Outbreak investigations are an important and challenging component of epidemiology and public health. When undertaking an outbreak investigation, epidemiologists use a series of steps to answer three questions: What is the problem? What is the cause? What can we do about it?
In this Assignment, you will explore the 10 steps of an outbreak investigation by working through the CDC’s Solve the Outbreak interactive app.
The Assignment
Review Chapter 3 of The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual, “Conducting a Field Investigation,” and focus on the 10 steps in an outbreak investigation. Select one of the CDC Solve the Outbreak scenarios and complete the interactive activityLinks to an external site..
After completing the interactive activity, construct a 2- or 3-page response in which you:
Summarize the outbreak scenario using the 10 steps in the outbreak investigation (as listed in The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual).
Ensure your summary provides a clear description of each step.
How was each step presented in the scenario?
Identify which concepts were covered in your scenario (incidence, prevalence, attack rate, etc.).
How did you apply what you learned in this course to assist you in the investigation?
What methods, practices, and/or techniques from this course helped you complete the investigation?
Readings
King, M. E., Bensyl, D. M., Goodman, R. A., & Rasmussen, S. A. (2018). Conducting a field investigationLinks to an external site.. In S. A. Rasmussen & R. A. Goodman (Eds.), The CDC field epidemiology manual. https://www.cdc.gov/eis/field-epi-manual/chapters/Field-Investigation.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Solve the outbreakLinks to an external site.. https://www.cdc.gov/mobile/applications/sto/web-app.html
https://www.cdc.gov/mobile/applications/sto/web-app.html
Rubric
PUBH_6035_Module5_Assignment_Rubric
PUBH_6035_Module5_Assignment_Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSummarize the outbreak scenario using the 10 steps in the outbreak investigation (as listed in The CDC Field Epidemiology Manual). Describe each step and how each step was presented in the scenario.
25 to >21.6 pts
Outstanding
Includes a fully developed, exceptional, and accurate summary of the outbreak scenario using the 10 steps in the outbreak investigation and a fully developed and exceptional description of each of the steps and how each were presented.
21.6 to >19.2 pts
Very Good
Includes a generally thorough, adequate, and accurate summary of the outbreak scenario using the 10 steps in the outbreak investigation, and a generally thorough and adequate description of each of the steps and how each were presented.
19.2 to >16.8 pts
Meets Expectations
Includes a limited or somewhat inadequate or inaccurate summary of the outbreak scenario using the 10 steps in the outbreak investigation and a limited or somewhat inadequate description of each step or how each was presented.
16.8 to >0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Missing, unoriginal, or does not adequately or accurately summarize the outbreak scenario using the 10 steps in the outbreak investigation, or does not adequately or accurately describe the steps or how each were presented.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdentify which concepts were covered in the scenario and how you applied what you learned in this course to assist you.
25 to >21.6 pts
Outstanding
Includes a fully developed, exceptional, and accurate description of the concepts covered and how you applied concepts from this course in your investigation
21.6 to >19.2 pts
Very Good
Includes a generally thorough, adequate, and accurate description of the concepts covered and how you applied concepts from this course in your investigation.
19.2 to >16.8 pts
Meets Expectations
Includes a limited or somewhat inadequate or inaccurate description of the concepts covered and/or how you applied concepts from this course in your investigation.
16.8 to >0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Missing, unoriginal, or does not adequately or accurately describe the concepts covered and/or how you applied concepts from this course in your investigation.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExplain how you applied particular methods, practices, and techniques from this course to complete the investigation.
25 to >21.6 pts
Outstanding
Includes a fully developed and exceptional explanation of how you applied specific methods, practices, and techniques from this course in your investigation.
21.6 to >19.2 pts
Very Good
Includes a generally thorough and adequate explanation of how you applied specific methods, practices, and techniques from this course in your investigation.
19.2 to >16.8 pts
Meets Expectations
Includes a limited or somewhat inadequate explanation of how you applied specific methods, practices, and techniques from this course in your investigation.
16.8 to >0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Missing, unoriginal, or does not adequately explain how you applied specific methods, practices, and techniques from this course in your investigation.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Communication:
Extent to which written communication demonstrates proper grammar, mechanics, and spelling as well as proper paragraph structure with a clear central idea
25 to >21.6 pts
Outstanding
Writing is fully developed, exceptionally well organized, synthesized, supported, scholarly, and free of writing errors.
21.6 to >19.2 pts
Very Good
Writing is generally sound, structurally and grammatically correct, and properly formatted, with minimal concerns. Synthesis is demonstrated and ideas are supported without reliance on quoting.
19.2 to >16.8 pts
Meets Expectations
Adequate writing, format, and synthesis, but with infrequent and minor issues.
16.8 to >0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Writing does not meet basic expectations (e.g., clarity, tone, organization, grammar, spelling, punctuation, source citation, references, title page, synthesis of source material, insufficient originality, etc.).
25 pts
Total Points: 100
