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Module NHS-4005:
Epidemiology
Module Facts
Run by School of Health Sciences
20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits
Semester 2
Organiser: Dr Jaci Huws
Overall aims and purpose
This module aims to develop students' understanding of epidemiological methods as applied to public health and health promotion. Students will develop skills in describing and analysing epidemiological data, critically appraising study designs, and interpreting public health and health promotion issues through an understanding of epidemiological principles. These skills will enable students to understand and challenge issues that impact upon the sustainability of health and public health. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Covid 19 crisis, the module will be delivered using a blend of teaching approaches including online. Students will be required to have access to IT and up to date computer and software.
Course content
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 Criteria
excellent
A* to A-
Demonstrate excellent knowledge and understanding of epidemiology and epidemiological research. Excellent and appropriate use of critical analysis, and independent thinking. Excellent use of material from the module and other relevant information to support arguments; references are drawn on appropriately to support the discussion. Excellent awareness of conflicting arguments and ideas and a good attempt to address them; excellent ability to analyse and to critically evaluate material. Excellent use of written language.
good
B+ to B-
Demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of epidemiology and epidemiological research. Good and appropriate use of critical analysis, and independent thinking. Good use of material from the module and other relevant information to support arguments; references are drawn on appropriately to support the discussion. Good awareness of conflicting arguments and ideas and a good attempt to address them; good ability to analyse and to critically evaluate material. Good use of written language.
threshold
C+ to C-
Demonstrate adequate knowledge and understanding of epidemiology and epidemiological research. Adequate use of critical analysis, and independent thinking. Adequate use of some material from the module and other relevant information to support arguments; most references are drawn on appropriately to support the discussion. Adequate awareness of conflicting arguments and ideas and a some attempt to address them; adequate ability to analyse and to critically evaluate material. Acceptable use of written language.
Learning outcomes
-
- Describe and critically understand key epidemiological concepts and measures of health and disease.
-
- Identify and analyse routinely available epidemiological and demographic data, and demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of surveillance
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- Appraise epidemiological research designs, demonstrating an understanding of the strengths and limitations of the different methods, interpretations, and applications.
-
- Interpret the results of epidemiological studies, and have an appreciation of influencing factors such as bias, confounding, and chance.
-
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of diagnostic and screening test programmes.
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
EXAM | Epidemiology Exam | A 2 hour exam. Section A: Multiple choice questions: 30 questions. This section carries a total of 60 marks. Section B: Short answers: Answer 2 out of 3 questions. This section carries a total of 40 marks. Assessed Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. |
40 |
ESSAY | Appraisal and interpretation task | Select an epidemiological study that has been published in a peer-reviewed journal in the past 10 years: 1. Summarise the study in your own words (300 words); then, critically evaluate the study using an appropriate critical appraisal tool (700 words). (1000 words total; 60% of marks). 2. Using a style appropriate to a lay audience (for example, newspaper readers), outline the public health and / or health promotion implications of this study (500 words; 40% of marks). Assessed Learning Outcomes: 1, 3 and 4. |
60 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Private study | Lectures are supported with additional academic materials and resources. Students are also encouraged to: use library and multi-media resources (such as the Internet, newspapers, radio, television) and engage in Blackboard Group discussions. Students are encouraged to use electronic learning resources. Relevant lecture material, reading lists, and a list of relevant Internet resources are available on the course specific Blackboard site; students are also asked to add any relevant or useful material to this module site. |
109 |
Lecture | Lead lectures & group work: The lectures comprise formal presentations, class discussions, seminars, and group exercises. Lectures are interactive and students are encouraged to actively participate and contribute. |
45 |
Tutorial | Tutorials: Students are required to attend individual and group tutorials to facilitate the development of critical appraisal skills. |
4 |
Study group | Online discussions groups led by students, and moderated by the Module Organiser. |
30 |
Practical classes and workshops | Exam practice sessions and workshops. |
12 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
- Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
- Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
- Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
- Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
Resources
Resource implications for students
Access to a computer, and the internet.
Talis Reading list
http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/nhs-4005.htmlReading list
Reading lists will be available and updated via Talis for each academic year. This online database is module specific, and contains references to material that is current and topical (and includes electronically accessible material). https://rl.talis.com/3/bangor/lists/822299CF-13E2-8CF9-4A73-7CA4CEAA6B5A.html?lang=en&login=1