Epidemiology provides important tools for the assessment and response to health threats in populations. This is a 3-week intensive course on the principles and methods of epidemiology and the way these inform the control of infectious diseases in outbreak settings. The course uses interactive, simulation-based exercises, as well as laboratory- and computer-based practical sessions to complement the theoretical content.
The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) is Germany’s largest institution for research, services and training in the field of tropical diseases and emerging infections. The current scientific focus is on malaria, haemorrhagic fever viruses, tissue nematodes and diagnostics development. To study highly pathogenic viruses and infected insects, the institute is equipped with laboratories of the highest biosafety level (BSL4) and a BSL3 insectary. Outstanding scientific achievements in the recent past include scientific work concerning the Ebola outbreaks in West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The course will be taught by staff with teaching and research experience extending across the disciplines of epidemiology, microbiology, medicine, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, entomology, demography and public health.
The course is relevant to health professionals and other graduates, who work in medical research units, academic departments or health services. Students admitted to a Master's degree programme may also join this course (e.g. tropEd Network).
Entry requirements
No previous formal training in epidemiology or statistics is required, however, general computer skills are necessary in order to be able to work with software packages REDCap and R. The course is taught in English. Therefore, a good command of the English language is essential.
This course aims to provide participants with an understanding of the principles of epidemiology and the control of infectious diseases, in particular within the context of outbreaks, and to develop their skills in designing, conducting and reporting outbreak investigations. Special consideration will also be given to field operations, including laboratory services and diagnostics in the field, infectious disease prevention and control strategies, and biosafety and biosecurity.
Learning objectives
By the of this course, participants should be able to:
The course is based on an interactive and participatory teaching and learning approach. Teaching will be through lectures and practical sessions, including case study table top exercises, computer-based tutorials using data entry software REDCap and statistical software package R, as well as simulation-based exercises, such as an outbreak investigation. Students will also get the opportunity to get an introduction into the set up of a mobile laboratory and field operational components, including field PPE.
Individual assignment: multiple choice questionnaire-based exam (80%)
Group assignment: short written report (20%)
Please note: For general short course attendants these assessments are formative (not graded).
A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to all those completing the course.
Please complete the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM
General admission: 1650 €/1350 € (Early Bird Registration)
Citizens of low and middle income countries/Students: 1200 €/900 € (Early Bird Registration)
If you are a citizen and resident of a country classified as a low or middle income by the UN/World Bank and/or a tropEd student, you are eligible to the reduced tuition fee rate. Please refer to this document to see whether your country is eligible: Country Classification Map
Early Bird Registration: If you register within 2 weeks of acceptance notification, you are eligible to a reduction of your course fee.
Course fee includes:
Registration fee
The Institute charges a non-refundable registration fee of 200 € (credited towards the whole course fee).
Withdrawal and refund policy
A participant who withdraws from this short course:
In order to attend the course, participants may be required to obtain a visa or other permissions. Participants are kindly advised to start the application process as soon as possible as getting a visa for Germany can take time. The Short Courses team can provide supporting documentation if requested, however, it is the participant's responsibility to obtain any visa or other permissions.
The course fee does not include accommodation. There is a very limited number of guest rooms available for rent at the Institute, which are made available on a first-come-first-served basis. A list of hotels and other accommodation nearby the BNITM can be found here: List of Hotels
9-27 Nov 2020
900 € - 1650 €
1 August 2020, midnight CET
This course is formally recognised by the Hamburg State Medical Chamber.
Dieser Kurs ist von der Ärztekammer Hamburg anerkannt.
tropEd accreditation (pending)
Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine
Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74
20359 Hamburg
Tel: +49 (0)40 428 18-243
Email: shortcourse(at)bnitm.de
© Copyright 2020 Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin.
