During the placement the candidate will complete the following core activities:

1. conduct or participate substantively in a field investigation of a potentially serious public health problem that requires a rapid public health response;
2. analyse a surveillance or other health information system;
3. evaluate a public health surveillance or other health information system. In addition, candidates may also design and/or implement a surveillance system;
4. conduct and interpret an epidemiologic study to assess a concern of public health importance;

It is expected that an extensive literature review will form part of one of the Projects, typically the epidemiological study.

In addition to the projects, by the end of the program MAE students are expected to: write a scientific manuscript for a peer-reviewed journal; write a report for a public health bulletin or other relevant audience; give an oral presentation at a national or international scientific conference; respond appropriately to written or oral public health inquiries; prepare at least one (and participate in all) 'lesson from the field'.