HS 370: Epidemiology
Course Outcomes
- Describe the basic principles of epidemiology.
- Conduct epidemiological analyses based on numerator and denominator data extracted from secondary sources.
- Determine outbreak occurrence based on incidence, prevalence, and attack rates.
- Select appropriate study designs for various epidemiological investigations.
- Quantify risk reduction using risk ratio calculations.
- Analyze epidemiological data and case reports.
- Use technology systems that are common sources of epidemiological information.
Course Description
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution of diseases and pathophysiological conditions of humans and of factors which influence their occurrence. This course will also require an understanding of statistical principles.
Online Learning at BYU-Idaho and the Learning Model
It is important that you as a student understand the approach to online learning that is used at BYU-Idaho. Familiarize yourself with this by viewing the Orientation to Online Learning at BYU-Idaho.
As in all BYU-Idaho courses, this course will utilize the BYU-Idaho Learning Model. Students will prepare by completing the assigned readings each week. Teaching one another will occur as students participate in discussion boards, complete weekly exercises, and practice epidemiological calculations with partners. Finally, students will ponder and prove by applying the concepts learned to case studies and scenarios presented in quizzes and exams.
Course Prerequisites
Prior to taking this course, you should have successfully completed one of the following: FDMAT 221, FDMAT 222, or FDMAT 223.
Required Materials
- Free textbook from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), available within each lesson as an attached PDF.
- A four function calculator (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) capable of nine-digit input.
Optional Software
The software package, Epi Info, is highly recommended as a tool to provide additional practice for course skills and concepts. It is a free download available through the CDC. Read this download information. Keep in mind that Epi Info is not required to successfully complete this course, and it may not be used on any quiz or exam.
Course Expectations
This is a rigorous course. Please do not assume it will be an easier option than taking the face-to-face version on campus. The time you would normally spend in lectures in a campus course must be spent reading, studying, watching tutorials, and working practice problems. You can be successful in this course, but it will require a concerted effort on your part. The following are important suggestions that will promote success in this class:
- Plan to spend at least nine hours per week on this course. You may need to spend more, depending upon your own learning style and your recall of statistics principles.
- Read all the material on every course page. This includes Announcements (which will be updated regularly) and weekly Introductions. Each page contains important information. Be sure to read all materials and view all videos in their entirety. It is critical that you do not take shortcuts.
- Work all practice problems multiple times until you are confident in your skills. You are expected to have a level of academic maturity in this course. Thus, generally, you will not submit practice problems. Exercise the discipline to work the recommended exercises, even though you are not required to submit them as an assignment.
- Plan your time so you work consistently throughout the week, every week of the course. Do not leave course work until the end of the week.
- Work with others. Features exist in the course that allow you the opportunity to connect with classmates; take that opportunity. Sharing course content with others helps you process the information in a different way and increases the probability you will be able to recall and use the concepts learned.
- Seek help early and often. Do not wait until you are behind in the course and/or frustrated. Your instructor wants to help you. When you are having a hard time, communicate with your instructor. Also, use the free tutoring services available to you through BYU-Idaho.
Grading Policies
Much of your work in the course will not be graded, but will contribute to your level of understanding. This will influence your performance on items that will be graded, listed in the “Grade Components” section below. It is critical that you accept responsibility for your learning and that you actively engage in each course activity, regardless of whether the item is graded or not.
Grading Scale
This course will use the following standard BYU-Idaho grading scale:
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| A | 100% – 93% |
| A- | 92% – 90% |
| B+ | 89% – 87% |
| B | 86% – 83% |
| B- | 82% – 80% |
| C+ | 79% – 77% |
| C | 76% – 73% |
| C- | 72% – 70% |
| D+ | 69% – 67% |
| D | 66% – 63% |
| D- | 62% – 60% |
| F | 59% – 00% |
Grade Components
Grades will be determined as follows:
- Seven assignments worth 10–30 points each totaling 170 points.
- Six graded discussion boards worth 20 points each totaling 120 points. Some discussion boards are not graded.
- Eleven quizzes worth 11–20 points each totaling 206 points.
- Three arrangements for the final exam worth 5 points each totaling 15 points.
- Three exams worth 100 points each totaling 300 points.
- One comprehensive exam worth 100 points.
- There are 888 points total.
Testing Conditions
Exams and quizzes will be taken in a proctored setting. You are expected to take those exams and quizzes individually (no group work on quizzes or exams) and without access to resources other than your basic-function calculator, a pen/pencil and scratch paper, and the information provided in the quiz or exam.
Proctoring Instructions
You will take all exams using a proctoring service called Proctorio. Instructions for using this are included in the course.
Late Work Policy
Students should complete their work on time. With that said, life happens. Many online students are online precisely because life precludes an on-campus attendance schedule. As a rule, late work will be accepted with a 20% deduction. Under extenuating circumstances, due dates may be extended, but you must commmunicate with your instructor; they can't work with you if they don't know what's going on.
Tutoring
Tutoring options for online students are available through the Academic Support Centers. There are tutors available to help you with writing questions and there may be course specific tutoring available. Check the details in the link provided.
Honor Code
Following the Honor Code is of great importance as you strive to be a disciple of Christ. Your commitment to live the Honor Code will have great impact on your life and contribute to the overall BYU-Idaho community. Your actions should be respectful and should foster an environment where all can feel the Spirit.
BYU-Idaho's Dress and Grooming standards apply to all students, including online students. By adhering to the Honor Code you will create a learning environment, “consistent with the ideals and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” For more detailed information, read the Honor Code.
Disclaimers
Each student has a responsibility to carefully read assigned materials and instructions. Questions should be noted and directed to your instructor. You also have the responsibility to contribute to others' learning through your participation in discussion boards and review material with partners.
This syllabus and the course schedule may be changed at any time prior to or during the semester as the need arises. Any changes will be available to view in the course documents.
Students with Disabilities
In compliance with applicable disability law, qualified students with a disability may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. It is the student's responsibility to disclose to the instructor any special need they may have by the end of the first week of the semester.
University Policies
Read the University Policies documents, which includes Student Honor, Students with Disabilities, Sexual Harassment, and Complaints and Grievances.
Academic Honesty
As followers of Christ, all BYU–Idaho students, staff, and faculty are expected to be honest in all their dealings. This also applies and extends to behavior and actions related to academic work. It is critical for students to understand the seriousness of academic dishonesty and misconduct, which are not tolerated by the University, and strive to produce and submit only the results of their own effort and original work.
To copy another person's work from the Internet, a book, or from any other source and claiming it to be your own work, is plagiarism. Read the official definitions of plagiarism and cheating from the Academic Honesty portion of the Honor Code.
It is worth remembering that while students are encouraged to work with one another and share ideas, the sharing of text, code, or anything like unto it is inappropriate. When working on a group project, you have the responsibility to assure that others in the group do not plagiarize. Remember: there is never an acceptable excuse for plagiarism or cheating.
Students increasingly use electronic learning tools to help them study. Some students find study websites helpful and there is no prohibition against using them. However, you may not post quiz or exam questions, with or without answers, on these sites, nor may you use quiz or exam materials posted by others! All BYU-Idaho quizzes and exams are copyrighted by the University. The textbooks we use are also copyrighted. Posting copyrighted materials is unlawful and violates both federal law and the University Honor Code. Accessing copyrighted materials posted by others is also unlawful and a violation of federal law and the University Honor Code. Posting quiz or exam materials violates academic integrity, not only for the person who posts them, but for everyone who uses them. It cheats students out of the learning and knowledge that accompany real, honest study and effort, and cheapens their education and degree. Perhaps most importantly, such actions offend the Spirit which immediately withdraws and leaves the offending student alone and without promise. Be honest; what can I say more?
Penalties for Academic Dishonesty
Although the Academic Honesty section of the University Policies explains what constitutes each of the many forms of academic dishonesty as well as procedures and guidelines for handling such incidents, specific application of consequences are left up to each individual instructor.
In this course, instructors will be responsible for creating and applying their own policy regarding penalties for academic dishonesty, which may vary from point deductions up to the score of a zero on the entire assignment. Cases will be analyzed on an individual basis and penalties applied according to the severity of the misconduct.