Epidemiology in Public Health Practice 

Public health is an incredibly broad subject that offers a mixture of knowledge and skills in different fields of science. Epidemiology study is based on sound scientific methods of inquiry to understand the distribution, patterns, and frequency of health events in a population. It is a quantitative discipline that uses probability, statistics, and sound research methods developed by professionals to test hypotheses in relation to preventing mortality and morbidity.

This discipline uses tools that influence public health actions to promote better health outcomes using scientific reasoning and common sense at the same time. Epidemiological methods identify risk factors of important hazards through epidemiological studies which may present critical control points in the food production and disease surveillance system. The goal of this discipline focuses strongly on preventative measures to ensure better health outcomes in communities across the world.

Epidemiology is the study or investigation of the cause of origin or outbreak of a disease leading towards development of interventions to prevent further spread in a community. This field focuses on maternal and child health, birth defects, chronic diseases, behavioural disorders, injuries, environmental and occupational health, outbreaks of communicable infectious and non-communicable diseases. It provides a link to prevent epidemics across the world through medical care within various communities. 

Epidemiologists study health related events to take appropriate action on identifying the cause of disease and injury. Physicians and epidemiologists are concerned with controlling diseases in an individual and entire community respectively.

Job Opportunities for Epidemiologists in Public Health Practice

Epidemiology is related to science and practice of public health.  Public Health degree can be obtained with specialization in epidemiology to acquire positions of Biostatistician, Research Data Analyst, Pharmacoepidemiologist, Director of Epidemiology, Communicable Disease Nurse, Research Coordinator and Senior Analyst in government organisations and private agencies. 

Veterinarians and others experts involved in public health and preventive medicine use epidemiological methods for disease outbreak investigation, surveillance and observational studies to identify risk factors and spread of zoonotic disease.

Research data collection and statistical analysis skills; understanding of statistical, medical and biological concepts; proficiency with numerical analysis software, data analysis and public health are highly critical in epidemiology. This includes the study design and interpretation, reviewing and evaluation of scientific information and study findings.

The professionals oversee surveillance systems, health care planning and public health improvement programs; investigate parasitic diseases to determine progress, cause and risk factors or life cycle and mode of transmission; perform field work with sick patients to inform on safety precautions to minimise exposure to diseases. They plan and design studies to solve public health problems through preventive and therapeutic measures; collect, analyze data, observations and surveys; use blood or other bodily fluid samples to identify the causes of public health problems. They work in offices or laboratories at government health departments, hospitals, colleges and universities. 

Online Course in Public Health at WCE

World Class Education (WCE) provides an online program – MPH In Epidemiology and Biostatistics  which helps develop a strong focus and knowledge base in public health epidemiology. 

For more information please visit: https://wce.education/

• Master of Public Health Management (MPH)
• MPH (Disaster Management)
• MPH (Epidemiology and Biostatistics)
• MPH (Mental and Behavioural Health)
• MPH (Lifestyle Medicine)
• MPH (Health Economics and Policy)
• MPH (Infectious Diseases)
• MPH (Maternal and Child Health)
• MPH (Nutrition and Dietetics)
• MPH (Public Health Leadership)
• MPH (Sexual and Reproductive Health)
• MPH (Tropical Medicine)
• Master of Science in Health Management – MSc HM