Module 9 Assignment: Disease and Epidemiology - Digital Surveillance Tools and Disease Monitoring **Please click here for activity instructions and submission requirements**
Instructions
This assignment addresses course outcome(s)
Student Learning Outcomes Addressed
• SLO 13:
Evaluate how modern surveillance systems using digital tools influence outbreak
response, prevention, and immunization strategies.
• SLO 14: Using one digital surveillance tool, prepare charts and graphs
demonstrating the most reported disease in your state.
Course
Outcomes: C.O. #4, #5, and #6
Assignment Overview
Epidemiology relies on modern digital surveillance systems to monitor disease trends, detect outbreaks, and guide prevention and immunization strategies. In this assignment, students will evaluate a real-world digital surveillance tool and apply epidemiological data to analyze disease patterns within their state.
Part I – Digital Surveillance Systems and Public Health Impact (30 points)
Select one
digital surveillance system:
• CDC (CDC WONDER, NNDSS, FluView)
• WHO surveillance dashboards
• Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
• GIS-based epidemiology tools
In 2–3 typed pages, students must:
• Describe the purpose of the surveillance system.
• Explain how data are collected and presented.
• Evaluate how the system supports outbreak response, prevention, and
immunization strategies.
• Discuss strengths and limitations of digital surveillance tools.
Part II – State Disease Surveillance Data Analysis (35 points)
Using the
same digital surveillance tool:
• Identify the most frequently reported infectious disease in your state.
• Create at least two charts or graphs (bar, line, pie, or GIS map).
• Provide a 1–2 paragraph interpretation for each visual explaining trends,
public health implications, and prevention or immunization strategies.
Submission & Formatting Requirements
• Combined
written paper with Parts I and II
• Charts/graphs embedded or attached
• References page (APA or MLA)
Formatting:
• 12-point font, double-spaced
• 3–4 pages total (excluding visuals and references)
• Scientific tone and proper citations
Assessment Summary (100 Points Total)
• Evaluation
of Digital Surveillance System – 30 points
• Disease Identification & Data Selection – 15 points
• Charts & Graphs (Accuracy & Clarity) – 20 points
• Data Interpretation & Public Health Implications – 25 points
• Writing Quality & Citations – 10 points
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