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Duration
Identical coursesEpidemiology (B-KUL-G0B73A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contractAims
The student should be able to understand the statistical methodology used in epidemiological studies. Further, the student should be able to analyze the data of cohort and case-control studies, using a variety of regression models.
Previous knowledge
The student knows the basics of statistical inference, and statistical modelling.
Beginning conditions:
Basic concepts of statistical modelling
Linear modelsGeneralized linear models
Identical courses
This course is identical to the following courses:
G0B73B : Epidemiology
Is included in these courses of study
- Master of Statistics and Data Science (on campus) (Leuven) (Statistics and Data Science for Biometrics) 120 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Science (Leuven)
Activities
4 ects. Epidemiology (B-KUL-G0B73a)
Content
First part of the course
The elementary concepts such as probability model, likelihood and conditional probability will be reviewed. Epidemiological concepts such as: rates, Lexis diagrams, risk and odds ratio will be introduced and illustrated. The two most important epidemiological designs: the cohort, case-control and nested case-control study will be examined in detail. Also, the aspects of confounder, effect-modifier, matching, stratification, association versus causation will be treated.
Second part of the course
Regression models typical for epidemiological studies will be treated: Poisson and logistic regression, conditional logistic regression, Cox regression and related regression models to these.
Format: more information
The student will attend the theoretical classes and will apply the methodology on real date. Further the student will be asked to critically read an epidemiological paper. A report will be prepared and orally defended. Course notes can be used.
Is also included in other courses
Evaluation
Evaluation: Epidemiology (B-KUL-G2B73a)
Explanation
The theoretical concepts such as causality, study design and attributable risk calculations are evaluated by their application to real research data and/or examples from the epidemiological literature. The exam is written preparation and oral defense.