2.0

credits

Average Course Rating

Focuses on how science in general and epidemiology in particular are used to formulate and implement health and regulatory policies. Will address several questions: How do we distinguish between good science and so called “junk science”? What are the roles of epidemiologists, other professionals—including clinicians, nurses, researchers in other fields—government, industry, and the courts? When should established expert opinions be questioned? What should be done when the available evidence is equivocal and/or controversial? How does science fare in the legislative, regulatory, and judicial settings? What factors, processes are involved in implementation of appropriate policy? Results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses discussed for case examples such as screening recommendations for breast and prostate cancers, potential hazards of breast implants, tobacco use, general environmental health policies, and issues related to vaccine research and immunization policies.