This book is the successor to the textbook “Lessons on Epidemiology” (in
Vietnamese) that has been in use at the Medical University of Thaı´ Bı`nh since
1990. After a critical analysis of these “lessons” we wrote a completely new text.
It is meant for adoption in the first courses on epidemiology in Medical Schools
and Faculties of Public Health in developing and transition countries and in workshops
in these countries, taught, for example, by members of international organizations.
It is also suitable for parallel or second reading within curricula in
developed countries and for teaching epidemiology in a Master’s programme on
“International Health”. The book will enable any lecturer to compose his or her
introductory courses on epidemiology by selecting the material deemed appropriate.
It will provide a solid foundation for more advanced teaching.
Hence, the intended readership consists, in the first place, of general medical
students; students following the programme “Preventive Physician” that runs parallel
to general medical studies in some countries; students starting to specialize in
Public Health; and lecturers in epidemiology. The book can also serve well as an
introduction to epidemiology for anybody else interested in this field; for example,
staff of health institutions and students and lecturers of international development