Epidemiologic Methods in Complex Emergencies

Course Overview

This course will cover epidemiologic methods and tools used in humanitarian emergencies, such as rapid assessment, surveillance, survey design (with a focus on cluster surveys) and analysis. In addition the class will include other topics such as outbreaks in emergencies, as well as practical sessions on anthropometry.

Teaching methods will combine lectures and case studies of recent humanitarian emergencies and will be very participatory.

Target Audience

• Mid-level public health professionals from emergency affected countries or countries likely to experience an emergency and are involved in planning, implementation or interpretation of data collected in surveys, surveillance or assessments.
• Mid-level staff working in aid or donor agencies on humanitarian emergency related issues and are involved in review or interpretation of data collected in surveys, surveillance or assessments.
• Graduate Students in related fields.

The goal is that after attending this course, the attendee could serve as a resource to inform decision makers in the event of a complex humanitarian emergency.

The Course

This week-long course is held in the summer of each year at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. International visitors are encouraged to arrive early.

The course will be taught in English. Computer proficiency is also essential (including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point).

Expectations

We expect this course to be quite challenging in terms of out-of-class reading assignments, in-class lectures and case studies.

Students will be expected to know basic epidemiologic methods and have some international experience.

Class attendance is mandatory. Every morning will start with a short open notes quiz on the key points from the required reading.

More Information

If you are interested in applying, please e-mail: IERHB@cdc.gov.

Syllabus from previous year [PDF - 18 KB]

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