Studying at York
Epidemiology - HEA00013M
- Department: Health Sciences
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
Module summary
In this module you will be introduced to epidemiology and epidemiological research methods using a mixture of online resources, practical sessions and short lectures. We cover the basic epidemiological study designs as well as teach you how to calculate and correctly use a number of disease and risk-related measures like incidence and relative risk.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
Students will gain an understanding of epidemiology; learn about data sources, study design and their associated strengths and weaknesses; be able to calculate and interpret basic epidemiological and demographic measures; and to critically appraise the relevant literature.
Module learning outcomes
At the end of the module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of epidemiological concepts and terminology.
- Calculate and understand commonly used indices of health and disease, and various measures of association.
- Select appropriate study designs for specific research questions, and demonstrate an understanding of their strengths and limitations.
- Access and critically review relevant literature.
Module content
Overview
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in human populations. This module introduces students to the subject, and overviews the principles of epidemiological study design and analysis. On completion students should be able to calculate and interpret basic epidemiological measures; know how to select appropriate study designs to answer specific questions; and to access and review the literature.
Content
The taught sessions and associated reading and exercises will cover:
- Epidemiological concepts and terminology
- Indices of health and disease
- Data sources and collection
- Study types and design, and their limitations
- Measures of association, their calculation and interpretation
- Assessment of cause and effect, confounding and bias
- An introduction to screening and disease prevention
- Chance and the role of statistics
- Critical review of relevant literature.
Delivery
We are using a flipped classroom approach where students access pre-recorded lectures and some exercises online in preparation for the in-class session where the focus will be more on discussion and practical activities to reinforce learning.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark | Group |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework - extensions not feasible/practicable | 40 | Default |
| Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 60 | Default |
| Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 | B |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Students will have opportunities to receive group feedback on formative work throughout the module. Formative work includes individual- and group-based exercises based on the lecture material and will include online multiple-choice questions.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
Collective feedback on the online MCQs will be provided to address common errors/misconceptions after the period of availability of the quiz has elapsed and within the timescales specified in the programme handbook.
Students are provided with collective exam feedback relating to their cohort, within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.
Indicative reading
- Webb, P., Bain, C. and Page, A. (2016). Essential Epidemiology: an introduction for students and health professionals. 3rd edn. Cambridge University Press.