What is Epidemiology, and why is it important?

Epidemiology is the study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations. It plays a crucial role in public health by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare. Understanding epidemiology helps in controlling outbreaks, improving health policies, and enhancing the overall health of communities.

What jobs can I get with Epidemiology skills?

Careers in epidemiology are diverse and can include roles such as epidemiologists, public health analysts, biostatisticians, and research scientists. These professionals work in various settings, including government agencies, healthcare organizations, and academic institutions, focusing on disease prevention and health promotion.

What skills do I need to learn for Epidemiology?

To pursue a career in epidemiology , you'll need a solid foundation in statistics , research methods , and data analysis . Additionally, knowledge of public health principles, disease prevention strategies, and effective communication skills are essential for conveying findings to stakeholders.

What are the best Epidemiology courses online?

Some of the best online courses in epidemiology include the Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health and the Epidemiology for Public Health Specialization . These courses provide a comprehensive overview of the field and equip learners with essential skills.

Can I study Epidemiology for free on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning epidemiology on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many epidemiology courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in epidemiology, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

How do I learn Epidemiology?

To learn epidemiology, start by enrolling in introductory courses that cover basic concepts and methodologies. Engage with interactive content, participate in discussions, and apply your knowledge through practical assignments. Consistent practice and real-world application will enhance your understanding.

What topics are typically covered in Epidemiology courses?

Epidemiology courses typically cover topics such as disease surveillance, study designs, validity and bias in research , and essential epidemiologic tools. Advanced courses may also explore genetic epidemiology and the impact of communicable diseases on public health .

What Epidemiology courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

For training and upskilling employees, courses like the Epidemiology in Public Health Practice Specialization are highly beneficial. They provide practical skills that can be directly applied in public health settings, enhancing workforce capabilities.

Top Epidemiology Courses - Learn Epidemiology Online

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Epidemiology

Epidemiology Courses

Epidemiology courses can help you learn disease transmission, outbreak investigation, statistical analysis, and public health principles. You can build skills in data collection, critical thinking, and interpreting health trends. Many courses introduce tools like statistical software, geographic information systems (GIS), and modeling techniques that are essential for analyzing health data and making informed decisions in public health initiatives.

Popular Epidemiology Courses and Certifications

Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Epidemiology in Public Health Practice
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Public Health, Data Presentation, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Trend Analysis, Geographic Information Systems, Health Policy, Data Visualization Software, Chronic Diseases, GIS Software, Health Systems, Infectious Diseases, Biostatistics, Risk Analysis, Investigation, Health Care, Health Disparities, Community Health, Data Analysis, Statistics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.5K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Public Health, Infectious Diseases, Research Design, Community Health, Health Policy, Research Methodologies, Social Determinants Of Health, Science and Research, Statistical Analysis, Chronic Diseases
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Epidemiology for Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Diagnostic Tests, Research Design, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Biostatistics, Clinical Research, Public Health, Preventative Care, Data Collection, Research Methodologies, Program Evaluation, Risk Analysis, Quantitative Research, Health Policy, Correlation Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Research, Sample Size Determination, Data Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Biostatistics in Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Biostatistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Methods, Statistical Visualization, Statistical Analysis, Epidemiology, Medical Science and Research, Quantitative Research, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Inference, Data Literacy, Probability Distribution, Scientific Methods, Statistics, Statistical Modeling, Data Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Public Health
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Study Designs in Epidemiology
Skills you'll gain: Research Design, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Clinical Research, Research Methodologies, Public Health, Statistical Analysis, Sample Size Determination, Data Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
615 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Utrecht University
Clinical Epidemiology
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Clinical Research, Medical Science and Research, Diagnostic Tests, Clinical Trials, Patient Evaluation, Public Health, Patient Treatment, Risk Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
380 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Preview
The Pennsylvania State University
Epidemics - the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases
Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Microbiology, Public Health, Pathology, Immunology, Preventative Care, Sanitation, Social Determinants Of Health, Social Sciences, Community Health, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Medical Science and Research, Biology, Drug Development, Social Network Analysis, Case Studies
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Statistical Analysis with R for Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills, Correlation Analysis, Regression Analysis, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Literacy, R (Software), Data Analysis, R Programming, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Modeling, Biostatistics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Methods, Statistics, Public Health, Statistical Inference, Probability & Statistics, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Outbreaks and Epidemics
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Risk Analysis, Public Health, Investigation, Case Studies, Laboratory Testing, Statistical Analysis, Research Methodologies, Statistics, Report Writing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
770 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Drug Development and Pharmacoepidemiology
Skills you'll gain: Medication Therapy Management, Drug Development, Clinical Trials, Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacotherapy, Pharmacology, Medical Prescription, Patient Education And Counseling, Clinical Research, Pre-Clinical Development, Patient Safety, Medical Devices, Statistical Analysis, Value-Based Care, Epidemiology, Utilization Management, Health Policy, Program Evaluation, Public Health, Data Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
95 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Immunology: The Immune System and its Failures
Skills you'll gain: Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Hematology, Physiology, Oncology, Microbiology, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Epidemiology, Internal Medicine, Chronic Diseases, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Geriatrics, Pathology, Pulmonology, Environment, Pharmacotherapy, Biology, Public Health, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
380 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Infectious Disease Modelling
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Mathematical Modeling, Statistical Modeling, Simulations, Risk Modeling, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, R Programming, Differential Equations, Data Modeling, Statistical Methods, Probability & Statistics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
296 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Searches related to epidemiology

epidemiology for public health

epidemiology: the basic science of public health

epidemiology in public health practice

global disease masterclass: communicable diseases epidemiology, intervention and prevention

clinical epidemiology

study designs in epidemiology

validity and bias in epidemiology

genetic epidemiology foundations

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular epidemiology courses

Epidemiology in Public Health Practice: Johns Hopkins University
Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Epidemiology for Public Health: Imperial College London
Biostatistics in Public Health: Johns Hopkins University
Study Designs in Epidemiology: Imperial College London
Clinical Epidemiology: Utrecht University
Epidemics - the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases: The Pennsylvania State University
Statistical Analysis with R for Public Health: Imperial College London
Outbreaks and Epidemics: Johns Hopkins University
Drug Development and Pharmacoepidemiology: Johns Hopkins University

Skills you can learn in Probability And Statistics

R Programming (19)

Inference (16)

Linear Regression (12)

Statistical Analysis (12)

Statistical Inference (11)

Regression Analysis (10)

Biostatistics (9)

Bayesian (7)

Logistic Regression (7)

Probability Distribution (7)

Bayesian Statistics (6)

Medical Statistics (6)

Frequently Asked Questions about Epidemiology

Yes. You can start learning epidemiology on Coursera for free in two ways:

Preview the first module of many epidemiology courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in epidemiology, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.