This interactive and team oriented course will introduce students to common and uncommon data collection sources and methods used currently in epidemiological research. Existing medical, insurance, and vital records data sources will be discussed, along with traditional self, telephone, and in-person interviewing methods. More novel approaches that include internet based surveys, ecological momentary assessments, and social media will be covered as well. Lastly, we will touch on the complexities involved in the collection and storage of biological specimens. For all methods, issues associated with data quality control, validity and reliability will be covered. Students will practice developing their own surveys and other data collection tools and will evaluate data collection methods published within the scientific literature. Students will also learn how to conceptualize the entire data collection methods section of a NIH or similar grant proposal.