-: Welcome to module two.
This module is typical of the next few modules.
We'll build on material like epi study designs
by incorporating more advanced concepts
than what you learned in Epi 1.
We'll explore methods like matching
and how to control for age as a confounding variable.
Don't wait to get started on this content.
You have your first chapter from the text to read
and you'll realize that those chapters are pretty long.
One comment on the text, it's a pretty dry and dense book.
However, it currently is the best
and only intermediate Epi 2 book on the market.
The public health program feels that the material is solid
and informative and continues to review the market
for a more engaging option.
The lectures are a summary of the book chapters
but don't hit on every detail,
so the readings are important
as a supplemental source of information.
I will say that if you find the information
in the book to be especially dense or confusing,
really do think about it as a supplemental resource rather
than worrying too much about absorbing all of the details.
There is also an SPSS lab associated with this module
which I'd encourage you to get a headstart on.
Within the lab folder there is some supplemental material
if you need any additional SPSS support or a refresher
as you dive in.
I'd encourage you to work together on the labs as well
as to ask lab related questions using the help forum tag
in Yellowdig.
You can feel free to either answer each other's questions
directly in Yellowdig or feel free to tag me
in a post if you'd like me to weigh in.
I'll talk to you next week.