Epidemiology - HEA00162M
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 2025-26 |
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:
-
Use epidemiological concepts and terminology correctly .
-
Calculate and communicate commonly used indices of health and disease, and various measures of association.
-
Select appropriate study designs for specific research questions and critically evaluate their strengths and limitations.
-
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.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 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.