This course covers conceptual, design, and methodological issues related to research using observational methods. Prerequisites include an understanding of basic research design and statistics including regression techniques. Knowledge and experience with clinical patient care as well as familiarity with existing data sources are an asset but are not prerequisites for the course. The format of the course includes lectures, group discussions, and class presentations along with individual feedback and mentoring sessions with the instructors. The 12-session course is divided into three different blocks. The first four sessions will deal with conceptual and theoretical issues related to causality and bias in observational research. The next three sessions will deal with design issues in observational research. The final five sessions will address specific methodological topics in observational research.

Objectives: 1) To provide the students with an overview of current conceptual and theoretical issues related to causality and bias in observational research. Performance expectation: at the end of the course the students should understand theories of causality and be able to apply those theories and ideas to their research. 2) To provide the students with an overview of the design options for observational research. Performance expectation: at the end of the course the students will understand the available design options and be able to assess observational study designs and to conduct research using different designs. 3) To provide students with an overview of current topics in key methods used in observational research. Performance expectation: at the end of the course the students will understand different methods that can be used in observational research and will be able to assess the methods used in observational research and conduct research using different methods.