Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Courses
Course Code and Number, Course Title, Credit(s) PREV 600 Principles of Epidemiology (3)
Presents a comprehensive treatment of the concepts and methods of chronic disease epidemiology. Topics include the classification of statistical associations and methods of distinguishing between causal and non-causal associations. Case-control, cohort and experimental studies are considered in detail. There are also presentations by students of epidemiological papers, including those linking lung cancer to cigarette smoking.
Prerequisites: PREV 620 previously or concurrently and consent of instructor. PREV 602 Management of Clinical Trials (3)
Emphasizes the practical application of organizing, managing and conducting clinical trials. An overview of clinical trials theory and design characteristics provides the background necessary to conduct single center and multi-center studies. Topics encompass essential management functions and responsibilities by primarily focusing on the role of the research coordinator in enrollment, randomization, follow-up visits, timely reporting of adverse drug reactions and events, and study close-out. The role and function of specialized committee structures in multi-center trials are demonstrated. There are presentations and discussions on applied methodology using examples from several recent and on-going clinical studies. PREV 608 History of Epidemiology (1)
Familiarizes the student with the historical development of the field and shows the inter-relationship between epidemiologic methods and concepts with the intellectual, social, political, and technological developments occurring simultaneously.
Prerequisites: PREV 600 or its equivalent. PREV 611 Disease Modeling in Epidemiology Mathematical (3)
Models are an important tool for understanding infectious disease epidemics. Each student in the course will develop and analyze a basic mathematical model on a system of their choice. In addition, we will introduce students to the core theory for infectious diseases, teach some basic skills needed to read a theory paper, and cover special topics selected by the students.
Prerequisites: PREV 600 and PREV 620. PREV 617 Design and Implementation of Research Studies - Grant Writing (2)
During the semester students will select a research topic, develop a research plan, and write a grant application in appropriate format for submission to a funding agency. Grant sections, as they are written, will be presented to the class by the students for critique and discussion. As part of this process, students will consider research strategy and requirements of funding agencies; gain familiarity with various grant formats; discuss ethical issues in study design; and consider the practical aspects of data management. Student evaluation is based on class presentations and the final grant application.
Prerequisite: Enrollment is limited to MS Clinical Research track students. PREV 619 Biostatistical Computing (2)
Provides the student with comprehensive experience in the application of epidemiological and biostatistical methods available in the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Hands-on experience in weekly workshops is gained by conducting analyses of existing data designed to answer a research question.
Prerequisites: PREV 620 previously and PREV 720 concurrently, or consent of the instructor. PREV 620 Principles of Biostatistics (3)
Designed to develop an understanding of statistical principles and methods as applied to human health and disease. Topics include: research design; descriptive statistics; probability; distribution models; binomial, Poisson, and normal distribution; sampling theory and statistical inference.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of college algebra required. Calculus recommended. PREV 627 Vaccinology (2)
An emerging science that deals with all aspects of the development and implementation of vaccines and vaccination programs. The Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland is a world famous research center that creates vaccines in the laboratory, then tests these vaccines at all levels, including pre- and post-licensure field studies. This course is taught by the faculty of the Center for Vaccine Development and experts from other institutions. The full range of issues in vaccinology is covered, including the current status of vaccines and vaccination programs. There is particular emphasis on policy in vaccine implementation. PREV 629 Current Perspectives in Women’s Health Research (3)
This course will examine interdisciplinary research in women’s health to elucidate the changes across the life span which affect the interplay of women’s psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological health. Models of clinical preventive services, community-based interventions, and the management of common chronic conditions, which address the needs of diverse women, improve functional health outcomes, and extend active life expectancy will be presented. We will go beyond the individual risk factor approach to health and disease, and apply models of health and health behavior change to study the sociocultural context and processes underlying the health of diverse populations. PREV 631 Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases: Methodological Approaches and their Practical Applications (1)
This course consists of lectures and laboratory rotations dealing with the theoretical concepts and practical applications of methodologies and approaches commonly used in molecular epidemiology. An historical overview of typing methodologies will be part of the course, and it will be presented in the context of ongoing advancements in biological sciences and technology. The pros and cons of various typing methodologies will be explained, and their comparative suitability for specific epidemiological investigations will be discussed. The students should have a background in the biological sciences, and a basic understanding of the structure and organization of prokaryotic genomes will be particularly helpful. The course will be designed to guide the students in a stepwise, easy-to-understand manner, from basic principles of strain genome organization to more complex issues of how to utilize that knowledge during epidemiological investigations.
Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of microbiology. Knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques will be advantageous, but is not required. Also, the PREV 780 course (taken previously or concurrently) will be helpful. PREV 633 Legal and Regulatory Issues in Clinical Research (1)
The course will be co-taught by faculty from the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing. The course is required for the Master of Science in Clinical Research in the School of Medicine and the Master of Science in Clinical Research Management in the School of Nursing. This mixture of students will promote the multidisciplinary interactions integral to successful clinical research.
Prerequisites: Health professional degree and clinical research experience. PREV 634 Introduction to Health Informatics (4)
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of health informatics, combining perspectives to medicine, public health, social science and computer science. Particular attention is given to diverse use of computers and information technology in healthcare and the biomedical sciences, including specific applications and general methods, current issues, capabilities and limitations of health informatics. Health Informatics studies the organization of medical information, the effective management of information using computer technology, and the impact of such technology on medical research, education, and patient care. The field explores techniques for assessing current information practices, determining the information needs of healthcare and biomedical research professionals and other workers and patients, developing systems using computer technology, and evaluating the impact of these systems. The course covers a wide range of health informatics applications relevant to healthcare delivery organizations, government agencies, biomedical researchers and commercial entities. The course provides an overview of major health informatics techniques aimed at optimizing the use of information to improve the quality of healthcare, reduce cost, provide better education for providers and patients, and to conduct medical research more effectively.
Prerequisites: Some experience with computers and a passing familiarity with biology and/or medicine is useful. PREV 637 Ethical Issues in Clinical Research (3)
This course begins with the birth of contemporary bioethics in famous research scandals and ends with some current problems on the cutting edge of scientific research ethics. In between, we shall examine the regulatory structure designed to curb the abuse of patient/subjects; specifically, this will consist of the role and functions of institutional review boards (IRBs). The approach will be primarily philosophical but with attention to history and regulation. Many of the great cases (such as the Nazi Doctors’ Trial, the Tuskegee syphilis study, Willowbrook, Milgram’s authority experiments, and the recently revealed U.S. government-sponsored radiation studies) will be examined with an eye both to historical detail and to ethical analysis. The course will emphasize controversies concerning the ethical design of research studies (e.g., randomization, placebos, informed consent, coercive inducements, gauging risk and benefit, etc.) as well as problems posed by specific “subject populations” such as medical students, prisoners, developing-world subjects, and cognitively impaired patients. Throughout the course, we will have practical experiences in the ethical review of research protocols. PREV 638 Ethical Issues in International Research (3)
This course will examine the ethical and philosophical issues raised by research on human subjects, particularly as such research is conducted in an international setting. The course assumes that the student has had at least some elementary acquaintance with basic concepts in research ethics. (This acquaintance may consist of prior or concurrent study of research ethics or some experience in conducting or assessing human subject research. The student should contact the instructor if further clarification is needed.) PREV 645/LAW 648B Critical Issues in Health Care (3)
This interdisciplinary course is open to students from the Schools of Law, Medicine, Social Work, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry and the graduate schools at UMB and UMBC. The course is designed t (1) provide students with an opportunity to reflect on the legal, ethical and policy issues surrounding a number of health care delivery problems; (2) expose participants to the basic skills necessary to analyze problems from a legal, ethical and policy perspective; and (3) offer participants from different disciplines an opportunity to interact and share information and perspectives about their professions with one another. A variety of teaching techniques, including case studies, simulations, and panel discussions will be used to explore such topics as medical malpractice, rights of patients to refuse treatment, informed consent and substituted consent in medical decision making, confidentiality v. duty to disclose medical information, regulation of experimental drugs, and health care reform. During the course, students will have an opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams to analyze a particular health care problem and to develop a position paper on a health care policy issue. PREV 648 Health Care Administration and Evaluation Lectures (2-3)
The purpose of this course is to expose students to a broad range of topics in health care and public health organization, administration financing, health policy, quality care and evaluation.
Crosslisted with PH 648 PREV 649 Introduction to Preventive Medicine (2)
A seminar course which emphasizes the applications of epidemiology, statistical reasoning, and preventive medicine to clinical practice. The role of the physician and other health professionals in the primary and secondary prevention of disease is discussed. Topics include relationships among physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, regulatory agencies, third party payers and the law. Enrollment limited to Preventive Medicine Residents.
Prerequisites: PREV 600 and PREV 620 and consent of instructor. PREV 650 Principles of Health Education and Health Promotion (3)
Presents a scientific process designed to achieve voluntary behavioral change to improve health status. Health promotion utilizes health education to promote health and prevent disease. The analytical process used to explore health problems, the identification of factors associated with them, and the development and evaluation of interventions are covered. PREV 651 Molecular Biology in Public Health Research Reviews (1)
The basics of molecular biology as the basis for a discussion of molecular methods frequently utilized in population based health studies. The course is tailored to students that are planning to take advanced epidemiology courses such as Molecular Epidemiology, Cancer Epidemiology and Epidemiology of Infectious Disease but who may be unfamiliar with recent developments in molecular biology. PREV 659 Observational Studies in Epidemiology (3)
This course provides an in-depth examination of study designs, including case-control and cohort studies. Special emphasis will be placed on possible biases that can occur in epidemiologic research. Some special topics will also be addressed in detail, including screening, misclassification, and questionnaire construction.
Prerequisites: PREV 600. PREV 664 Critical Issues in Global Health (3)
A series of seminars, lectures and reading assignments designed to give students an overview of the global health problems facing the world today and equip them with tools to navigate the world of international health. The course focuses on teaching students about the global burden of disease and pattern of disease variations between and within countries. It addresses cross cutting issues such as poverty, environmental degradation and the impact of globalization on health. Topics include maternal and child health, gender and violence, nutrition, water and sanitation. PREV 668 Environmental and Occupational Health (3)
Course surveys the effects of the environment on human health. Topics include occupational exposures; toxicology of environmental pollutants; occupational epidemiology; industrial hygiene; legal and regulatory aspects; role of the physician and nurse in the workplace; control of exposures; and health education relating to the worker. Instruction by lectures, seminars, and field trips to sites of interest. PREV 670 Psychiatric Epidemiology Critically (3)
Reviews the methods and major substantive issues in psychiatric epidemiology. Topics include epidemiology of schizophrenia, depression and dementia and possible etiologic significance of socioeconomic status, stressful life events, social supports, crowding and housing. The course covers study designs in conducting psychiatric epidemiological research through lectures, seminars and readings.
Prerequisites: PREV 600 or consent of instructor. PREV 681 Epidemiology of Aging (3)
Involves students in learning how the principles and methods of epidemiology and preventive medicine can be applied to the study of aging. There is a review of health assessment techniques which are potentially useful for conducting epidemiological studies of older persons; the epidemiology of selected diseases common to old age; primary, secondary and tertiary prevention, as applied to older persons, focusing on psychosocial and environmental aspects of health; differing conceptions of long-term care, and its role in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of illness in older persons. Students learn how to critically evaluate and present research in a specific area of gerontological epidemiology with faculty supervision.
Prerequisites: PREV 600 or consent of instructor. PREV 700 Cardiovascular Disease: Epidemiology and Prevention (3)
Taught in a seminar format in which each student, with faculty guidance, chooses a current problem in cardiovascular epidemiology and, following a presentation of the problem, outlines an approach to the problem that is discussed in class. After incorporating relevant feedback, the student gives a formal presentation and submits a term paper that represents a comprehensive review of the topic.
Prerequisites: PREV 600 and PREV 620 or consent of instructor. PREV 701 Cancer Epidemiology (3)
Taught in a seminar format in which each student, with faculty guidance, chooses a current problem in cancer epidemiology and, following a presentation of the problem, outlines an approach to the problem that is discussed in class. After incorporating relevant feedback, the student gives a formal presentation and submits a term paper that represents a comprehensive review of the topic. Prerequisites: PREV 600 or consent of instructor. PREV 702 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Epidemiology (2)
Students will discuss each session one or two papers related to an advanced quantitative method in epidemiology. Discussion will be lead be either a student or faculty member. Students will write a 7-15 page paper on the topic that they lead.
Prerequisites: PREV 620 and PREV 720. PREV 703 Complex Disorders Seminar (2)
This seminar series includes speakers from both inside and outside the University of Maryland, Baltimore. The individual speakers focus on topics including the difficulties of defining phenotypes, the problems involved in identifying genetic variation, and the statistical issues involved in correlating multiplicity of genotype data with that of phenotypic data. Speakers address these topics by discussing their research including leukodystrophies, bipolar disorder, prostate cancer, and eye diseases. Outside speaker seminars are followed by discussions led by Dr. Stine. PREV 704 Molecular Epidemiology Practicum - Lab Rotation (3)
The course involves three, three-month assignments across the nine month school year and should be taken after completion of the first year of coursework.
Prerequisites: Completion of first year courses. PREV 705 Pharmacoepidemiology (3)
An introduction to the field of pharmacoepidemiology using quantitative research methods to examine the benefits or risks of marketed medications. The course is intended to offer techniques to medical and health researchers who wish to assess the utilization, effectiveness and safety of marketed drug therapies. PREV 706 Research Informatics: Data Management in Research (2)
Clinical research frequently requires the efficient collection, storage and manipulation of data sets of varying sizes. Researchers must be adept at selecting and using appropriate computer-based tools to aid in this process. Further, researchers must be able to make use of and manage computer programmers and technical support staff hired to support research projects.
Prerequisites: PREV 600, PREV 620 previously or concurrently or with permission of the course master. PREV 707 Cost-Effectiveness in Prevention and Treatment (3)
A 3-semester hour graduate course for masters and doctoral students in the Health Sciences. This course is a component in the core methods for public health sciences, especially focusing on the preventive measures in healthcare. Cost-effectiveness analysis is an integral part of the design and development of interventions, so that optimal decisions can be made in selecting the alternative to be implemented. Additionally, the evaluation of outcomes should include an empirical cost-effectiveness analysis to improve the body of knowledge available to future work. These techniques are also applied in randomized clinical trials. This course examines principles and techniques of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) in healthcare from a prevention perspective. Participants learn key elements of the economist’s analysis of costs, and effect, in order to achieve a comparative and incremental cost-effectiveness analysis. Student projects design and conduct a hypothetical and empirical CEA.
Prerequisites: PREV 600, PREV 720 or the equivalent. PREV 711 Genetic Epidemiology (3)
Provides the student with an overview of basic methods in genetic epidemiology, with application to common complex diseases such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. The course will begin with a review of basic human genetics and then proceed to a description of methods used to dissect the genetic contribution to human disease and to map genes. Topics include: assessment of familial aggregation, heritability analysis, segregation and linkage analysis, genetic association studies, and linkage dis-equilibrium mapping. The course will involve a computer lab and students are expected to complete a data analysis project using genetic analysis software and to write up their results as a course project.
Prerequisites: PREV 600, PREV 619, PREV 620 or their equivalents, or consent of instructor. Background in basic human genetics helpful. PREV 715 Injury Epidemiology and Prevention (2)
Helps students understand basic models of injury causation, principles of injury prevention and control, how to design epidemiologic studies of risk factors for injury and how to evaluate public health interventions designed to address the problem of injuries.
Prerequisites: PREV 600 or PH600 Principles of Epidemiology. PREV 720 Statistical Methods in Epidemiology (4)
provides instruction on the specific statistical techniques used in the analysis of epidemiological data. Topics include: treatment of stratified and matched data, detection of interaction, conditional and unconditional logistic regression, survival analysis, and proportional hazards models.
Prerequisites: PREV 600, PREV 620 and consent of instructor. PREV 721 Regression Analysis (2)
Covers basic principles and theory of regression techniques. Topics include simple and multiple linear regression, robust regression, regression diagnostics, logistic and poisson regression analysis. The emphasis of this course is on learning the biomedical research application and interpretation of regression techniques.
Prerequisites: PREV 620 or consent of instructor. PREV 722/PHSR 722 Advanced Topics in Product Safety and FDA Regulation (2-3)
The purpose of this course is to engage students in the techniques of pharmacoepidemiology through case studies and by working through an actual drug safety investigation. Drug safety will be addressed in the context of science and the law through readings, debates, and discussions with invited guests from the FDA, a pharmaceutical company/consulting agency, and a law firm. Students will work together as an investigative team under the direction of the instructor. Using the Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System database and the medical literature, students will work up the epidemiological characteristics of a drug safety signal. Based on the characteristics of the signal, the team will design a pharmacoepidemiological study to further evaluate the safety signal.
Prerequisites: PREV 600, PREV 620, PREV 705/PHSR 704, or permission of the instructor. PREV 723 Survival Analysis (2)
Examines methods of analysis for time to event data, including non-parametric methods, Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank and Wilcoxon tests, Cox proportional hazards models, time-dependent covariates, discrete time models; parametric methods.
Prerequisites: PREV 620 or consent of instructor. PREV 747 and PREV 748 Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Research Practicum I & II (5)
Provides guided experience in epidemiologic research over two semesters. Students are expected to complete a data-based project that includes analysis of data and preparation of manuscript to report findings.
Prerequisites: PREV 619, PREV 720 (or concurrent enrollment) and PREV 600 previously. PREV 749 Infectious Disease Epidemiology (3)
Consists of lectures, seminars and reading assignments designed to promote an understanding of infectious disease epidemiology, with particular emphasis on modes of transmission--contact, contaminated vehicles, vector-associated and airborne; interventions and approaches to disease control--smallpox, measles, typhoid, influenza, hospital infections; infections of public health importance in Maryland and use of the laboratory in infectious disease epidemiology.
Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of medical microbiology. PREV 758 Health Survey Research Methods (3)
Leads students through the steps in survey research from developing a survey questionnaire, to administering it and analyzing the data. The final results of the survey are presented in a paper.
Prerequisites: PREV 620 or consent of instructor. PREV 769 Neuroepidemiology (3)
A seminar course which covers the epidemiology of the major classes of neurologic diseases including cerebro-vascular, Alzheimer's, Parkinson, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and peripheral neuropathy. Methodologic issues are emphasized, such as gradual onset, lack of definitive tests, and use of surrogate responders. There are student presentations and a written assignment.
Prerequisites: PREV 600 or consent of instructor. PREV 778 Musculoskeletal Epidemiology (2-3)
Presents the epidemiology of the major musculoskeletal diseases of childhood and the adult years. It emphasizes the interrelationships of the biological with the epidemiologic aspects. Prevention of disease through risk factor modification is stressed wherever possible. Methods of classification and diagnosis, and potential problems introduced by different schemes are presented. Disorders covered are rheumatoid arthritis (both juvenile and adult-onset), osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, Legg-Perthes disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and the spondyloarthropathies.
Prerequisites: PREV 600 or equivalent with consent of instructor. PREV 780 Molecular Epidemiology (3)
Covers the theoretical framework of the discipline of molecular epidemiology but focuses on the practical application of a basic knowledge of the field which will enable students to critically read the literature and to incorporate the techniques into epidemiological research. Students should have at least a limited background in biological sciences, although those with more advanced training will find the course of interest.
Prerequisites: PREV 600 or approval of instructor. PREV 789 Special Studies and Research in Preventive Medicine (1-6)
This individually-planned and closely-supervised course provides experience in the epidemiology of significant preventive medicine topics.
Prerequisites: PREV 600 and 620 or equivalent. PREV 801 Longitudinal Data Analysis and Analysis of Longitudinal and Clustered Data (3)
Includes topics in matrix algebra, longitudinal data analysis including the multivariate linear model, marginal and mixed effects general linear models, residual analysis and diagnostics, generalized linear models, including marginal (GEE methods) and mixed effects models for repeated measures and other clustered data.
Prerequisites: PREV 620 and PREV 721 (721 may be taken concurrently). PREV 802 Statistics for Molecular Biology (2)
Three topics are covered in this course: statistical design and analysis of experiments; DNA or protein sequence alignment; and analysis of gene expression data from microarray experiments.
Prerequisites: PREV 720 and 721 or permission of instructor. PREV 803 Clinical Trials and Experimental Epidemiology (3)
Presents a rigorous overview of the experimental method as applied in therapeutic evaluations, and demonstrates causal associations between risk factors and clinical outcomes. The history of the experimental method and its clinical applications are studied in detail. Guest speakers of unique expertise and experience in clinical trials also are drawn upon.
Prerequisites PREV 600 or equivalent and at least one semester of biostatistics. PREV 808 Substantive Topics in Epidemiology (3)
An individual program of study undertaken with faculty supervision in one or more substantive areas of epidemiology. Through assigned reading and critical discussion, the student becomes knowledgeable in a specialized area of epidemiology, with particular emphasis on recent advances. Preparation of a critical review of the literature suitable for publication is required.
Prerequisites: Instructor consent. PREV 899 Doctoral Dissertation Research in Epidemiology (12)
Consists of substantial epidemiological investigations undertaken by Ph.D. candidates following departmental approval and leading to doctoral dissertations worthy of publication in appropriate scientific journals. The research must be designed to test relevant hypotheses and employ the most appropriate epidemiological and biostatistical methods.
Prerequisites: Departmental approval. CIPP 909 Responsible Conduct of Research (2)
A campus-wide course that prepares students for the ethical responsibilities of research. Topics include scientific integrity; research ethics and the ethical decision-making process; data handling and management; authorship; peer review; conflicts of interest; defining, identifying, and handling fraud and misconduct; animal and human research; genetics and reproduction; ownership of data and intellectual property; and the role of the scientist in society. The course includes lectures, seminar discussions, and class exercises. Grading is based on class participation and a written paper. top | 
