Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology

Description

Research methods in environmental epidemiology will be illustrated with examples on current and emerging topics. This two-week course consists of active classes, computer exercises and group discussions. In the schedule, time is allotted for preparatory reading. Besides an interest in environmental health issues, participants should have a basic understanding of epidemiological principles and biostatistics, and at least some experience in using R.

Topics covered include study designs like time series, case-crossover and panel studies that are often used in environmental and occupational epidemiology, but less common in other areas of epidemiology; exposure (time)-response relationships; environmental exposure assessment; measurement error; causal modeling; statistical approaches to multi-pollutant mixtures; evidence synthesis; pooled vs meta-analysis; and risk perception. Theory will be illustrated with examples on current and emerging topics. 

Active participation during classes is expected. Participants have to prepare for classes by reading prescribed articles, and share their insights and opinions during active classes.

Day to Day Documents

Summer school 2024_draft schedule.pdf

Lecturers

Dr Ulrike Gehring (course coordinator), Dr ir Gerard Hoek, Dr Silvia Ariccio, Dr Daniel Figueiredo, Dr Anke Huss, Dr Jules Kerckhoffs, Dr Lützen Portengen, Wenxin Wan, MSc

Target audience

Advanced master students, PhD candidates, researchers and other professionals with background knowledge of epidemiology, and a keen interest in environmental epidemiology.

Aim of the course

The objective of the course is to provide students with an insight into the principles and important issues of environmental and occupational epidemiology. Specific objectives of the course are to:

• Illustrate epidemiological study designs common to environmental and occupational epidemiology and less common to other areas of epidemiology;
• Illustrate new designs for environmental exposure assessment;
• Illustrate the impact of measurement error in exposure on effect estimates;
• Provide practical training in performing specific epidemiological analyses.

Study load

There will be a limited number of lectures in this course. Papers have been selected that we expect you to read carefully as they will be used in subsequent computer exercises and discussions. Problems can further be discussed with the instructors, preferably plenary. We expect you to be present at all scheduled plenary sessions, computer exercises and discussions.