Module HEAS44015: Epidemiology and Statistics

Department: Health [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

HEAS44015: Epidemiology and Statistics

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• Epidemiology is a branch of medicine that, at its most fundamental level, aims to facilitate understanding of risk factors associated with both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Within this module we aim to ensure that students gain a solid knowledge of the fundamental principles of epidemiology, covering theoretical and applied aspects with an introduction to specific global health topics where epidemiological methods contribute significantly to collecting information to inform policy and other decision makers.

Content

• Epidemiology theory and practice – a basic introduction into how epidemiology is an underpinning methodology in global health research, with some historical perspective and contemporary examples including the concept of the epidemiological transition
• Basic analytical approaches and statistical inference – covering the basic methods used to attribute causality of disease to a putative exposure. We will explore the capabilities of different study designs and cross-tabulation based estimates of attributable risk, stratified and standardised statistics for estimating burden of disease
• Infectious disease epidemiology – here we will consider how sub-disciplines of epidemiology can contribute to understanding of globally important epidemics (e.g. measles) and endemic (e.g. helminths) communicable diseases. We will specifically examine the role of statistical and dynamic modelling in understanding communicable disease geography over time and space.
• Non-communicable disease epidemiology – here we will describe methods of analysis used by epidemiologists when working with non-communicable diseases of global importance such as diabetes and lung cancer. We will explore examples of practice and discuss opportunities for application of the methods to emerging health issues.
• Social epidemiology - explores the effects of social-structural factors on states of health. We will explore methods for assessing how the distribution of health and disease in a society reflects distribution of advantages and disadvantages .

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be equipped with a basic understanding of the epidemiological method and its applications to a range of global health-related issues. They will be aware of the different study designs and approaches used in investigations of communicable and non-communicable diseases. They will have knowledge of how burden of disease estimates are used by policy and other decision makers.

• Calculation of attributable risk and population attributable fraction from 2x2 tables
• Calculation of risk-ratios and odds ratios from cross-sectional and case-control study designs
• Ability to construct a compartmentalised mathematical model describing the natural history and processes of a specific disease system
• Ability to use online applications to estimate burdens of disease for specific conditions

• Work with data from a range of sources using well established methods of analytical enquiry
• Comprehend the epidemiological method, application, propositions and theories
• Express ideas and values clearly and succinctly in writing
• Defend their opinions by reasoned argument
• Seek out and identify appropriate sources of evidence and information
• Tackle problems in a clear-sighted and logical fashion.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The modes of teaching, learning and assessment in this module are designed to ensure an appropriate balance within each placement’s specific requirements between: i. The application of values in practice; ii. The application of research methods in practice; iii. The application of communication skills in practice; iv. The development of reflective practice; v. Professional development
• Lecturing - Introduces the key principles of theory and practice – Outlines the main components of different epidemological approaches – Examines the use of these approaches in answering policy and health-related questions.
• Tutorials, seminars and small group work - Allow students to work through concepts in more detail, providing both teacher and peer led input and discussion, particularly around how to use and present the epidemiological method to provide evidence to policy or decision makers for allocating resources based on evidence.
• Computer practicals - will develop skills in the use of specific analytical approaches using online tools such as epi-info (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/epiinfo/) and an introduction into the global burden of disease methods (http://www.healthdata.org/)
• Structured reading - Allows students to pursue topics in greater detail, enabling both familiarity with key texts and a deeper understanding of the subject knowledge generally.
• Independent study, research and analysis - Focuses student knowledge more deeply by pursuing aspects of the module that are of special interest to themselves and exploring specific applications.
• Essay assessment will test students' critical knowledge and understanding of key concepts, their ability to argue coherently and communicate effectively in writing, and to reflectively assess their proficiency in thinking through epidemilogy and statistics might be applied to address a topical issue in public policy and global health.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Report on which gaps still exist in the knowledge base of cause-effect (1500 words excluding references)

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University