Course description
The course will give an introduction to advanced methods and techniques aimed at reducing bias and exploring causal relationships in modern epidemiology. It will introduce the concept of the counterfactual approach for interpreting causality. Students will be taught techniques based on this approach to investigate mediating factors that contribute to causal relationships. Additionally, students will learn about Inverse-Probability-Weighting and G-computation as a means to reduce bias caused by confounding or selection. This technique offers several advantages compared to conventional methods that aim to control for systematic bias. The students will gain an understanding of the importance of assessing interactions on both a multiplicative and additive scale and will be introduced to techniques to assess interactions on each scale. Finally, the course will delve into methodologies for quantifying systematic error, such as introducing E- and G-Values. These tools are valuable for evaluating the robustness of associations against potential unmeasured or uncontrolled confounding.
The course targets PhD students who are familiar with and experienced in basic and conventional epidemiological methods and want to advance their toolboxes by getting introduced to methods in modern epidemiology.
Intended learning outcomes
Gain advanced knowledge and skills in reducing bias and exploring causal relationships in epidemiological studies, including the application of the counterfactual approach and techniques for investigating mediating factors, interactions on both multiplicative and additive scales, time varying factors and performing quantitative bias analyses.
Teaching methods
The teaching approach will involve a combination of lectures and practical exercises, including hands-on exercises using Stata or R, depending on your preference.
Course fee
The course is free of charge for PhD students enrolled in Universities that have joined the "Open market agreement"
For all other participants the course fee is:
DKK 3000
EURO 402