NEW: Evidence for public health responses: Statistical Methods in Epidemiology

Content

This course covers a comprehensive array of statistical methods essential for evidence-based public health responses. You will begin by learning the practical aspects of planning epidemiological field surveys, including the formulation of research questions, development of a protocol, field manuals, and the formulation of data analysis plans.
Next you will delve into statistical components, including sample size calculations and various sampling methods to ensure the statistical precision and representativeness of research findings.
The course will then explore advanced techniques for analysing complex survey data, such as clustering and weighting, to extract meaningful insights.
Moreover, you will learn to build linear and logistic regression models in Stata. And you will learn to construct epidemiologically sound multivariate models operationalizing and selecting variables based on relevant conceptual frameworks.

This course is tropEd accredited and can be followed as a stand-alone course or as specialisation course of the Master in Public Health and Health Equity programme.

Learning methods

Engagement in this course will involve a combination of interactive lectures, practical workshops, case studies, and group discussions. Participants will apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on exercises in Stata based real-world datasets and research questions. Feedback and guidance from experienced instructors will facilitate an immersive learning experience, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for driving evidence-based public health responses

Assessment:
For participants who wish to receive a certificate of completion of the course, including the ECTS credits, the assessment is required.
If you do not wish to do the assessment, you can receive a certificate of attendance of the course.

More on our learning methods:
https://www.kit.nl/institute/study/general-information/

Objectives

At the end of this course participants will be able to:

• Formulate research questions for epidemiological field surveys based on stakeholder information needs, develop protocols, data analysis plans, and field manuals to ensure comprehensive planning and execution
• Calculate appropriate sample sizes and select sampling methods to ensure the statistical precision and representativeness of survey data in public health research
• Analyse complex survey data using relevant statistical techniques such as clustering and weighting
• Apply linear and logistic regression techniques in Stata to conduct simple and multiple regression analyses, and construct multivariate models based on epidemiologically sound conceptual frameworks

Course Content

The following subjects are covered during the course:

• Planning epidemiological field survey
• Research questions, protocol development, data analysis plan, field manual
• Sample size calculations and sampling methods
• Analysis of complex survey data: clustering and weighting
• Linear and logistic regression in Stata and building multivariate models

Application

Admission criteria

• Academic training or a professional qualification in a relevant field
• Work experience in a related area, including experience in management or planning in developing countries
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Computer literacy is essential: we use a virtual learning platform and digital tools in our education and assignments

Application procedure

The application package is due two months before the start of the course.

Please upload your application online. The following documents should be uploaded:

• A one-page letter of motivation
• Copies of your diplomas and grade reports (academic transcripts)
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae and a list of publications if applicable

What we expect from your motivation letter:

Please indicate in your motivation letter why you want to follow this specific course, why you want to follow the course at KIT Amsterdam, what do you expect to learn and how you will apply your newly gained competencies from the course in your work, what kind of benefits will it bring to your future career, etc. Describe a relevant problem you have experienced in the last two years that you would like to discuss during this specific course. Your motivation should be about ½-1 page. Please do not repeat your CV again.

This course can be taken on its own, or as specialisation course of the Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity (MPH-HE).

Visa requirements

Citizens of most EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands. Visit the Nuffic website for the latest information on visa requirements.

Participants from other countries must obtain a short-stay visa (for up to three months) through the Netherlands embassy or consulate covering the applicant’s country. Applicants will need a letter of admission to the course and proof of sponsorship or sufficient funds to cover the course fee, travel and accommodation costs. Applicants should take into account that in some countries this procedure can take several months.

European Credit

The European Credit Transfer System (EC) facilitates the transfer of course credits between different institutions of the same academic level. A course comprising 28 hours of formal teaching and private study is equivalent to one EC credit point.

Insurance requirements

Course participants and accompanying dependents are required by Dutch law to have health, accident and third party insurance. Unless their current insurance policy covers their stay abroad, participants must insure themselves and their dependents in the Netherlands. Dutch insurance companies offer reasonable rates to foreign students. KIT can assist with arranging insurance.

Accreditation

This course is also accredited for the Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity, organised by KIT Institute and tropEd, a network of European institutions for higher education in international health.

Funding

The arrangement of financial support to cover all study costs is the responsibility of the applicant. KIT does not offer financial support or scholarships.

• Up-to-date approach to complex public health issues
• Practice-oriented
• Exchange between disciplines
• Interactive Education
• Development of personal and professional competencies
• Network building

• Participants from diverse backgrounds and countries
• Personal tutoring
• Teaching by highly qualified specialists
• Positively reviewed by tropEd
• KIT: international centre of excellence in international health and development
• Accredited by NVAO