[afro-nets] Introductory course on epidemiology and biostatistics

["MUHAS" <informatics@muhas.ac.tz>]

Introductory epidemiology and biostatistics
MUHAS - Harvard Public Health Informatics Training Program
27th April - 8th May, 2009.

INTRODUCTION

Once again, the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) through its MUHAS-Harvard Public Health Informatics Training Program will organize a two weeks short course on Introductory Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the 27th April to 8th May, 2009. The course will be conducted at the MUHAS campus in Dar es Salaam.

GOAL

The goal of this 2-week course is to provide participants with basic knowledge and skills on biostatistics and epidemiology.  Participants in the course will gain sufficient understanding of biostatistics and epidemiology to design, implement, and analyze data from studies to answer basic medical and public health questions, especially as related to student postgraduate thesis work.  Participants will also have an opportunity to solidify the concepts through case studies and analysis practical, and will practice data analysis in SPSS.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

All those working in medical research or public health surveillance, in either an academic or field setting.  Research investigators or academic staff of institutions of higher learning (Universities) will find the course invaluable in accomplishing their program objectives, as well as program research officers.  Postgraduates in the health sciences needing biostatistics and epidemiology methods for their thesis work are especially encouraged to apply.

ELIGIBILITY

The course is open to health or public health related researchers from Tanzania and other countries with biostatistics and epidemiology capacity needs.   Applicants should be familiar with operating a computer in a windows environment and should have some research experience including having been involved in health-related studies. Previous involvement in data analysis will be an added advantage. Priority will be given to candidates from universities, research institutions, ministry of health departments, and health-related NGOs as well as private health institutions.

COURSE OUTLINE

The course will cover the following topics:

1.	Epidemiology

a.	Framing research questions and forming hypotheses
b.	Types of studies/study design
c.	Measures of disease and measures of association
d.	Sources of bias
e.	Confounding and Effect Modification
f.	Qualitative Methods
g.	Interpreting and reporting results

2.	Biostatistics

a.	Descriptive statistics and summary measures
b.	 Populations and Samples
c.	Probability and Distributions
d.	Hypothesis Testing, Confidence Intervals and p-values
e.	Analysis of categorical data
f.	Analyzing continuous outcomes: one sample, two samples linear regression
g.	Nonparametric methods
h.	Sample size and power

TRAINING METHODS

We will have didactic lectures, discussions, group work, presentations and practical sessions. For practical sessions, the students will use the computer for hands-on-training.

CERTIFICATES

Certificates will be awarded on satisfactory completion of the course which involves active participation in at least 75% of the course sessions.

VENUE

The course will be held at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in the designated conference hall of the, Centre for Social Science and Medicine Program of the University of Dar Es Salaam. The hall is adjacent to the office of the MUHAS-Harvard Informatics Training Program.

COURSE FEES

*Tuition Fees                                  US$ 670
* Course meals (tea/coffee-breaks & lunches)   US$ 100

MEALS & ACCOMODATION

Break time refreshments and lunches will be provided.
Accommodation will be arranged on behalf of participants if required but they will have to settle the hotel bills on their own. Participants from the Dar es Salaam area will not be required to stay in hotels provided they can reach the venue in a timely manner for sessions.

SPONSORSHIP TO THE COURSE

Participants are expected to support themselves either directly or through sponsorship by their own institutions or funding agencies. Partial or full sponsorship may be provided by the program only for needy applicants who are closely affiliated to MUHAS and its partners.

TRAVEL COSTS

Travel costs to and from Dar Es Salaam and daily transportation to the course venue are not included the course fees.   Applicants should look for additional funds to cover these expenses.

CORE   FACULTY

The course will use a minimum of four core facilitators as shown below.  However,  additional facilitators will be deployed as necessary.

Japhet Killewo- MBchB, PhD, Professor of Epidemiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.

Gideon Kwesigabo- MD, PhD, Senior Lecturer and Dean of Faculty of School of Public Health and Social Sciences (SPHSS).

Cyprian  Makwaya- BSc, MSc, Mphil. Lecturer in Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.


Method Kazaura- BSc, MSc, PhD. Lecturer in Biostatistics, Course Coordinator MPH, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.
Bethany Hedt ? MS, PhD, Research Fellow in Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

To apply for the course, send a letter of intent and enclose copies of updated CV, educational diplomas or degree certificates and other relevant documents by post or e-mail to the Informatics Training Project Administrator.
The letter should indicate your qualifications, current position, research interests, and how this course will facilitate your work. Please also indicate your previous involvement in research and level of computer literacy.   Provide a list of all software with which you are familiar and those that you can work with independently. Candidates must also indicate potential sources of funds to attend the course. Remember to include your email address and other contact information with your application.   The above information will be used to shortlist candidates who will subsequently be informed after 15th April, 2009 Applications are due by: 10th April, 2009 and those received after that date will not be processed.

ENQUIRIES

To obtain additional information on the short courses or other training opportunities under the Informatics Training Program please contact:
Website: http://www.muhas.ac.tz
Landline: 0732990810:  Mobile: 0754 299675
mailto:informatics@muhas.ac.tz
mailto:ellynelson@muhas.ac.tz