Only one application needs to be completed for all courses desired during the quarter.

Deadline:

09/01/2026

Format:
In-person
Term Offered:
Fall

Overview

Epidemiologic Methods II is designed to extend upon the instruction offered in Epidemiologic Methods (EPI 203). Topics include advanced coverage of study design, measurement, and overcoming threats to validity. The overarching objective is to help build skills in the design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiologic research.

Course Details

The objectives for this course are for participants to:

  • Comprehend conceptual frameworks for causal inference in observational epidemiologic research;
  • Identify sources of bias in observational studies;
  • Comprehend and practice applying methods to address bias in observational studies;
  • Identify effect modification (and interaction) and how to present them in results; and
  • Gain experience in analyzing data and assessing/interpreting results from observational studies.

Epidemiologic Methods (EPI 203), or equivalent, and Biostatistical Methods for Clinical Research I (BIOSTAT 200), or equivalent experience, are required. Experience with the Stata or R software programs is also required.

Each week, new material is introduced via a live and/or pre-recorded lecture and required readings. Seven homeworks, in the form of problem sets, are assigned during the course, and students have one or two weeks to complete them. Upon submission, homeworks are discussed with course faculty and teaching assistants in review sessions.  A take-home final exam concludes the course.

Live lectures are recorded in real time and made available the same day after class. Participation is critical for learning, so attendance at live lectures and homework review sessions is highly encouraged.

Modern Epidemiology by K. J. Rothman, S. Greenland, and T. L. Lash. Wolters Kluwer. 3rd edition. 2012. UCSF users can access an electronic version of the book at UCSF library.

Causal Inference: What If by M. A. Hernán and J. M. Robins. Chapman & Hall/CRC. Currently available exclusively online.

Assorted articles that are made available from the course's online syllabus. 

Books may be purchased either through the publisher or a variety of commercial venues (e.g., Amazon.com).

Student grades are assigned as follows:

  • 8 Homework assignments (70%; we drop the lowest score)
  • Students will have only one week to complete homework assignments
  • Final Exam (30%)

Students not in full-year DEB Education Programs who satisfactorily pass all course requirements receive a Certificate of Course Completion, upon request.

Only UCSF students (defined as individuals enrolled in UCSF degree or certificate programs) will receive academic credit for courses. Official transcripts are available to UCSF students only. A Certificate of Course Completion will be available upon request to individuals who are not UCSF students and satisfactorily pass all course requirements.

UCSF Graduate Division Policy on Disabilities

For UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee is $2,400

For Non-UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee is $3,200

 

UC-Affiliation: Concurrent enrollment in a University of California-sponsored residency or post-doctoral fellowship program that is recognized by the Office of Graduate Medical Education; or a registered student in one of the professional schools or graduate programs at the University of California (in a program other than the TICR program); or individuals who hold full-time salaried University of California faculty, academic or staff positions. Please note: Individuals will be asked to provide proof of UC status.

The objectives for this course are for participants to:

  • Comprehend conceptual frameworks for causal inference in observational epidemiologic research;
  • Identify sources of bias in observational studies;
  • Comprehend and practice applying methods to address bias in observational studies;
  • Identify effect modification (and interaction) and how to present them in results; and
  • Gain experience in analyzing data and assessing/interpreting results from observational studies.

Epidemiologic Methods (EPI 203), or equivalent, and Biostatistical Methods for Clinical Research I (BIOSTAT 200), or equivalent experience, are required. Experience with the Stata or R software programs is also required.

Each week, new material is introduced via a live and/or pre-recorded lecture and required readings. Seven homeworks, in the form of problem sets, are assigned during the course, and students have one or two weeks to complete them. Upon submission, homeworks are discussed with course faculty and teaching assistants in review sessions.  A take-home final exam concludes the course.

Live lectures are recorded in real time and made available the same day after class. Participation is critical for learning, so attendance at live lectures and homework review sessions is highly encouraged.

Modern Epidemiology by K. J. Rothman, S. Greenland, and T. L. Lash. Wolters Kluwer. 3rd edition. 2012. UCSF users can access an electronic version of the book at UCSF library.

Causal Inference: What If by M. A. Hernán and J. M. Robins. Chapman & Hall/CRC. Currently available exclusively online.

Assorted articles that are made available from the course's online syllabus. 

Books may be purchased either through the publisher or a variety of commercial venues (e.g., Amazon.com).

Student grades are assigned as follows:

  • 8 Homework assignments (70%; we drop the lowest score)
  • Students will have only one week to complete homework assignments
  • Final Exam (30%)

Students not in full-year DEB Education Programs who satisfactorily pass all course requirements receive a Certificate of Course Completion, upon request.

Only UCSF students (defined as individuals enrolled in UCSF degree or certificate programs) will receive academic credit for courses. Official transcripts are available to UCSF students only. A Certificate of Course Completion will be available upon request to individuals who are not UCSF students and satisfactorily pass all course requirements.

UCSF Graduate Division Policy on Disabilities

For UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee is $2,400

For Non-UC-Affiliated learners, the course fee is $3,200

 

UC-Affiliation: Concurrent enrollment in a University of California-sponsored residency or post-doctoral fellowship program that is recognized by the Office of Graduate Medical Education; or a registered student in one of the professional schools or graduate programs at the University of California (in a program other than the TICR program); or individuals who hold full-time salaried University of California faculty, academic or staff positions. Please note: Individuals will be asked to provide proof of UC status.

Meet the Faculty

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June smiling and looking off camera. She has shoulder length black hair and bangs. She is wearing a dark blue blazer and a white beaded necklace.
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June Chan, ScD

Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Rebecca Graff, ScD

Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics

How to Enroll

Whether you're exploring the field, enhancing your skills, or working toward a larger academic goal, most individual courses are open to everyone. Current learners enrolled in DEB Education programs have priority in enrollment for this course. Any extra spaces are available to non-DEB Education learners (i.e., those from the Institute for Global Health Sciences, School of Nursing, external groups, etc).

You’ll find details on course fees, how to apply and pay, and the full course schedule on the Course Enrollment & Payment page. Be sure you understand the enrollment policies and payment process before completing the enrollment form.

And remember: you only need to submit one form for all the new courses you want to take.

Course Enrollment & Payment Instructions