Teaching epidemiology at the undergraduate level

There are many rewards and challenges to teaching epidemiology at the undergraduate level. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the rewards, challenges, techniques utilized, and student's perceptions of taking an undergraduate epidemiology course. The Consensus Report on Public Health and Undergraduate Education developed by the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences outlines the need for teaching epidemiology at the undergraduate level. At James Madison University, epidemiology is taught at the undergraduate level as a core course requirement for students majoring in health sciences. Many of the students plan to pursue graduate work in public health or in a pre-professional health program such as a physician assistant or occupational therapy program. Approximately, 150 students taking an undergraduate epidemiology course were surveyed using a newly designed survey instrument to assess their perception regarding the need and application of the course. Critical thinking skills related to class exercises including case studies in the epidemiology core course were evaluated. Techniques for teaching undergraduates epidemiology were also explored and feedback was provided by students. Data obtained from the survey assisted the instructor with designing educational exercises and instructional material for the course. Information from this presentation can be used to assist others in implementing an undergraduate epidemiology course.