Modular Design

From a logistical standpoint, we have 24 hours of lecture time, divided into two-hour blocks in which to meet our objectives, along with another 24 hours of lab (again in two-hour blocks). We focus on seven basic ideas:

• Introductory epidemiological concepts (1 session)
• GIS, Spatial Data, and Exploratory techniques (2)
• Surveillance (1)
• Basic spatial statistics (2)
• Designer spatial statistics (1)
• Modelling (Hierarchical, Geostatistical and Compartmental) (2)
• Elucidating process from pattern (3)

These topics served as the basis for the lectures in our first go-round, and the lectures (and associated labs) were then converted into the series of modules already described.

The course runs for 14 weeks, which allows us to use a week or two at the end of the course for exams and presentations of projects which the students carry out in consultation with the instructors. These presentations are an integral part of the course, as they represent the ability of the students to apply the concepts which we study throughout the course. As the course continues more and more presentations will be available from the web site, providing helpful guidence in the construction of others' analyses.