Advanced Epidemiology: Causation, Systematic Error and Quantitative Bias Analysis course
The Advanced Epidemiology: Causation, Systematic Error and Quantitative Bias Analysis course is a 3-4 day short course. The convenor and lecturer of the course is Professor Tony Blakely and it is run annually at the Department of Public Health Summer School at the University of Otago, Wellington. It is also run as requested and hosted by other institutions.
- What does the course include?
- Level of epidemiological knowledge needed?
- What do previous participants say about the course?
- Who is the course lecturer and convenor?
- Upcoming courses
What does the course include?
- A comprehensive overview of systematic error (confounding, selection and information biases), using contemporary approaches such as a counterfactual model and directed acyclic graphs (DAGs).
- An introduction to quantitative bias analysis methods to correct for systematic error in epidemiological studies (sometimes called sensitivity analyses). Methods taught range from simple to probabilistic methods.
- Quantitative bias analysis exercises using Excel spreadsheets. Understanding and applying bias analyses not only enables you to undertake your own analyses in the future, but also means you have a deeper understanding of systematic error.
- Selected topics (course dependent), e.g.: interaction and effect measure modification, regression model building strategies, imputation, direct and indirect effects (i.e. mediation analysis), propensity scores, instrument variables, fixed versus random effects.
What level of epidemiological knowledge do I need before doing the course?
You need a basic to intermediate-level knowledge of epidemiology study design and analytical methods, systematic error and biostatistics. For example, successful completion of a Diploma or Masters of Public Health paper in epidemiology and biostatistics.
What do previous participants say about the course?
About 20 participants completed the inaugural 2011 course, ranging from: recent students of a Diploma/Masters-level taught paper in epidemiology; to lecturers of the same; to senior epidemiologists. All participants would recommend the course to other colleagues, and at least three quarters rated the course 5 out of 5 on ‘content’ and ‘presentation’. Summary comments about the course included:
| “This was by far the most useful short course I have ever done. It was an excellent summary of epidemiological advances. I would recommend it to anyone working in, or studying, epidemiology at a moderate to advanced level.” [Lecturer and convenor of Diploma/Masters-level epidemiology taught course.] |
| “I found the course highly useful in that it grounded what I had learnt in [Diploma/Masters course] and extended on this. Bits of the [Diploma/Masters course] were still a bit foggy; this course has definitely provided clarity. I also feel much better equipped to consider systematic error and how to address it.” [Recent student of Diploma/Masters-level epidemiology taught course.] |
Who is the course lecturer and convenor?
Professor Tony Blakely
Tony Blakely’s research has included pioneering the development of methods to link census and health data (New Zealand Census-Mortality Study; CancerTrends). He directs two HRC-funded research programmes: the Health Inequalities Research Programme (HIRP); the Burden of Disease Epidemiology, Equity and Cost-Effectiveness Programme (BODE³). He has authored about 150 peer-reviewed publications, including many that include critique, development or application of epidemiological methods. Tony is well known for his enthusiastic and engaging style of presentation and teaching.
Find out more about Professor Tony Blakely
Upcoming courses - AEA short course, 13-15 September 2012, AdelaideThis course is being held at the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel in Adelaide from the 13th-15th September 2012, and is being run in conjunction with the University of Adelaide and the Australasian Epidemiological Association. The course will be taught by Professor Tony Blakely (University of Otago, Wellington) and Professor John Lynch (University of Adelaide). About Professor John Lynch
John Lynch is the Professor of Public Health in the School of Population Health and Clinical Practice, at the University of Adelaide. He is also a Visiting Professor of Epidemiology in the School of Social and Community Medicine at the University of Bristol (UK). He has held academic positions at the University of Michigan (USA) and McGill University in Canada. He is an internationally recognised scholar in epidemiology and public health. In 2005 he was awarded a Canada Research Chair in Population Health. In 2007 his work in public health was recognised with an honorary Doctorate in Medical Science from the University of Copenhagen. In 2009 he was awarded a prestigious NHMRC Australia Fellowship. He has been an editor of the International Journal of Epidemiology since 2005. His research interests include early childhood development, lifecourse processes, health and social inequalities, population health information systems, evidence-based public health and improving the public health research-policy-practice nexus. RegistrationRegister here to attend the course. Registration is $900 NZD. Those who register before 31 July 2012 will be eligble for a 10% discount. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided for the three days, however you will need to provide your own lunch.
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