II
7
10/3/12
Epidemiology of Obesity & The metabolic syndrome
8
10/10/12
11 10/31/12
Epidemiology of physical activity & sedentary behavior
& Jeopardy mid-term exam review
Mid-term – 1.5 hours
Epidemiology of Cancer I: Pathophysiology of cancer.
Surveillance Epidemiology & End Results (SEER)
Epidemiology of Cancer II: Lung & Breast
12 11/7/12
Epidemiology of Cancer III: Cervical & Prostate
13 11/14/12
Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal disorders I
14 11/21/12
Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal disorders I
15 11/28/12
16 12/5/12
Epidemiology of Aging, physical disability & dementia I
Epidemiology of Aging, physical disability & dementia II None
& Jeopardy final exam review
9 10/17/12
10 10/24/12
Presenter: Article
None
None
Cortes: Ridker et al. 17299196
Patwary: Sacks et al. 11136953
Tiemeier: Voight et al. 22607825
Jones: Bibbins-domingo et al. 17213400
Szary: Accord Lipid trial
Scheidell: Van Dam et al. 16443894
Cohen: School-Health Study group 20581420
McMurray: DPP trial 11832527
Dekevich: Flegal et al. (cause-specific deaths)
17986696
Ochonma: Sjostrom et al. 15761173
None
None
Boyce: Oken et al. (22031728)
Blanc: Luo et al. (21878422)
Johnston: Chlebowski et al. (12824205)
Finlay: LaCroix et al. (21467283)
Phillips: Lehtinen et al. (22075171)
Bliss: Andriole et al. (22228146)
Kan: Eckstein et al (22730370)
Haguewood: Clegg et al. (16495392)
Hu: Kern et al (15684205)
Tremblay: Cauley et al. (15870413)
Sura: Basaria et al. (20592293)
6
Presenter:
PRESENTATION STYLE
Overall effectiveness of
delivery
(Well-practiced, engaging, etc)
Presenter spoke clearly with
correct speed, cadence, and
volume
Presentation fit within time
Allotted (13-15 min)
Professionalism of
presentation and Presenter’s
demeanor
Comments
AUDIO/VISUAL
Appropriate use of slides
(number of slides, time on
each slide,etc.)
Quality of text slides (legible,
enhance verbal portion, etc)
Quality of graphs, tables,
images
Comments
CONTENT
Presentation was well
organized and easy to follow
Clarity and progression of
ideas
Appropriate integration of
scientific data/background
If applicable: Hypotheses
were clearly stated
Study design and setting were
clearly stated and accurate
Depth of explanation /
educational content was
appropriate
Explanation of statistical
design was appropriate
Overall educational value
Comments
PRESENTATION EVALUATION FORM
Date:
Unacceptable
Average
Very Good
Excellent
1
Needs
Work
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Unacceptable
Average
Very Good
Excellent
1
Needs
Work
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Unacceptable
Average
Very Good
Excellent
1
Needs
Work
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
7