Health Sciences - Public Health Epidemiology

Overview

Public health epidemiology is the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society.

Whereas clinicians and general practitioners provide care for individuals, public health interventions are directed at whole populations. Many improvements have resulted from successful public health initiatives: vaccination and other forms of infectious disease control, safer working environments, preventive mother and childcare, safer and healthier foods, family planning, improved traffic safety, and tobacco control. To achieve or preserve access to effective health care services in society, there is a considerable need for public health expertise.

Objectives

• The student is able to translate a (clinical) epidemiologic, public health or health care problem into a scientific research question.
• The student is able to translate a scientific research question in the area of (clinical) epidemiology, public health or health care into a research protocol and/or proposal.
• The student is able to conduct a systematic literature review of a clinical or public health issue.
• The student has knowledge about quantitative methods and the ability to apply this knowledge in preparing, performing, analysing and interpreting research.
• The student understands core concepts of etiologic (causality), prognostic, diagnostic, prevention, and intervention research.

Career opportunities

The Health Sciences - Public Health Epidemiology programme at Erasmus University Rotterdam - Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences (NIHES) prepares you for a career in international medical research or for executive or advisory positions in clinical medicine, public health, pharmaceutical research, or health policy.