This course is a first in a series that will be given through-out Phases 1 and 2 This course provides the background for understanding, epidemiology and biostatistics to students who have no previous knowledge. Students will be introduced to the basic principles and methods as applied to public health problems. Students will learn to recognize the role of quantitative methods in understanding clinical questions, especially in decision-making. This course will be delivered such that the emphasis will be to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the general concepts and uses of epidemiology and biostatistics as opposed to the underlying mathematical developments.