Time Schedule:
Beth A. Mueller
EPI 514
Seattle Campus
Practical experience in analysis of data. Students analyze data sets currently on file using contemporary epidemiologic methods as taught in EPI 512 and EPI 513. Prerequisite: EPI 510 or experience in statistical programming; EPI 512, EPI 513, and epidemiology major. Offered: Sp.
Class description
You will gain hands-on experience analyzing data to answer a specific research question. The methods and theoretical issues introduced in EPI 512 and 513 will be covered again to some extent in lectures and lab sessions; however, our focus will be on practical analysis issues with actual data, rather than on further theoretical discussion.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
There will be a faculty lecture each Tuesday. The TAs will present material in the laboratory sessions on Thursdays pertaining to the practical aspects of data analysis and statistical computing.
Recommended preparation
Students should come into the class with some knowledge of computing so that they do not spend an inordinate amount of time trying to learn programming concepts (EPI 510 or equivalent experience).
Class assignments and grading
The primary emphasis is on the group project. Students will work in small groups on separate research topics, with each group using a different dataset. Each group will have a primary faculty preceptor (assigned by the instructors) with whom they will work most closely. Each group will develop a focused research question, conduct a literature search to ascertain the biologic or other rationale to test a certain hypothesis, select an appropriate study design based on the research question and issues related to power and sample size, write a proposal, using a standard, NIH proposal format, to present the research question, conduct preliminary data cleaning runs, perform exploratory descriptive data analysis, conduct a stratified analysis, interpret results, estimate crude and adjusted risks and/or rates, assess confounding, effect modification, trends, etc., write up final results in the format of a scientific paper for publication, and present results in either a poster or talk format at the class conference.
Most of the graded course work is related to the class research project, and is turned in by the project team. The first stratified analysis homework is to be turned in by each individual. Weights assigned to each assignment are as follows: Stratified analysis assignment which is turned in individually, not by groups (10%), project proposal (15%), stratified analysis of project (15%), final presentation/poster (25%), participation (lab, class interaction, etc., 10%), final paper (25%).
