With support from the UBC OER Fund Implementation Grant and the UBC School of Population and Public Health, Dr. Ehsan Karim, an ATM Member, has authored Epi-OER, an Open Educational Resource (OER) for Advanced Epidemiological Methods.
Published in April 2024, Epi-OER is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in epidemiology. This free initiative is available online and can also be downloaded as PDFs for versatile format options. Users can self-pace their learning while exploring the 14 comprehensive modules, which include an introductory module about R, nine core learning modules, and four bonus modules. Each module provides an overview, summary concepts, tutorials, summaries of R functions, chapter-specific quizzes, web-embedded apps, and practical exercises, creating a well-designed collection that makes advanced statistics accessible even for novices in epidemiological studies.
In March 2024, Dr. Karim and the Epi-OER team presented the project as an OER Virtual Poster Session.
The project not only eliminates many barriers for those in diverse disciplines to understand epidemiological data but also equips them with the tools to access and utilize such data, thereby reducing the need for outsourcing. The ATM Community is encouraged to use and share Epi-OER and applauds Dr. Karim, an Assistant Professor at the UBC School of Population and Public Health, for his contributions to this resource.
“The ‘Advanced Epidemiological Methods’ project embodies our commitment to demystify complex epidemiological techniques and make them accessible to a broader audience. My experiences in academic and practical epidemiology highlighted the urgent need for tools that not only teach theoretical concepts but also empower users to apply these methods in real-world settings. This initiative aims to transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills, ultimately enhancing public health research and decision-making globally.”
– Dr. Karim