This course will take place at the MRC Unit in The Gambia at LSHTM.

Epidemiological research is an important tool to assess health effects in populations and can be used to optimise disease surveillance, facilitate outbreak investigation and provide vital evidence for the evaluation of changes in health policy. This is a concentrated three-week course which will take students through from the basic principles of epidemiology up to the application of statistical methods, such as logistic regression using Stata software.  

During the three weeks, students will learn about the design and interpretation of epidemiological studies and the statistical methods that underpin many of the founding principles. At the end of the three weeks, students will understand the common pitfalls associated with study design, be able to choose the most appropriate analytical methods to verify stated hypotheses and feel confident to undertake basic statistical analysis using Stata software.
Much of the content corresponds to that which is taught during the internationally renowned MSc Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). 

This course has been run in London since the 1980s, and for the first time in 2019 was successfully held at the MRC Unit in The Gambia at LSHTM  (MRCG at LSHTM). For more than 75 years, the MRCG at LSHTM has been a centre of research excellence in West Africa, and has developed and maintained an international reputation for ground-breaking research into leading causes of morbidity and mortality, clinical trials, diseases, and more.

The course will include lectures from experienced teachers from both London and The Gambia, with long-term practice in epidemiology and/or medical statistics in high, middle- and low-income countries. Each lecture will be accompanied by a practical session in which the concepts taught in the lecture will be applied to practical exercises, some computer-based and others in small group discussions.

Who should apply?

The course is relevant to clinicians, non-clinicians, and other graduates who work in ministries of health, non-governmental organisations, universities, medical research units, and other health services. No previous formal training in epidemiology or statistics is required. The course is very intensive and a good command of the English language is essential. Those who are already confident in the methods taught in the course may prefer to consider the Advanced Course in Epidemiological Analysis that runs in London in September. 

Course fee

The fee includes all teaching and practical materials (in electronic and paper format), temporary Stata license, use of computer equipment, vouchers for daily lunch and refreshments, welcome and farewell buffet and drinks and social outings to discover The Gambia (aka “The Smiling Coast”). Childcare is available upon request. The fee excludes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, flights, visas, and local transport.

Studying at the MRC Unit in Fajara

The Unit offers a wide range of services including comfortable accommodation, inexpensive food options (including vegetarian), on-site clinical services, 24/7 WIFI and 24/7 electricity, on-site daily sports activities on site, nearby pool/gym, tennis options etc.

Last but not least, the beach is situated just 200m away from the campus. Previously, the course organised several evening sessions such as “Meet the Professors” where students could discuss their research projects individually with selected lecturers while enjoying the sunset.