This document provides information about the Chronic Disease Epidemiology course offered in the spring of 2017 as part of the Executive Master of Public Health program. The course will focus on the distribution and determinants of chronic diseases in populations. It will be taught by Dr. William McClellan and will include 2 credits, online learning sessions as well as 4 on-campus class sessions. Students will be evaluated based on critiques, study questions, and an in-class presentation. The course aims to help students describe important public health problems and apply epidemiological data and literature to chronic disease issues.

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Date of last revision: 10/21/15
DEPARTMENT: Executive Master of Public Health
COURSE NUMBER: AEPI 555D
COURSE TITLE: Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Spring 2017
CREDIT HOURS: 2
Instructor Information
Name: William McClellan, MD, MPH
Email: wmcclel@emory.edu
Phone: (404) 727-6976
Mailing Address: 1518 Clifton Road, Room 3035
Atlanta GA 30322
Office Hours: By appointment
Course Description
Emphasis is placed on the distribution and determinants of chronic disease within the
population. Research design and analysis are not the primary focus of the course, but
methodological issues are considered when pertinent to the interpretation of findings.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Course Competencies
This course addresses the following Applied Epidemiology track competencies:
1. DESCRIBE PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEMS OF EPIDEMIOLOGIC IMPORTANCE
 Describe public health problems in terms of magnitude, time, place, person and their
associated risk factors.
 Identify principles and limitations of epidemiologic screening programs.
 Identify major epidemiologic problems of importance.
 Apply basic principles of public health surveillance in the practice of public health.
2. DATA IDENTIFICATION
 Identify key sources of data for epidemiologic purposes.
3. LITERATURE REVIEW AND INTERPRETATION
 Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the epidemiologic literature.
Learning Objectives
See the Course Competencies above.
Evaluation
Evaluation of student performance will be based on student participation (performance) in
individual responses to study questions, development of critiques, and active participation in
class discussions.

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Date of last revision: 11/21/16
STUDENT HONOR AND CONDUCT CODE
The RSPH requires that all material submitted by a student in fulfilling his or her academic
course of study must be the original work of the student. For more information about the
School's Student Honor and Conduct Code, go to:
http://www.sph.emory.edu/rollins-life/enrollment-services/honor-code/index.html
If you have any questions about this specific course, contact the instructor.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that
provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things,
this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment
that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a
disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Access, Disabilities Services and
Resources office in 110 Administration (404-727-9877). That office can guide you in determining
the process for documenting, obtaining and using accommodations at Emory University.
On-Campus Meeting Times
There are two on-campus class sessions for this class. Attendance is required for all on-
campus class sessions.
Opening On-campus Sessions
 Friday, January 8, 8:30 – 11:30 AM
 Saturday, January 9, 8:30 – 11:30 AM
Closing On-campus Sessions
 Friday, April 1, 8:30 – 11:30 AM
 Saturday, April 2, 8:30 – 11:30 AM
Text/Readings
No text is required. Links to course readings will be available on the Blackboard course site.
Computer Requirements
Computer hardware, software, and peripherals compatible with Blackboard usage are required.
Please consult the Blackboard Help site and/or the EMPH Online Orientation course for general
information about operating systems, browsers, communication software, and printers. Some
courses may require the installation of plugins and/or software which can be installed only by
those with administrative rights to their computers. Please note that an iPad or similar mobile
device does not provide the needed functionality for all of the Blackboard tools.
Evaluation, Grading Policy, and Assignments
Evaluation
Assignment Individual/Group Points Due Dates
Critiques Individual (3) 40% Biweekly
Study Questions Individual (9) 40% Questions 1-6 at
midterm; 6-9 end of term.
In Class Presentation Individual and
Group
20% End of term
Total 100

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Date of last revision: 11/21/16
* See course schedule for due dates of critiques and study questions.
Grading Scale
Grading Scale Points
A 95-100
A- 90-94
B+ 85-89
B 80-84
B- 75-79
C 70-74
F Below 69
Assignment Details
Background readings for opening and closing on-campus sessions are to be completed prior to
the sessions.
Critiques and study questions to be completed within the weekly independent learning sessions.
Student will be prepared to discuss both at the closing sessions.
Late Assignments: Assignments passed in late without the instructor’s previous knowledge
and approval will be graded down a whole letter grade before any corrections are made. If you
have an emergency that delays your turning in assignments, please contact the instructor as
soon as possible.
Verbal and Written Communications
Communicating effectively in writing and verbally is critical to public health research and
practice. Graduates of the Executive MPH are expected to demonstrate these skills in written
assignments and oral presentations. Requirements for acceptable performance in this course
include the following:
Proofread: Clarity and accuracy are expected in submission of assignments throughout this
course. Errors of grammar or spelling may result in a lower grade.
Note: Keep in mind that spell check and grammar check features of software programs
such as Microsoft Word are not sufficient. Please read over all submissions carefully for
content, spelling, punctuation, and grammar before turning them in.
Criteria for written assignments: The following criteria will be used in grading written
assignments:
 Relevance to the issues
 Scope and thoroughness
 Logic and organization of thought
 Reference to the scientific literature in the areas related to the course
 Proper citations format (please follow track or instructor guidelines for all quotes and
citations)
 Integration of principles and theories described in class and in readings
 Overall writing style
 Correct grammar and spelling

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Date of last revision: 11/21/16
Criteria for oral presentations: The following criteria will be used in grading oral presentations:
 Organization of material
 Relevance to the issues
 Scope and thoroughness
 Analysis and conclusions
 Presentation skills
 Adherence to time limits
Communicating with the Instructor
There are two primary modes of communication for this class – the "Course Q&A" section of the
discussion board and electronic mail. To ensure that your questions are answered as promptly
as possible, please follow the communications guidelines below:
 Course Q&A section of the discussion board: A special section of the discussion board
has been set up for questions/answers about the course. This area will be monitored
daily. You are strongly encouraged to respond to your peers if you know the answer
or can provide guidance.
 Personal email to the instructor: Email should be used only for messages that are private
in nature. Please allow 24-48 hours for response time.
Overall Course Policies
All work must be turned in according to the schedule. If an emergency arises which keeps you
from posting work at the appropriate time, please discuss the problem with the instructor via e-
mail.
This class requires active participation. You are expected to be present and contributing to the
class discussion every 2 – 3 days. If you need to be away from the class for more than this
period of time, please let the instructor know, via mail, in advance so that you will not be
considered "absent."
All lecture notes and other information presented within this course are the property of the
instructor, and is protected by copyright.
While this class does not cover content that is emotionally charged, it is important to remember
that you are in a learning community composed of a wide range of beliefs and experiences, and
every person has a right to express those beliefs/experiences within the discussion boundaries.
No denigration or silencing of others will be allowed.