Swiss TPH

12 - 23 July 2010 at Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute.

A course for researchers dealing with spatial data in epidemiology and public health.

Aims of the course
This 2-weeks course will provide a comprehensive introduction to Bayesian spatial modeling in public health and epidemiology. Participants will be introduced to the basics of Bayesian modeling and computation and they will learn how to model areal and geostatistical data for identifying significant covariates and for geographical prediction and mapping of a range of health-related outcomes.

Participants will be also introduced in Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in order to extract environmental predictors from satellite sources, process satellite data and map raw data as well as model-based predictions. The course will involve theory and computer practical exercises in R, Winbugs, IDRISI, and OpenGIS.

Structure
The course includes lectures in statistical modelling from the classical and Bayesian viewpoint, Bayesian spatial modelling, Bayesian computation and inferences including Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation methods, Lectures will be accompanied by practical exercises in Stata and Winbugs. In addition participants will get basic knowledge on GIS and Remote Sensing to allow them extract, process and display geo-reference information. Towards the end of the course the participants will be divided in small groups and work on data analysis projects that cover all topics included in the course.

Course coordinator: Penelope Vounatsou, PhD

Evaluation and Certification
A question test at the end will be used to assess the individual performance of the participants. Certificates confirming successful completion and/or attendance will be issued.

Students will accumulate in total 3 ECTS credit point after successful completion.
   

Course fee
The total course fee is CHF 2’000.- and must be paid 4 weeks before the start of the course. This sum includes the registration fee (CHF 100.-) which is due at the moment of acceptance. In case of not attending, this registration fee will not be reimbursed; if cancellation of attendance is less than 4 weeks before beginning of the course an additional fee of CHF 500.– will be charged.