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Epidemiology for Public Health Practice: .
Epidemiologic speculations and research findings increasingly blaze across media headlines and heighten anxiety among the public. Understanding the foundations of such news can be daunting. Now in its third edition, Epidemiology for Public Health Practice has become a favorite textbook for undergraduate and graduate students new to epidemiology by providing a comprehensive look at all major topics, from study designs and descriptive epidemiology, to quantitative measures and terminology. Distinguishing itself from other texts with its accessible writing style and immediacy of information presented, the Third Edition has been extensively revised, with updated data and statistics essential to understanding the importance of epidemiology to public health.
640 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 1996
47 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 8, 2014
Epidemiology is a delightful melding of microbiology, public health and math.
April 16, 2010
it was kinda hard but i liked it :)
April 7, 2016
Didn't care for this one. Spent a lot of time in the library and online looking up things that should have been in the book. Best recommendation is to buy the latest edition.
May 27, 2025
Masters class: Epidemiology
This book had a lot of good information but was terribly put together.
It was constantly referring to equations and theories that hadn’t been discussed yet in the text. Even the chapter questions made you jump ahead to other chapters to gain a true understanding.
I learned a lot, but only because I took the time to bounce all over the place.
This book had a lot of good information but was terribly put together.
It was constantly referring to equations and theories that hadn’t been discussed yet in the text. Even the chapter questions made you jump ahead to other chapters to gain a true understanding.
I learned a lot, but only because I took the time to bounce all over the place.
December 13, 2018
Well, it's a textbook.
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August 21, 2020Excellent book to study and understand public health careers. I appreciated all of the insights into research and disease incidence, prevalence, and intervention.
April 25, 2025
Taught me a lot about epidemiology
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December 27, 2024In recent years, the escalating media attention on epidemiology has thrust the subject into the public spotlight, often eliciting a mix of curiosity and anxiety among the general population. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, has left many grappling with unfamiliar terms and complex concepts, underscoring the importance of accessible resources in understanding epidemiological news. In this context, Epidemiology for Public Health Practice by Robert H. Friis and Thomas A. Sellers serves as a timely, albeit imperfect, touchpoint for both undergraduate and graduate students who seek to navigate the intricate world of public health.
As we delve into the third edition of this textbook, it becomes evident that the authors have made a commendable effort to address current issues in public health. This edition boasts updated data and statistics that reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of epidemiology. For students who are just starting their journey into this field, the book covers major topics such as study designs and quantitative measures, providing a solid foundation for understanding how epidemiological research informs public health decisions.
Despite these strengths, it's essential to acknowledge some shortcomings that accompany this text. While the writing style is indeed accessible, making complex subjects more digestible for students, the challenge remains that understanding epidemiological news is far from straightforward for the general public. Even with simplified explanations, the nuances of epidemiology can be lost on those who have not had formal training, potentially leading to misinterpretations or heightened anxiety over public health issues.
One of the notable features of Epidemiology for Public Health Practice is its organization. Information is presented in a manner that is immediate, which is beneficial for students who may be overwhelmed by the volume of new information. However, the structured approach often glosses over the critical depth required for a more profound understanding of the subject. While students may appreciate the directness of the presentation, those seeking a comprehensive grasp of epidemiological concepts may find themselves wanting more.
As the third edition aims to cater to current educational needs, it also reflects the growing demand for such texts among students. The popularity of this book in academic circles is evident, as it serves as a fundamental resource in many public health programs. However, the question arises regarding whether this popularity is a true reflection of its effectiveness or a product of limited options in the market.
In an era where the public consumes epidemiological data at an unprecedented rate, the responsibility of textbooks like Friis and Sellers' extends beyond the academic realm. They must equip students not only with knowledge but also with the critical thinking skills necessary to interpret data and understand its implications in real-world scenarios. While Epidemiology for Public Health Practice lays the groundwork, it requires a more robust framework that encourages deeper analytical thinking.
Furthermore, the authors could benefit from incorporating real-world case studies or examples that illustrate the application of epidemiological principles within the context of current events. Such inclusions would not only enhance the learning experience but also bridge the gap between theory and practice, aiding students in making sense of epidemiological news—a critical skill in today’s information-heavy landscape.
In conclusion, Epidemiology for Public Health Practice serves as a valuable resource for introductory understanding but falls short of delivering a comprehensive educational experience. With its accessible writing style and structured content, it certainly caters to the needs of undergraduate and graduate students. However, given the increasing public anxiety surrounding health news and the complexity inherent in epidemiological data, the textbook may require further iterations to fully meet the demands of its audience. For those looking for a starting point in the field, this book is a decent choice, but it should be supplemented with broader research and a more critical lens to grasp the intricacies of public health effectively. Hence, I would rate this textbook a solid three stars.
As we delve into the third edition of this textbook, it becomes evident that the authors have made a commendable effort to address current issues in public health. This edition boasts updated data and statistics that reflect the rapidly evolving landscape of epidemiology. For students who are just starting their journey into this field, the book covers major topics such as study designs and quantitative measures, providing a solid foundation for understanding how epidemiological research informs public health decisions.
Despite these strengths, it's essential to acknowledge some shortcomings that accompany this text. While the writing style is indeed accessible, making complex subjects more digestible for students, the challenge remains that understanding epidemiological news is far from straightforward for the general public. Even with simplified explanations, the nuances of epidemiology can be lost on those who have not had formal training, potentially leading to misinterpretations or heightened anxiety over public health issues.
One of the notable features of Epidemiology for Public Health Practice is its organization. Information is presented in a manner that is immediate, which is beneficial for students who may be overwhelmed by the volume of new information. However, the structured approach often glosses over the critical depth required for a more profound understanding of the subject. While students may appreciate the directness of the presentation, those seeking a comprehensive grasp of epidemiological concepts may find themselves wanting more.
As the third edition aims to cater to current educational needs, it also reflects the growing demand for such texts among students. The popularity of this book in academic circles is evident, as it serves as a fundamental resource in many public health programs. However, the question arises regarding whether this popularity is a true reflection of its effectiveness or a product of limited options in the market.
In an era where the public consumes epidemiological data at an unprecedented rate, the responsibility of textbooks like Friis and Sellers' extends beyond the academic realm. They must equip students not only with knowledge but also with the critical thinking skills necessary to interpret data and understand its implications in real-world scenarios. While Epidemiology for Public Health Practice lays the groundwork, it requires a more robust framework that encourages deeper analytical thinking.
Furthermore, the authors could benefit from incorporating real-world case studies or examples that illustrate the application of epidemiological principles within the context of current events. Such inclusions would not only enhance the learning experience but also bridge the gap between theory and practice, aiding students in making sense of epidemiological news—a critical skill in today’s information-heavy landscape.
In conclusion, Epidemiology for Public Health Practice serves as a valuable resource for introductory understanding but falls short of delivering a comprehensive educational experience. With its accessible writing style and structured content, it certainly caters to the needs of undergraduate and graduate students. However, given the increasing public anxiety surrounding health news and the complexity inherent in epidemiological data, the textbook may require further iterations to fully meet the demands of its audience. For those looking for a starting point in the field, this book is a decent choice, but it should be supplemented with broader research and a more critical lens to grasp the intricacies of public health effectively. Hence, I would rate this textbook a solid three stars.
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August 28, 2015Good, standard read for Epidemiology overview.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews