Overview

The module explores and critically appraises the key concepts of epidemiology and their application to public health and health promotion. The principles of epidemiology will be outlined, and students will develop a critical understanding of the strengths and limitations of different types of epidemiological data and evidence. Course content may include:

• Epidemiological measures of health and disease: frequency (including incidence, prevalence, odds, rates); crude and specific rates; standardisation.
• Epidemiological measures of health and disease: association and impact (risk ratio, rate ratio, odds ratio, risk and rate difference; attributable risk, and population attributable risk).
• Epidemiological design (cross-sectional, cohort, case-study, intervention).
• Interpreting the results of epidemiological studies and focussing on bias, confounding, chance, cause-effect relationship.
• Surveillance and routine data.
• Diagnostic and screening test programmes.
• Critical appraisal of epidemiological research.

Assessment Strategy

Excellent / A Grade: To achieve an ‘excellent pass’ on the module, students will be required to demonstrate a thorough and comprehensive understanding of epidemiology, and the ability to critically analyse key topics in considerable depth. This will need to be supported by a comprehensive range of appropriate literature.

Good / B Grade: To achieve a ‘good pass’ on the module, students will be required to demonstrate a broad understanding of epidemiology, and the ability to explore and analyse key topics in depth. This will need to be supported by a good range of appropriate literature.

Threshold / C Grade: To achieve a 'pass’ on the module, students will be required to demonstrate reasonable knowledge and understanding of key topics related to epidemiology,, and to demonstrate some evidence of critical analysis. This will need to be supported by appropriate literature.

Learning Outcomes

• 1. Describe and critically understand key epidemiological concepts and measures of health and disease.

• 2. Identify and analyse routinely available epidemiological and demographic data, and demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of surveillance

• 3. Appraise epidemiological research designs, demonstrating an understanding of the strengths and limitations of the different methods, interpretations, and applications.

• 4. Interpret the results of epidemiological studies, and have an appreciation of influencing factors such as bias, confounding, and chance.

• 5. Demonstrate a critical understanding of diagnostic and screening test programmes.