In this course, we will delve into one of the most critical aspects of epidemiological research — study designs.
We’ll build upon the foundational concepts introduced in the first course. If you haven’t completed it yet, I encourage you to check it out first to ensure you’re up to speed.
Many of you might already be familiar with some study designs, whether from academic coursework or even from reading health news. However, our goal in this course is to provide a structured and systematic understanding of the various methodological approaches used in epidemiological research.
We’ll not only describe each study design but also highlight their strengths, limitations, and appropriate applications through real-life examples.
It’s important to recognize that not all study designs are created equal. Certain designs are generally considered more robust when it comes to determining causal relationships. This concept is often referred to as the “Hierarchy of Evidence”, where systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are ranked at the top as the most reliable sources of evidence.
But evidence hierarchy is not the full story. The quality of execution matters immensely. A well-designed and carefully conducted case-control study might provide more reliable insights than a poorly executed RCT.
Factors like feasibility, time constraints, and ethical considerations often dictate which study design is most suitable for a given research question. For example, certain exposures or diseases cannot ethically or practically be studied through randomized trials.
Throughout this course, we will examine each study design in detail — cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional surveys, and experimental designs — and discuss when and how each one should be used.
You’ll gain insight into the methodological nuances that determine the strength and credibility of research findings.
By the End of This Course, You Will Be Able To:
Critically assess various epidemiological study designs,
Understand their appropriate applications, and
Start designing your own research with methodological rigor.
To get the most out of this course, I encourage you to actively engage with the content — watch the videos, reflect on the practice questions, and dive into the recommended readings.
So, join us as we embark on this exciting journey — exploring how to translate a research question into a well-structured study, and how to generate meaningful data to inform evidence-based practice.
Epidemiology Course Modules
Module 1: Foundations of Epidemiology
Module 2: Descriptive vs. Analytic Study Designs
Module 3: Experimental Designs & Hierarchy of Evidence
Module 4: Diagnostic Research in Clinical Epidemiology
Module 5: Translating Evidence into Practice
Module 6: Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) & Clinical Decision Analysis
Staff Memmbers :-
Baneen Alkofair
MD , BSC, MPH
Hanni Almohanna
MD, MPH, PhD
Dr. Mohammad Amahroos
CMBS, ARCPath, MSC, PhD
Course Completion Requirements
To successfully complete this course, you must meet the requirements below.
Requirement 1
Engage with All Course Content
Mandatory
Watch 100% of the video lectures to ensure full coverage of the material.
Requirement 2
Practice Your Knowledge
Counts Toward Score
Complete 5 sets of MCQ practice quizzes provided throughout the course.
These quizzes are designed to reinforce learning and prepare you for the final exam.
Requirement 3
Pass the Final Exam
Minimum Score
The final exam assesses your overall understanding of the course.
Overall Passing Rule: You must watch 100% of the videosand achieve an overall score of at least 40% from the combined practice MCQs + final exam.
