UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO

SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

COURSE SYLLABUS

DOCTORATE OF NURSING PRACTICE DEGREE

N7002 APPLIED EPIDEMIOLOGY

AND DATA ANALYSIS
4 CREDITS

CLASSROOM LOCATION:

Cowell Hall: 317

ON-CAMPUS MEETING SCHEDULE:

Saturday September 7, 8 am -12 pm

Saturday December 7, 8 am - 12 pm

Optional online Zoom sessions will be conducted on Tuesday evenings from 6 pm – 8 pm

starting on Tuesday September 10. Zoom sessions are recorded and posted.

INSTRUCTORS’ CONTACT INFORMATION

Course Instructors

ALEXA COLGROVE CURTIS PHD, MPH, FNP-BC

Contact Information
Office Telephone: (+1) 415-422-4073 (Please do not use this number as a primary contact or
leave a message on this phone)
Fax: (+1) 415-422-6877
Email: accurtis@usfca.edu (Please use email as the primary contact)

Emergency Contact
In the event of an emergency, contact Department Supervisor Stacy Simmons
Office Telephone: (+1) 415-422-4544
Email: snsimmons@usfca.edu
Office Hours and Locations
In-person and virtual (via Zoom) office hours will be held for this course.
ALEXA COLGROVE CURTIS PHD, MPH, FNP-BC
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS
COWELL HALL; ROOM 204
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117 USA

On Campus
Friday and Saturday DNP teaching weekends by appointment; Drop in hours are available are
available during DNP teaching weekends but availability may vary.

Online/Telephone
Monday and Thursday by appointment, please schedule via email.

Receiving email
Electronic messages will be responded to within 24-48 hours except on weekends and holidays
when response time will be within 48-72 hours. All responses will be sent to your UNIVERSITY
OF SAN FRANCISCO email address.

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Department Contact and Information

Graduate Nursing Department Chair

Dr. Mary Donnelley

mdonnelly@usfca.edu

Population Health Leadership DNP Director

Dr. Francine Serafin-Dickson

fjserafindickson@usfca.edu

Program Assistants
Emily Sklar
James Davis
sonhpgradnursingteam@usfca.edu
(+1) 415-422-4544

Course Description & Information

Course Title

APPLIED EPIDEMIOLOGY AND DATA ANALYSIS

Course Description

This course provides the DNP student with a foundation in concepts of epidemiology, statistical
methods and data analysis with a focus on the use of data in the development, implementation,
and evaluation of interventions to improve the health of individuals and populations. The
appropriate selection and interpretation of data analytic techniques for use in evidence-based
quality improvement projects is emphasized. Specific attention is given to epidemiological
techniques for assessing, comparing, and monitoring the health of populations.

Pre-requisites and Other Restrictions

Enrollment in the USF DNP Program

Program Learning Outcomes and Course Objectives

DNP Program Learning Outcomes

Completion of this course contributes to the DNP Program Learning Outcomes listed below:

• Combine knowledge in nursing, ethics, and the medical sciences to develop and
evaluate practices and models of patient care delivery

• Develop and evaluate effective strategies for managing ethical dilemmas present

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across the health care, technology, and research fields

• Use analytic methods to design, implement, and evaluate best-practice models for
patient care and care delivery

• Effectively develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based approaches to

advance the field and systems of health care delivery

• Demonstrate leadership in the development and implementation of institutional,

local, state, federal, and international health policy

• Advocate for social justice, equity, and ethical policies in health care

• Advance the effective use of health care information systems to ensure high-quality
outcomes

• Effectively lead quality improvement and patient safety initiatives

• Effectively communicate and collaborate with health care teams in developing and
implementing organizational and practice models, health policy, and standards of
care

• Analyze and synthesize various data related to patient health information

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of health in complex situations, incorporating

diverse approaches to design, implement, and evaluate interventions

• Analyze the relationship among practical, organizational, population, fiscal, and

policy issues to educate individuals and colleagues effectively

• Develop relationships and partnerships with patients and other professionals to

facilitate optimal patient care outcomes

• Advance the mission and core values of the University of San Francisco.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the student will:
Learning Objective 1 Explain the importance of epidemiology in identifying public health
problems and evidence-based interventions for improving the health of
populations.
Learning Objective 2 Correctly interpret statistical analyses used in current research
literature.

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 Learning Objective 3 Demonstrate the appropriate use of basic data analytic techniques and
power analysis.
Learning Objective 4 Critically evaluate research methodology including potential threats to
reliability and validity of both quantitative and qualitative evidence.

Learning Objective 5 Develop an appropriate data analysis plan for a population focused
quality or practice improvement project, that incorporates data
collection, management, and evaluation.

Learning Objective 6 Analyze epidemiological research methods and data analysis

techniques for assessing and monitoring the health of populations.

Use data analytic software (SPSS, Excel, Qualtrics) to collect primary

Learning Objective 7
data and identify appropriate secondary data sources to analyze the
health of populations

Required and Recommended Texts

Required Texts

Caron, R.M. (2017). Population health: Principles and applications for management. Chicago:
Health Administration Press.
This text is available as a ebook through the USF
library: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=nlebk&AN=18
38985&site=ehost-live&scope=site&custid=s3818721&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_C1

Polit, D.F. (2010). Statistics and data analysis for nursing research (2nd ed).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.

This text is available on reserve in the USF library.

Buying Textbooks
Please note that the USF Bookstore (http://www.bkstr.com/sanfranciscostore/home) has the most
complete and up-to-date information about your course textbooks. Be sure you are purchasing
the correct edition and receive all the materials you need. You can order textbooks directly at the
Textbooks & Course Materials page
(http://www.bkstr.com/sanfranciscostore/shop/books/textbooks-and-course-materials).

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Technological Requirements and Troubleshooting
Special Software/ Hardware
Our programs support all browsers but we recommend Firefox for both PC and MAC operating
systems.

Browser/Plugin/ Viewer Info

For the most current plugin/viewer information, go to Canvas Guides Browser page
(http://guides.instructure.com/s/2204/m/4214/l/41056-which-browsers-does-canvas-support).

Canvas and Technical Support

For questions about Canvas, please call: (+1) 415-422-6668 or email: canvas@usfca.edu.
For other Technical Support (24/7) please call: (+1) 415-422-6668 or email: itshelp@usfca.edu.

Course Access and Navigation

All course-related information is posted on the Canvas e-learning platform and can be accessed
through the MyUSF portal (https://myusf.usfca.edu).

Zoom
Zoom technology is used throughout the DNP degree program. Please review Getting Started
with Zoom available through https://myusf.usfca.edu/events/zoom

Other Required Materials

This course uses the Lynda.com online lecture series to augment the delivery of the content. To
access Lynda.com go to MyUSF and then to Learning Technologies. You will find the
Lynda.com icon on the Learning Technologies page.

You will need access to SPSS data analysis software for this course. You can rent the SPSS
Statistics 25 Base Gradpack for the semester (6 months subscription) from the USF Personal
Software Purchases link through MyUSF. SPSS is also available on the computers in the USF
computer lab.

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Assignment Description and Grading Criteria
Listed below are the assignments and the related point value and grading weight. All course
assignments must be completed to receive a passing grade in this course. See grading rubrics in
Canvas for grading specifics.
Percentage of
Assignments Point Value
Grade
LinkedIn Lectures 6 4%
Current Epidemiology Discussion Board 5 3%
NCIPH Training 4 3%
Qualtrics Exercise 10 7%
DNP Problem Statement 20 13%
DNP Project Data Plan 20 13%
Polit Exercises 45 30%
Comprehensive Final Exam 40 27 %
Total 150 100%

LinkedIn Lectures: You will be completing the LinkedIn online lectures Statistics Foundations
I-3 delivered by Eddie Davila. This lecture series will supplement and support your Polit reading
and data analysis exercises. Upload the certification of completion into the Canvas assignment
site. If you would like additional support learning SPSS, the LinkedIn lecture SPSS Statistics
Essential Training is recommended.

North Carolina Institute for Public Health Training (NCIPH): You will complete the
complete the NCIPH Reading the Epidemiologic Literature Units 1 & 2. Upload the
certificate of completion into Canvas. There are many additional trainings you can take
through this site if you are interested.

Polit Exercises: You will be completing the B exercises number 1-5 at the end of chapters 1-9 in
Polit. These exercises will lead you through univariate and bivariate data analysis using SPSS.
The Polit text provides you with data files to use in the completion of these exercises. The data
sets for the exercises are loaded into your Canvas module. You may consult with your colleagues
as necessary however must produce your answer sheets independently. You must include all
SPSS output tables in your answers.

Current Epidemiology: This discussion board assignment provides students with a venue to
discuss current issues and events of epidemiological interest. Active, scholarly, participation in
the discussion board is expected to receive credit for this assignment.

Qualtrics Assignment: In this assignment, you will experience using Qualtrics to collect and
analyze quantitative and qualitative data. You will construct and administer a Qualtrics survey
among your class colleagues, peers and instructor. You must include a statement in your survey
that this data collection is a class assignment and not a research project. Do not distribute your

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survey beyond your academic and social network because to do so would require IRB approval.
You will analyze the data and upload a copy of the responses you obtained and your analysis to
the Canvas assignment site. The Qualtrics software is available to you through MyUSF, Learning
Technologies.

DNP Problem Statement: You will develop a data-based DNP problem statement based on the
available epidemiologic surveillance data. In this problem statement you will discuss prevalence,
disparities and determinants of your topic of interest. This problem statement will be written as if
it was to be included in your DNP project manuscript. The problem statement will be 3-5 pages
in length using APA formatting including appropriate references. You must receive and submit
peer review based on the assignment evaluation rubric prior to submitting this assignment.

Data Analysis Plan: You will present a data analysis plan for a proposed DNP project including
proposed outcome measurement variables, data collection methods, and a statistical analysis
plan. The data analysis plan will be presented via voiceover powerpoint uploaded onto the
Canvas discussion board. Substantive discussion board peer feedback to a minimum of one
course colleague is required to obtain credit for this assignment.

Comprehensive Final Exam: The comprehensive final exam will cover the essential concepts
reviewed in this course. This exam is delivered online. You may use all your resources to
complete this exam however it must be completed independently. Evidence of collaboration on
the exam will result in a score of 0.

Grading Scale

Note that a minimum acceptable grade of B- is required for all courses in the School of Nursing
and Health Professions graduate programs.
Percentage
(%) Score 100 99-92 91-90 89-88 87-82 81-80 79-78 77-75 74-70 69-0

Grade A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- F

Course Policies
Submission Deadlines
All submissions and discussion posts are due no later than 11:59 P.M. (Pacific Standard Time) of
the due date, unless otherwise noted.

Written Assignments
All formal written assignments are expected to follow APA style guidelines.

Make-up & Late Work

A one-point deduction will be taken for each day after the assignment due date. Data analysis
exercises will not be accepted after the assignments have been graded and the answer sheets have
been posted.

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Extra Credit
There are no opportunities for extra credit in this course.

Class Preparation & Participation

Attendance
On-campus participation is expected for the two on campus class meetings. Zoom accessibility
for on-campus meetings will be offered for students with unexpected extenuating circumstances
only. All Zoom sessions will be recorded for asynchronous viewing as desired. Point deductions
may be taken for unexcused synchronous absences. It is expected that learners will have studied
the assigned material, utilized the discussion boards and on-line working rooms to review
essential concepts prior to the synchronous session meetings.
Optional online Zoom sessions will be provided on Tuesday evenings throughout the semester in
order to support learners in the completion of the course assignments. Zoom sessions will be
recorded and posted for review as needed.

Time Commitment

As a student in this course, you need to allocate sufficient time to access course materials, read
assigned readings, participate in classes and discussions, and complete all assignments. You
should expect to commit a minimum of 12 hours per week to the completion of the requirements
for this 4-credit course.

Incomplete Grades

A grade of “incomplete” is offered only in cases of unforeseen circumstances outside of the

student’s control that prevents the completion of the course objectives after the majority of the
course work has been completed. The student must complete an incomplete contract.
“Incomplete” grades must be cleared within one academic semester or they will automatically
convert to a failing grade.

Netiquette
When communicating online, please remember that others cannot hear your voice or see your
face. Please keep the following behaviors in mind:
• Be respectful of other participants, their time (be brief), their bandwidth (few
attachments/signatures), and their opinions
• Avoid using all caps, may be read as SHOUTING
• Keep your comments constructive
• Keep subject lines clear
• Spelling and grammar do count; proofread your writing
• Be coherent and succinct
• Acronyms may not be understood: “aok”
• Check the most recent comment/email before replying to an earlier one

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USF Policies
Academic Concerns
Concern about academic issues should first be raised with your faculty. If dissatisfied, you
should first contact the Program Director and then, the Associate Dean of the School or College.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity goes beyond cheating and plagiarism. In order to foster an environment of
fairness, the University commits to the standards of academic behavior listed in the Honor Code
found at the Honor Code page (http://myusf.usfca.edu/academic-integrity/honor-code) under the
Academic Integrity website (http://myusf.usfca.edu/academic-integrity).

Course Grade Appeal

Information about the grade appeal process can be found at the Appeals Process for Change of
Course Grade page (https://www.usfca.edu/catalog/policies/appeal-process-change-of-course-
grade).

Online Conduct
Policies related to the acceptable use of USF technology may be found at ITS Student Quickstart
Guide (https://myusf.usfca.edu/its/student-quick-start-guide).

Student Conduct
As members of the USF community, all students are expected to be honest, demonstrate respect
for self, others, the law, and University policies and procedures. The University has set forth
policies and procedures to foster an academic learning environment while protecting the
fundamental rights of the campus community. These policies and procedures can be found at the
Fogcutter Student Handbook Student Conduct page
(http://www.usfca.edu/fogcutter/studentconduct/).
Open discussion and disagreement are acceptable when done respectfully and in the spirit of
academic discourse. There are a variety of behaviors that, while not against a specific University
policy, may create disruption in a class. Students whose behavior is disruptive or who fail to
comply with the instructor may be dismissed from the class for the remainder of the class period
and may need to meet with the instructor or Dean prior to returning to the next class period. If
necessary, referrals may also be made to the Student Conduct process for violations of the
Student Conduct Code.

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability or disabling condition, or if you think you may have a
disability, please contact USF Student Disability Services (SDS) (https://www.usfca.edu/student-
disability-services) at 415 422-2613 within the first week of class, or immediately upon onset of
disability, to speak with a disability specialist. If you are determined eligible for reasonable
accommodations, please meet with your disability specialist so they can arrange to have your
accommodation letter sent to me, and we will discuss your needs for this course. For more
information, please visit www.usfca.edu/sds or call (415) 422-2613.

Title IX
The University of San Francisco seeks to provide an environment that is free of bias,
discrimination, and harassment, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender-

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based harassment. To report any incident that concerns you or that requires intervention please
visit the Title IX page (https://myusf.usfca.edu/red-folder/title-ix).
Generally, if a student is concerned about the well being of another fellow student, the student
may approach a faculty member with the concern(s) and ask for his/her assistance or the student
may call the Office of the Dean of Students to report the concern(s) 415-422-5330. If an
emergency exists, a student may call the USF Office of Public Safety at 415-422-2911, or dial
911 at the branch campuses.

Tutoring Information
Online students can receive tutoring through the Learning and Writing Center. Writing
consultants will work with you either through Skype or over the telephone. You can contact the
Learning and Writing Center (https://www.usfca.edu/student-life/learning-writing-center) at
learning@usfca.edu or by telephone at (415) 422-6713.

Withdrawal from Class

Please review standard USF deadlines for withdrawing from courses
(http://www.usfca.edu/catalog/regulations/general/).

Additional Resources
Dean’s Office

Margaret W. Baker, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA

Dean and Professor
mwbaker@usfca.edu

University Ministry
Julia Dowd
Director
Telephone Number: (415) 422-4463
Email: dowd@usfca.edu

Student Services
One Stop
Telephone: (415) 422-2020
Website: http://myusf.usfca.edu/onestop

Financial Aid
Telephone: (415) 422-2020
Webpage: http://myusf.usfca.edu/onestop/financial-aid

Registrar’s Office
Telephone: (415) 422-2020
Webpage: http://myusf.usfca.edu/onestop/registration

Student Disability Services

Telephone: (415) 422-2613

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 Webpage: https://www.usfca.edu/student-disability-services

Advising Center
Telephone: (415) 422-6373
Webpage: https://www.usfca.edu/academics/resources/academic-advising

Learning & Writing Center

Telephone: (415) 422-6713
Webpage: https://www.usfca.edu/student-life/learning-writing-center

Peer Tutoring
Telephone: (415) 422-6713
Webpage: https://www.usfca.edu/lwc/writing-center-services/peer-tutoring

Career Services Center

Telephone: (415) 422-6216
Webpage: https://www.usfca.edu/student-life/career-services-center

Counseling and Psychological Services Center

Telephone: (415) 422-6352
Webpage: https://www.usfca.edu/counseling-psychological-services

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 COURSE SCHEDULE
The course schedule is organized by week starting on Saturday to align with the DNP teaching
schedule. Assignments are all due on Mondays at 11:59 except the final exam

DATE/Module TOPICS READING/ASSIGNMENTS

August 24 Welcome!! Review the Syllabus
Syllabus review Introductions Discussion
Introductions Board
Caron Section 1: Chapters 1-7
August 31 Current considerations in Caron Section 2: Chapters 8-
epidemiology 11
Current epidemiology
discussion board post

September 7 Principles of Epidemiology Caron Section 3: Chapters 12-

On-campus meeting Epidemiologic Research 14
Design Big Data Module
Data and the DNP Polit Chapter 1
NCIPH Training

September 14 Frequency Distribution: Polit Chapter 2

Tabulating and Displaying
Data
September 21 Central Tendency, Polit Chapter 3
Variability and Relative LinkedIn Statistics
standing Foundations 1

September 28 Bivariate Description: Polit Chapter 4

Correlation, Cross-tabulation DNP Problem Statement
and Risk Indexes

October 5 Statistical Inference Polit Chapter 5

October 12 T Tests: Testing Two Mean Polit Chapter 6

Differences LinkedIn Statistics
Foundations 2

October 19 Analysis of Variance Polit Chapter 7

October 26 Chi-square and Polit Chapter 8

Nonparametric tests

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November 2 Correlation and Simple Polit Chapter 9
Regression LinkedIn Statistics
Foundations 3

November 9 Introduction to Qualtrics Qualitative Data Analysis

Qualitative Data Analysis Module Readings
Qualtrics Module

November 16 Data Collection Module Activities

November 23 Thanksgiving Weekend Celebrate!

November 30 DNP Data Analysis Plan Module Activities

December 7 Wrapping up Final Exam

On-campus meeting

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