Biochemistry & Metabolomics

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is a quantitative discipline built on a working knowledge of probability, statistics, and sound research methods. It is a method of causal reasoning based on developing and testing hypotheses pertaining to occurrence and prevention of morbidity and mortality; and also a tool for public health action to promote and protect the public's health based on science, causal reasoning, and a dose of practical common sense. Originally, epidemiology was concerned with epidemics of communicable diseases. The discipline was extended to endemic communicable diseases and non-communicable infectious diseases. Modern epidemiology has been applied to chronic diseases, injuries, birth defects, maternal-child health, occupational health, and environmental health. Now, even behaviors related to health and well-being (amount of exercise, seat-belt use, etc.) are recognized as valid subjects for applying epidemiologic methods.