OSPOXFRD 8: Disease Detectives in the UK: Using Epidemiology and Genetics to Improve the Public’s Health

Instructor: John Witte

This course will cover the foundations of epidemiology and how the field determines causes of disease, which can lead to large-scale interventions with enormous health improvement. As the practice of epidemiology effectively started in the UK, the course will tie together studentlearning with historical and ongoing examples of local epidemiologic investigations. The course highlights the importance of using quantitative reasoning to accurately understand risks and to develop measures for prevention.We will use a range of pedagogical approaches along with unique real-world experiences with Oxford professors, to make the course thought provoking, engaging, and fun. Coursework will include reading of key publications, undertaking basic analyses of published data, interactive visits to historical sites and local laboratories, meetings with leading scientists and public health professionals, and in class discussions of findings. We will consider literature and watch movies that parallel the topics considered here.

Units: 4-5 | Grading Basis: Letter grade |

*All courses are subject to change.