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Summer Institute in Epidemiology and Biostatistics

The School of Epidemiology and Public Health (SEPH) offers non-credit short, intensive workshops on topics such as Introduction to Epidemiology and Introduction to Biostatistics which are open to the general public or as foundational preparation for graduate study.

The School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa announces the availability of non-credit summer courses in the science of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. These courses provide an introduction to the field and are offered in late August to address needs in three domains:

  • students requiring an overview background in epidemiology or biostatistics prior to enrolling in another degree (e.g., the new Master of Public Health or the doctoral program in population health);
  • students interested in learning about epidemiology or biostatistics before deciding if they want to embark on graduate study of the field;
  • people requiring an understanding of epidemiology or biostatistics to support other work or study.

Register for one or both courses. 

Introduction to Epidemiology - Held Virtually

Connected People representing Epidemiology and Infectious Disease

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease and health in a defined population.  This course will provide an introduction to key epidemiological concepts and methods.  The course will focus on public health epidemiology, including a stream on public health infectious disease and outbreak investigation.  Core research designs will be discussed and problems related to bias and confounding will be examined.  Current trends in incidence, prevention, mortality and morbidity for important diseases in Canada will be reviewed.  No previous experience with epidemiology is required.  Some knowledge of human health would be an advantage. This is a 5-day course (approx. 8:30-5pm).

Recommended Textbook: Gordis Epidemiology,Sixth Edition (2019) by David Celentao and Moyses Szklo.

Will take place August 12-16, 2024 (virtually)

​​​​​​​Introduction to Biostatistics - Held Virtually

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Biostatistics is a core field required for conducting health research.  This course will provide the core knowledge required by students who plan to undertake further study of biostatistics or health research.  The course will cover the following topics: Concepts of probability, probability distributions (binomial, Poisson and normal), Type I and Type II errors and statistical power, confidence intervals, theory and practice of estimation and hypothesis testing for proportions and means (Chi-square, z-test and t-test, correlation coefficient and simple linear regression).  There are no formal pre-requisites for the course, but students should be able to handle simple mathematical concepts of Algebra and Calculus (at the high school level). This is a 5-day course (approx. 9-5pm).

Strongly Recommended Textbook: Essentials of Biostatistics in Public Health, Third Edition (2018) by Lisa M. Sullivan. ISBN: 9781284108194 

Will take place August 19-23, 2024 (virtually)

Fees and registration

Fees: Affiliated uOttawa Trainee

•              1 Course - $700

•              Both Courses - $1200

Fees: General Public

•              1 Course - $1300

•              Both Courses - $1900

Registration for 2025 courses will be posted in the spring. If you have questions about the Summer Institute, please contact:

Maryse Thibeault
[email protected] 

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