Metrics: Exposure and Outcome Assessment

Course Code :	2050GENEP1
Study domain:	Epidemiology
Academic year:	2019-2020
Semester:	2nd semester
Contact hours:	21
Credits:	3
Study load (hours):	84
Contract restrictions:	Faculty decision based on student file
Language of instruction:	English
Exam period:	exam in the 2nd semester
Lecturer(s)	Annelies Van Rie Guido Van Hal Jarl Kampen

1. Prerequisites *

At the start of this course the student should have acquired the following competences:
an active knowledge of

English

general knowledge of the use of a PC and the Internet

2. Learning outcomes *

1. Knowledge At the end of this module, the student should be knowledgeable in: Learning objective 1: Development of questionnaires Learning objective 2: Assessment of environmental exposures Learning objective 3: Assessment of clinical exposures and outcomes Learning objective 4: development of a DAG to guide selection of covariates to be measured Learning objective 45 Issues related to the collection of biological samples: management of sample collection, processing, and storage; quality assurance and quality control Learning objective 6: The concepts of systematic and random error, recall error, validity, reproducibility , intra-individual variability, inter-reader agreement and how they relate to bias in exposure and outcome measurement Learning objective 7: Use of surrogate endpoints for outcome measurement Learning objective 8: Strengths and limitations of using existing routine data and big data Learning objective 8: Potential issues with classification of exposure and outcome data including misclassification bias and lack of reference standard 2. Application At the end of this module, the student should be able to: Learning objective 9: Write an assessment of exposure and outcome plan for different types of epidemiological studies Learning objective 10: determine how to ensure internal study validity by preventing bias in exposure and outcome assessment Learning objective 7: understand how to overcome potential pitfalls when using biomarkers and surrogate markers Learning objective 8: use Dagity software to develop a DAG for an exposure-outcome association

3. Course contents *

Epidemiological research uses various exposure, outcome and covariate metrics. The choice of a specific metric will depend on the study in question, the resources available, and biologic considerations. This course surveys the major issues relevant to the measurement of exposures and outcomes in epidemiological research. Through the communication of theoretical concepts and the discussion of examples and case studies, students will gain understanding in the best practices of (1) questionnaire development, (2) application of biomarkers in epidemiological research, including the logistical hurdles in biospecimen collection and storage, assessments of biomarker quality, (3) measurement of environmental exposures, (4) use of surrogate endpoints, (5) how to use a DAG to select covariates to be measured for an exposure-outcome association, (5) how to avoid bias in exposure and outcome measurement and (6) how to avoid misclassification bias.

4 International dimension*

The course has an international dimension.

The lecturer teaches in a language other than Dutch

The lecturer uses course materials in a foreign language

5. Teaching method and planned learning activities

Class contact teaching

Lectures

Practice sessions

Skills training

Personal work

Exercises

Assignments Individually

Case studies In group

Paper Individually

Directed self-study

6. Assessment method and criteria

Examination

Written examination without oral presentation

Closed book

Continuous assessment

Assignments

Participation in classroom activities

Written assignment

With oral presentation

7. Study material *

7.1 Required reading

To be determined

7.2 Optional reading

The following study material can be studied voluntarily :

8. Contact information *

1. Teacher

Prof. Dr. Annelies Van Rie

Epidemiology and Social Medicine

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

University of Antwerp

annelies,vanrie@uantwerp.be

CDE, building R, 2nd floor, Room 32

Universiteitsplein 1

B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium

Tel.: +32 (0)3 265 25 22

Fax.: +32 (0)3 265 28 75

2. Assistant / Coach

Hayat Bentouhami

Epidemiology and Social Medicine

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

University of Antwerp

hayat.bentouhami@uantwerp.be

CDE, building R, 2nd floor, Room 26

Universiteitsplein 1

B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium

Tel.: +32 (0)3 265 28 33

Fax.: +32 (0)3 265 28 75

3. Secretary

Sanne Berwaerts

Epidemiology and Social Medicine

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

University of Antwerp

sanne.berwaerts@uantwerp.be

CDE, building R, 2nd floor, Room 26

Universiteitsplein 1

B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium

Tel.: +32 (0)3 265 25 83

Fax.: +32 (0)3 265 28 75