About this Course

Do a lot of people in your neighborhood all seem to have the same sickness? Are people concerned about high rates of cancer? Your community may want to explore the possibility of a disease cluster, which happens when there is a higher number of cases of disease than expected.
When communities hear about cases of disease in their neighborhood, they are rightfully concerned. However, the results of investigations by the health department often find no evidence of a cluster.
 
This course will help you understand what a disease cluster is and how it is studied.  The goal is to empower community (or citizen) scientists, and to help build better relationships between communities and health officials.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

No specific background required!

Approx. 7 hours to complete

English

What you will learn

Explain how disease is studied.
Describe what happens during a disease cluster investigation.
Assess the two main parameters of a disease cluster investigation: time and space.
Explain challenges in studying disease clusters, including why they often yield inconclusive results.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

No specific background required!

Approx. 7 hours to complete

English

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.88/5 (63 Ratings)

Dr. Megan Weil Latshaw, PhD

Director of the Masters Programs in Environmental Health

Bloomberg School of Public Health

77,338 Learners

2 Courses

Dr. Ellen Silbergeld

Professor

Environmental Health and Engineering

14,456 Learners

1 Course

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

1

Week 1

1 hour to complete

Introduction and What is Disease?

1 hour to complete

3 videos (Total 43 min)

Week

2

Week 2

1 hour to complete

How is Disease Studied

1 hour to complete

4 videos (Total 50 min)

Week

3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Approaches to Possible Clusters

2 hours to complete

3 videos (Total 38 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz

Week

4

Week 4

1 hour to complete

Why Are These Investigations Often Unsuccessful? (Suzanne Condon)

1 hour to complete

4 videos (Total 39 min)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I preview a course before enrolling?
Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
What will I get when I enroll?
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
When will I receive my Course Certificate?
If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Course Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Course Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Why can’t I audit this course?
This course is one of a few offered on Coursera that are currently available only to learners who have paid or received financial aid, when available.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Disease Clusters