This interactive, applied course will introduce students to traditional and more recent data collection sources and methods used currently in epidemiological research. Existing medical, insurance, and vital records data sources will be discussed, along with self, telephone, and in-person survey research methods. More novel approaches that include spatial data, internet-based surveys, social media, and spatial data linkages, will be covered as well. For all methods, issues associated with data quality control, availability, validity and reliability will be covered. Students will practice developing their own surveys in REDCap and evaluating data collection methods published within the scientific literature. Students will also learn how to select the best data source for a specific research question, develop an appropriate data analysis plan using these data, and write up their methods in the style of a peer-reviewed manuscript or research proposal.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.