Title:	Outbreak Investigation in a limited resource setting
Keywords:	Outbreaks Epidemiology Communicable diseases Public Health Zoonotic diseases
Country:	Indonesia
Institution:	Indonesia - Post Graduate Programme, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta
Course coordinator:	Citra Indriani
Date start:	2026-08-09
Date end:	2026-09-10
About duration and dates:	The application deadline is 8 weeks before the first face-to-face course day. Pre-reading materials will be distributed 1 week before course commencement. The course is delivered over 5 weeks
Classification:	advanced optional
Mode of delivery:	Blended-learning
Course location: Public Health Postgraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, UGM, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
ECTS credit points:	4 ECTS credits
SIT: Online / Pre-course: Self-directed study = 7 × 4 hours = 28 hours Pre-test/ quiz = 1 × 1 hour = 1 hour Pre-reading (before departure) = 5 hours Face-to-face (lectures & tutorials): In-class lectures = 7 × 2 hours = 14 hours Tutorial sessions = 3 × 4 hours = 12 hours Outbreak investigation roleplay = 2 × 6 hours = 12 hours Face-to-face (assessment): Group presentation & discussion = 2 × 2 hours = 4 hours Final exam = 1 × 2 hours = 2 hours Individual report writing = 16 hours TOTAL = 94 hours
Language:	English
Description: At the end of the module, the student should be able to: 1. Describe a systematic hypothetical outbreak investigation by applying the standard steps: detecting a possible outbreak, verifying diagnosis, establishing a case definition, describing cases by time, place, and person, and formulating hypotheses about source and transmission — in foodborne, waterborne, vector-borne, and zoonotic disease contexts in limited-resource settings. 2. Analyze epidemiological data from an outbreak — including epidemic curves, attack rates, and case fatality rates — to characterize the outbreak and identify populations at risk. 3. Design a follow-up epidemiological study and develop a study protocol to evaluate and refine hypotheses regarding the source, mode of transmission, and risk factors of an outbreak. 4. Recommend feasible evidence-based control strategies to interrupt transmission and protect at-risk populations; 5. Develop an evidence-based risk communication plan for an outbreak that includes clear messages, appropriate communication channels, and strategies to address misinformation. 6. Develop a structured written and oral presentation report to communicate findings of an outbreak investigation target group public and policy makers)
Assessment Procedures: Assessment components and weights: A. Pre-test and in-class activity | Weight: 20% Pre-test (1 hour, closed book, multiple choice and short answer): administered online via Moodle upon enrolment to assess baseline preparation (10%). In-class activity is assessed by facilitator observation of participation quality across all sessions (10%). A minimum of 75% attendance is required to sit the final exam. Students who meet the attendance threshold are graded on the quality of their in-session contributions, engagement with tutorial exercises, and peer collaboration. B. Group Presentation and Individual Written Assignment | Weight: 40% Group presentation (15 minutes per group + 15 minutes discussion): each group presents findings from their chosen local outbreak case study. Students are graded individually based on their personal contribution and ability to respond to questions during the 15-minute Q&A using a rubric (20%). Individual written assignment: each student submits a case study report (1,500–2,000 words) based on an outbreak from their local context. The report must cover case definition, descriptive epidemiology, hypothesis, and control recommendations. Due 1 week after the final course day. Written feedback on the assignment will be provided within 2 weeks of submission (20%). C. Final Exam | Weight: 40% 2-hour closed-book written exam using essay questions and case-based scenarios. Students answer 3 of 5 questions covering all major learning objectives. The exam tests analytical reasoning and application of outbreak investigation steps, not memorization. Passing Standard and Resit Policy Students must achieve a minimum overall score of 50% (Grade D or above) to pass the course. Students who receive a Grade E (overall score below 50%) will be deemed to have failed the course and must re-enrol and retake the course when it is next offered. There is no supplementary examination or resubmission opportunity for students receiving a failing grade. Resubmission of individual assessment components is not permitted unless otherwise approved under University regulations for exceptional circumstances. Feedback mechanism: Written feedback is provided on group reports within 2 weeks of submission. Verbal feedback is given during tutorial sessions and at the final exam debrief. Individual exam feedback is available upon request. Academic integrity (online assessment): The pre-test/individual assignment is completed online via LMS. It is designed as a baseline diagnostic — students are not expected to have mastered the content, so the incentive to misrepresent personal work is low. Students complete the assignment individually and must submit a declaration of originality. The course coordinator may request an oral follow-up if academic integrity is in question. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools Students should declare in writing the use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude) to support learning activities such as brainstorming, literature searching, language editing, and data analysis. However, all submitted work must reflect the student's own understanding, critical thinking, and academic judgement. Students are responsible for verifying the accuracy of any AI-generated content and must acknowledge any substantial use of AI in their assignments. AI-generated content may not be submitted as original work without critical review and revision. During presentations and oral examinations, students must be able to explain and defend all aspects of their work independently. Failure to disclose substantial AI use or misuse of AI may be considered a breach of academic integrity and will be managed according to University regulations. Students should also refer to the official UGM Guidelines on the Ethical Use of Generative AI in Higher Education for further guidance on responsible, transparent, and ethical use of AI in academic activities. Grade scale: A = 85-100% B = 65-84% C = 50 - 64% D = 40 - 49% E = < 40% Assessment example in annex 1: Attachment is a summary of the assignment, assessment rubric, and example exam questions
Content: 1. Steps of outbreak investigation (CDC 10-step framework) 2. Developing a case definition and strategies for case finding 3. Descriptive epidemiology and hypothesis generation 4. Designing and conducting follow-up studies: environmental and epidemiological 5. Data analysis and interpretation 6. Principles of control measures during communicable disease outbreaks 7. Risk communication during outbreak investigation 8. Tutorial 1: Foodborne outbreak 9. Tutorial 2: Zoonosis outbreak 10. Tutorial 3: Vector-borne disease 11. Role-play on outbreak investigation — Foodborne outbreak 12. Role-play on outbreak investigation — Zoonosis/vector-borne 13. Recap and course debrief
Methods: Students receive course materials via Moodle at least seven days before the course begins and are expected to complete approximately five hours of self-directed pre-reading. Upon enrolment, students also complete a one-hour online pre-test to assess their baseline knowledge and preparedness for the course. During the two-week face-to-face component, learning progresses through three interconnected stages. First, in-class lectures introduce the key concepts, principles, and frameworks of outbreak investigation. Second, tutorial sessions provide opportunities for students to apply these concepts to disease-specific case studies, including foodborne, zoonotic, and vector-borne outbreaks. Third, students participate in a role-play simulation that integrates the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course. The role-play will follow a scenario-driven simulation format, similar to WHO's GOARN Tier 2 outbreak training — students take on roles (e.g. health office staff, clinicians, MoH representatives) and respond to a pre-defined Indonesian outbreak scenario as new information ("injects") is introduced. It's a well-established method in field epidemiology training, though likely new to most students before this course. To address that, we'll provide a pre-session orientation and written scenario brief in advance, plus facilitator debriefs after each major decision point Following the face-to-face component, students complete an individual written assignment (1,500–2,000 words) in which they apply outbreak investigation principles and methods to a local outbreak or public health event of their choice. Students receive course materials 7 days in advance via Moodle for self-directed pre-reading (5 hours). Upon enrolment, students complete a 1-hour online pre-test to assess baseline preparation. The results will be used to adapt to student needs. During the 2-week face-to-face period, learning progresses through three connected stages: (1) in-class lectures introduce theoretical frameworks; (2) tutorial sessions allow students to apply concepts to disease-specific case studies (foodborne, zoonotic, vector-borne); (3) role-play scenarios require students to integrate and practice investigation steps in simulated field conditions. After the course, students complete a 1,500–2,000 word individual written assignment applying outbreak investigation steps to a local case of their choice.
Prerequisites: Applicants must be enrolled in an MPH or MSc program. English proficiency requirement: Applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79–80 (internet-based), or an IELTS score of at least 6.0. Applicants whose previous degree was taught entirely in English may submit an official letter from their institution confirming English as the medium of instruction. Native English speakers are exempt from this requirement. Students from tropEd Home Institutions will be considered sufficiently fluid in English. Applicants must have reliable internet access to access LMS pre-reading materials and complete the online pre-test.
Attendance: Minimum number of students: 10 (below this number the course will not take place). Maximum number of students: 20. Maximum number of tropEd students: 10.
Selection: First-come, first-served.
Fees: The tuition fee is EUR 500, excluding living costs, visa, and accommodation.
Scholarships: Not applicable.
tropEd accreditation: Accredited in Antwerp, in June 2026. This accreditation is valid until June 2031
Remarks: Key references: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, 3rd ed. Atlanta: CDC Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services; 2012. 2. World Health Organization. WHO Outbreak Toolkit. Geneva: WHO; 2016. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/outbreak-toolkit 3. Gregg MB (ed). Field Epidemiology, 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press; 2008. 4. Reingold AL. Outbreak investigations — a perspective. Emerg Infect Dis. 1998;4(1):21–27. 5. Vuylsteke B et al. Outbreak Investigation: A Case Study for Exercise-Based Learning. Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp; 2015.
Email Address:	citraindriani@ugm.ac.id
Date Of Record Creation:	2026-06-30 10:51:37 (W3C-DTF)
Date Of Record Release:	2026-06-30 10:58:49 (W3C-DTF)
Date Record Checked:	2026-06-30 (W3C-DTF)
Date Last Modified:	2026-06-30 10:58:49 (W3C-DTF)