This course will begin with the documentation of fundamental concepts in chronic disease epidemiology, common research methods utilized in chronic disease epidemiology, and unique applications of those methods for key chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. The majority of lectures will focus on the critical evaluation of current knowledge regarding the epidemiology and biology of specific chronic diseases, including pathogenic mechanisms, risk factors, major studies, gaps in existing knowledge, and major controversies in this field. The principle goal of this course is to provide a broad overview of the field, and to document basic knowledge and skills needed to understand and critically evaluate published research.