Disease Detectives B/C

[Chikuwa]

In my experience (in C-Division, at least), sometimes tests ask you straight out "what does pandemic/epidemic/outbreak/etc." mean. also, one of the state tie breakers for ny c-division was just around 20 or so definitions with a blank next to them, and you had to identify the term that it described (no word boxes or anything).
In any case, your main focus should be learning all the 'methods' you'll need for the test. it'll help to know the vocab, however, to understand what the test may be asking of you or to answer those questions where they ask you to define things. (if you want to know which vocab specifically, it may help to take some past tests and see what kind of vocab they use.)

[mali_16]

Well, since someone here asked for standard deviation I found this site and I like it.
http://www.robertniles.com/stats/stdev.shtml
The concept in here is pretty good. I hope it helps

[hanajitenshi]

rigionals tomorrow wish me luck

mines at grand valley is ours there ?

:O OMG MINE WAS AT GRAND VALLEY TOO!!!
What did you place? I got 8th. I would have placed higher if my partner had put stuff on the note sheet I had been telling him too (having 6 events and 5 notesheets is hard to manage, so I put Disease Detectives on him)

Anyway, what is the difference between Risk and Risk Ratio? My partner and I were really confused by that.

wasnt i talking to you in the dyimic planet thread? werid but hi and i have no idea me and my bud guessed

[hanajitenshi]

i think states are today for people

[Bulbwheatie]

Risk ratio = relative risk (a/(a+b))/(c/(c+d)) on a two-by-two table. It takes into account exposures. Risk (absolute risk) is just the overall chances of getting the disease.

[soobsession]

Has anyone ever had a test where they ask you to right the steps. Like... What is Step 1 of an outbreak investigation or something? Or has anyone been asked to define specific terms.

[colombiano]

we were asked to list the steps in order...

[BeeVolturi]

Does anybody know what I can expect at a state tournament?

[Namratha]

You can probably expect the same things at state as you did at regionals. I mean, the studying rubrib is the same for state and regionals. Just remember, that there probably would be more competition, so I suggest you write your answers in a scholarly manner. I have never been to states yet, but, I am still reliable.
Study Materials:
1. Study the Disease Detectives WiKi throughly, search on the internet or ask your coach for things you do not understand
2. Memorize the 2010 training packet that can be found at the SOINC website
3. Go and study at the http://medmyst.rice.edu/

If you study all these three, you should be in good shape for states. If you are determined to place in the top 3 or something, then I suggest you visit the soinc website and look at the disease focus for this year. It is going to be about population growth. But look at the subtopics and search google for diseases realted to those. Go to the CDC website and you will find the most wanted diseases for CDC. The CDC writes state exams for D.D, so I am thinking they are going to include those diseases. But, search diseases related to population growth as well. Lastly, I suggest you to check out books at the libraries related to epidemiology, epidemics, outbreaks, and stuff. Read those, and also get a book about some major diseases. That will help you too. Oh and P.S, study the Investigating an Outbreak chapter in the Introduction to Epidemiology textbook that can be found at the Soinc website. Hope this helps not only you, n=but everyone. The website is really, really good.

[mali_16]

Thanks Namratha
What would be useful information to add in your cheat sheet if you are going to the state tournament ?
What did you guys add?
there is a ton of vocab word in the introduction to epidemiology glossary. Should I memorize all of it...or just understanding it is fine? I want to place in states.