Epidemiology and Biostatistics

The Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics offers short courses in Clinical Trials, Statistical Considerations in Clinical Trials, Chronic and Infectious Disease Epidemiology.  The courses focus on conduct of clinical trials and detailed understanding of epidemiology of diseases in developing countries, where resources are limited, coupled with statistical analyses arising from clinical trials.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY

COURSE CODE:                       COMH7124

DATES:                                    30 JULY TO 3 AUGUST

This module will focus on the principles of infectious disease epidemiology using examples from an African context.  On successful completion of the module, students will have a sound understanding of the principles of infectious disease epidemiology, a thorough knowledge of the epidemiology of key infectious diseases in Africa such as TB, HIV/AIDS and malaria and will be equipped with an approach to addressing infectious disease prevention and control.

Content areas to be covered will cover measures of infectiousness including reproductive rates, herd immunity, vaccine efficacy, vaccine coverage and attack rates. The course will demonstrate infection transmission principles using practical examples on the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, diarrheal and respiratory tract infections. Current issues in infectious diseases epidemiology and eradication of infectious diseases will be discussed.

A combination of formal lectures, group tutorials and practical exercises will be used. The course will use experienced facilitators from within University of Witwatersrand and outside making this one week course very worthwhile.

Closing date for applications is 13 July 2012

CHRONIC DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY

COURSE CODES:                     COMH7208

DATES:                                    3 TO 7 SEPTEMBER

The burden of illness from chronic disease is rapidly increasing worldwide and in particular in the developing world facilitated through considerable lifestyle changes associated with demographic, societal and epidemiologic transitions. This course provides an introduction to the aetiology, epidemiology, risk factors and public health importance of selected chronic diseases with particular reference to developing countries.

This course will develop capacity of health professionals to

• Describe burden of chronic disease
• Describe social determinants and inequalities in health
• Understand the theory of epidemiologic transition and the development of chronic disease
• Understand the relationships between major lifestyle risk factors and the role of early life experiences in the variation in disease occurrence
• Describe the epidemiology of common chronic diseases, methodological challenges in conducting chronic disease research and factors influencing the interpretation of epidemiologic research for specific chronic diseases 
• Describe the practice of chronic disease prevention and control
• Recognise the contribution of genetic factors to chronic disease development
• Recognize the interrelation between infectious disease and non-communicable chronic disease

Closing date for applications is 17 AUGUST 2012

CLINICAL TRIALS

COURSE CODE:                       COMH7220

DATES:                                    10 TO 14 SEPTEMBER

The module provides an introduction to the area of clinical trials focusing on conduct of clinical trials in developing countries where resources are limited. The main issues in the design, implementation and interpretation of clinical trials will be introduced to students. In addition the module will

• outline the principles of comparative clinical trials in investigating safety; efficacy and effectiveness of treatments.
• highlight strength and weaknesses of clinical trial design in direct comparison to other study designs.
• introduce the key elements and steps in clinical trial implementation including determination of appropriate sample sizes that would give adequate power to the trial.

The key characteristics of clinical trials which includes ethical and methodological considerations, principles of clinical trial conduct, clinical trial organisation and monitoring, data collection, data processing (data management), quality assurance and quality control, and trial reporting will be comprehensively described. The role of data safety and monitoring committee (DSMB) and community advisory board (CAB) as well as good clinical practice (GCP) will be highlighted.

For whom

• Clinical research associates, study coordinators, or monitors working in the field who are looking for additional training.
• Bench scientists in pharmaceutical companies who want to change careers within the industry.
• Registered nurses who want to develop the skills to enter a new field.
• Study coordinators who want more training in order to enter the wider clinical research associate employment market.
• Other professionals who want to enter the field of clinical research, or who have been hired recently by academic study sites and need comprehensive training in clinical research.

Closing date for applications is 31 August 2012

STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN CLINICAL TRIALS

COURSE CODE:                       COMH7207

DATES:                                    17 TO 21 SEPTEMBER

The School of Public Health will be hosting a 5 day short course on Statistical Consideration in Clinical Trials.  The demand for properly conducted clinical trials has increased over the years, providing a reliable and objective assessment of various treatments or drugs on patients. Statistics has become an integral part of the design, data management and analysis of data arising from clinical trials. The proper use of statistics at all these various stages is important for results to be acceptable to the wider community. It is therefore apparent that there is need to match the growth in clinical trials by expansion of biostatistical expertise.

Objectives

The course is a combination of lectures and hands on practical sessions.  It aims to discuss in-depth the statistical issues required to execute a clinical trial and analyze data arising from such studies. 

For whom

This course targets professionals working on clinical trials, intending to analyze clinical trials data and  to provide statistical support in properly conducted medical research or wanting to enrich and enhance their statistical knowledge.

Closing date for applications is 7 September 2012