Time Schedule:
Victoria L. Holt
EPI 522
Seattle Campus
Focuses on female reproductive system conditions and diseases, non-birth pregnancy outcomes, and impact of pregnancy on later health. Presentation of current epidemiologic knowledge and discussion of methodologic issues on topics including the menstrual cycle; contraception; infertility; spontaneous and induced abortion; and uterine and ovarian disease. Prerequisite: either EPI 511, both EPI 512 and EPI 513, or permission of instructor. Offered: Sp, even years.
Class description
This course will cover the epidemiology of issues and conditions related to the male and female reproductive systems, including male and female contraception, unintended pregnancy, infertility, sexually transmitted infections and their sequelae (pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy), and benign ovarian and uterine diseases. Pregnancy outcomes other than birth (spontaneous abortion, fetal death, and induced abortion) will be discussed as well. The overall goal of the course is to increase students' knowledge of and curiosity about reproductive epidemiology.
Student learning goals
Broadly describe normal male and female reproductive physiology
Identify determinants of contraceptive use and contraceptive efficacy
Describe main sequelae of the use of specific male and female contraceptive agents
List important conditions and diseases of the female reproductive system and identify major risk factors
Identify methodologic issues relevant to epidemiological studies of contraception and conditions and diseases of the female reproductive system
Demonstrate skills in critical reading, writing, and speaking
General method of instruction
Sessions will consist of presentations of current epidemiologic knowledge and discussion of content and methodologic issues. The format of the course will be a mix of lecture and discussion of articles from the scientific literature that are to be read prior to each class.
Recommended preparation
While no medical background is necessary for understanding the topics presented in this course, students are required to take either Epi 511 or Epi 512 and Epi 513 prior to enrolling (or obtain instructor permission).
Class assignments and grading
There will be three assignments: 2 short response papers and an individual project. The response papers are 1-2 page papers, based on course readings, that discuss and analyze a specific issue presented in the prior class session. The individual project is a 5-10 page (double-spaced) review paper on a reproductive epidemiology topic of your choice, along with a 20 minute oral presentation of your paper during one of the last class sessions. The paper should summarize what is known about the topic and point out areas, if any, in which further research is needed.
Evaluation will be based on class participation (30%), two short written discussion question responses (20%), and an individual project (50%) consisting of an oral presentation and a related paper.
