This course examines epidemiologic methods for investigating the role of diet in long-term health. Students learn to critically review the epidemiologic evidence relating diet, anthropometry, and physical activity to heart disease, cancer, and other chronic health conditions including obesity and diabetes. The methodological issues covered include epidemiologic study design; dietary and nutritional status assessment; issues of bias, confounding, effect modification and measurement error; and interpretation of research findings including an understanding of statistical modeling. Students participate weekly in critical reviews of published research. Students completing this course will understand the principles of epidemiology and will be able to apply them as they read the scientific literature and participate in nutrition-related research. 4 credits, 2nd semester