Certificate Program

Fundamentals of Population Health Research (FPHR)

Key Information

  • PROGRAM OFFERING DATE: October 14, 2026

  • DURATION AND MODE:  Total 16 weeks; Virtual Lectures: 8 weeks
    Experiential Learning: 8 weeks (available in both virtual/in-person)

  • PROGRAM FEE: ₹8,000

  • TIME COMMITMENT: 1 hour per week lecture + self-paced Learning

Program Overview

Fundamentals of Population Health Research (FPHR) is a discipline that emphasizes the health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within the group, wherein research serves as a vital mechanism for elucidating the multifaceted determinants influencing these outcomes. Population health research is concerned with how different factors interact, rather than how they operate independently. Research plays a pivotal role by evaluating the efficacy of targeted interventions designed to enhance population health and investigating the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities.

Fundamentals of Population Health Research (FPHR) is a discipline that emphasizes the health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within the group, wherein research serves as a vital mechanism for elucidating the multifaceted determinants influencing these outcomes. Population health research is concerned with how different factors interact, rather than how they operate independently. Research plays a pivotal role by evaluating the efficacy of targeted interventions designed to enhance population health and investigating the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities.

The framework for FPHR ought to be recognized as a significant opportunity for healthcare systems, agencies, and organizations to engage in collaborative efforts aimed at advancing the health outcomes of the communities they serve. FPHR aims to provide learners with a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices of population health research, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to investigate health determinants, evaluate public health interventions, and address health disparities. By emphasizing rigorous research methodologies and data-driven decision-making, this program will empower students to contribute effectively to the field of population health. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, learners will be prepared to engage in advanced training and research endeavours, ultimately enhancing public health practice and outcomes at the local level.

The broad topics covered under this component will include understanding population health, research domains, formulating the research question, hypothesis, study design, survey and sampling methods, implementing mixed methods to collect both qualitative and quantitative data, and statistical analysis of the data. Further, students will acquire skills in cultivating the ability to present research findings clearly through storytelling, employing visualizations and narratives to simplify complex data and engage diverse audiences effectively.

The core objective of the program is to cultivate an understanding of population health among the learners, enabling them to design, implement, and critically evaluate population health research initiatives.

Based on the principles of Bloom’s Taxonomy, learning outcomes of the program include:

  1. Identify key concepts and terminology related to population health, systematic review, scoping review, research methodology, including types of research, research design, and qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.
  2. Acquaint learners with the significance of research methodology in population health research and illustrate how methodological choices influence the outcomes of studies, ultimately generating evidence to influence public health and policies.
  3. Demonstrate the competency to select appropriate epidemiological study designs and techniques for specific research questions and contexts in public health practice.
  4. Apply research-based approaches to investigate public health problems using systems thinking to identify interconnected causes and inform evidence-based solutions.
  5. Analyse the qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends, patterns, and risks to facilitate the evidence-based practice.
  6. Evaluate the public health interventions and programs by assessing their efficacy, effectiveness and impact within the community in diverse settings.
  7. Design a comprehensive research design that integrates appropriate research methodology, articulating a clear research question, objectives, and proposed methods for data collection and analysis.

The program is delivered virtually which spans 4 months, which includes 2 months of virtual training and 2 months of experiential learning (virtual/in-person). The entire program includes 8 topics. Each topic is delivered weekly in the form of weekly lectures, case studies, hands-on exercises, and reading material. Assessments are conducted both during and after the module completion. Students also participate in various community outreach activities.

  • COPHI (Community of Population Health Informatics): Fortnightly interaction on our discussion forum
  • Monthly research seminar series
  • Opportunity to participate in community outreach initiatives, implementing public health/digital interventions
  • Participation in our v-INSPIRE Experiential learning program that aims to enhance academic and non-academic skills of students by providing an innovative and participatory learning experience
  • Participation in our Career and Mentorship Program (CAMP) that aims to provide students an opportunity to explore career pathways in the field of public health
  • Opportunity to engage in hackathon/ and other innovative initiatives
  • Opportunity to participate in national and international conferences

This is a flexible program (including both Asynchronous and synchronous learning), with interactive teaching, through a series of weekly lectures, case studies, reading material and discussions. In addition, the program will utilize problem-based learning approaches to assess student skills, knowledge and competencies. Additionally, the program offers a platform for students to voice their opinions on the Discussion Forum and periodic seminars along with hands-on research experience.

 

Module Topics Teaching and Activity
1 Population Health Research and its Domain Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion
2 Research Design Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion
3 Basics of Research Methodology Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion
4 Formulating a Research Question and Hypothesis Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion
5 Mixed Methods Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion
6 Sampling and its Techniques Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion
7 Statistical Analysis Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion
8 Story Telling with Data Lecture, Reading and Class Discussion
8-week experiential learning program featuring research seminars/case study–based learning.

  • Develop expertise in research domains, methodologies, and techniques essential for population health practice.
  • Develop the ability to communicate research findings effectively through storytelling, using visualizations and narratives to make complex information accessible and engaging.
  • Benefit from career development opportunities by engaging in the CAMP, where mentorship and professional guidance will help shape career pathways in public health and related fields.
  • Participate in the v-INSPIRE program to develop practical skills and insights in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on solving public health issues.
  • Gain hands-on experience by participating in community outreach programs, implementing public health and digital interventions that address real-world health challenges.
  • Guidance and Mentorship to publish their research work in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • A certificate will be provided upon participation in the Experiential Learning, in addition to successful completion of the certificate program.