Often called “the cornerstone” of public health, epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of diseases, health conditions, or events among populations and the application of that study to control health problems. By applying the concepts learned in this course to current public health problems and issues, students will understand the practice of epidemiology as it relates to real life and makes for a better appreciation of public health programs and policies. This course explores public health issues like cardiovascular and infectious diseases – both locally and globally – through the lens of epidemiology.
Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health
Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health
Instructors: Dr. Karin Yeatts
204,938 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(4,783 reviews)
6 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
94%
Most learners liked this course
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
5 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 6 modules in this course
This module introduces the history and field of epidemiology.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment
This module introduces measures of disease frequency.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment
This module introduces the following study designs: experimental, cohort, case control, cross-sectional, and ecologic.
What's included
7 videos1 reading1 assignment
This module introduces measures of association and confidence intervals.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment
This module introduces causality.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment
This module concludes the course.
What's included
1 video
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.7 (1,224 ratings)
Recommended if you're interested in Public Health
University of Michigan
The University of Tokyo
Imperial College London
Imperial College London
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.7
4,783 reviews
- 5 stars
74.96%
- 4 stars
19.72%
- 3 stars
3.59%
- 2 stars
0.77%
- 1 star
0.94%
Showing 3 of 4783
GR
5
Reviewed on Oct 20, 2020
This course was frustrating at first. i completed the forth week quis and had to start over from beganing. im happy now that i have completed the course and now want to do contact tracing.
DA
5
Reviewed on Nov 15, 2015
Very useful and comprehensive information. I warmly recommend this course to all the ones interested in getting a proper understanding of the terms, concepts and designs used in clinical studies.
DA
5
Reviewed on Jun 2, 2020
I had no prior knowledge on epidemiology at all. But the explanations made it easy for me to understand everything easily. Learned a great lot of new things from this course. It was great!
New to Public Health? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.