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Epidemiology - HEA00162M

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  • Department: Health Sciences
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Faraz Siddiqui
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

In this module, you will gain an understanding of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why. You will learn about data sources, different study designs and calculate and interpret basic epidemiological and demographic measures. You will become proficient in the use of epidemiological concepts and terminology and will be able to critically appraise the relevant literature.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

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

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

  1. Use epidemiological concepts and terminology correctly .

  2. Calculate and communicate commonly used indices of health and disease, and various measures of association.

  3. Select appropriate study designs for specific research questions and critically evaluate their strengths and limitations.

  4. Access and critically review relevant literature.

Module 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.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
MCQ quizzes		 N/A 40
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Open exam : Epidemiology		 3 hours 60

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Open exam : Epidemiology		 3 hours 100

Module feedback

Written cohort feedback for the summative assessment is provided on the standard proforma, 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.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.