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HLTH09018 2021 Epidemiology

General Details

Full Title
Epidemiology
Transcript Title
Epidemiology
Code
HLTH09018
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
HLTH - 0910 Health
Department
HEAL - Health & Nutritional Sciences
Level
09 - Level 9
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2021 - Full Academic Year 2021-22
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Maire McCallion, Richeal Burns, Amy Mullee
Programme Membership
SG_SPUBL_E09 202100 Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health
Description

This module gives students an understanding of the role of epidemiology in health improvement, health protection and health service delivery. Students will develop specific skills in epidemiological study design and the critical appraisal of studies, as well as associated skills in the interpretation and communication of the epidemiology of infectious and noninfectious diseases and other health related outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Ability to describe the health of a population by person, time and place.

2.

Interpret basic statistical methods within epidemiological papers.   

3.

Formulate appropriate questions and search strategies and assess evidence for developing recommendations for practice.   

4.

Assess and appraise the effectiveness of public health interventions or services.   

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This online module will incorporate 'Live Lectures' which will be used to introduce students to key concepts and to give relevant examples and bring meaning to the various epidemiological approaches. Students will be given relevant tasks and online resources to review weekly. 

A blended-learning, flipped-classroom approach will also be used incorporating UDL principles, where students will be asked to review online materials previous to the scheduled Live Lecture and a discussion around the task will be built into the lecture time. Group discussions will also be accommodated using MS teams breakout rooms. These will be facilitated by the lecturer but used to carry out small tasks associated with the lecture topics. 

Students will be encouraged to source peer reviewed studies which will consolidate their learning. Students will be given responsibility to lead breakout sessions on journal articles which may of interest to the class.

 

Module Assessment Strategies

This module will be assessed fully by continuous assessment. 

Repeat Assessments

Repeat continuous assessment will be assigned.

Indicative Syllabus

This module will cover a range of concepts and applications in Epidemiology including:

  • Health Surveillance Systems – Nationally and Internationally  

  • Study Designs / Interpretation of Studies   

  • Statistical techniques   

  • Critical appraisal  of evidence

  • Health Inequity   

  • Evidence based practice   

  • Role of qualitative data with epidemiological data   

  • Assessing effectiveness in public health strategies 

  • Ethical issues in epidemiological studies   

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Critical Appraisal of research paper Coursework Assessment Written Report/Essay 40 % Week 6 2,3,4
2 Report on an epidemiological study Coursework Assessment Assignment 60 % Week 13 1,2,3,4
             

Online Learning Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Online Online Leacture 1 Weekly 1.00
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 1.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2020-03-06 Introduction to Public Health Jones & Bartlett Learning
ISBN 9781284197594 ISBN-13 128419759X

Introduction to Public Health Sixth Edition offers a thorough, accessible overview of the expanding field of public health for students new to its concepts and actors. Written in engaging, nontechnical language, this text explains in clear terms the multi-disciplinary strategies and methods used for measuring, assessing, and promoting public health.

Required Reading
2006 Basic Epidemiology World Health Organization
ISBN 9789241547079 ISBN-13 9241547073

Basic epidemiology provides an introduction to the core principles and methods of epidemiology, with a special emphasis on public health applications in developing countries. This edition includes chapters on the nature and uses of epidemiology; the epidemiological approach to defining and measuring the occurrence of health-related states in populations; the strengths and limitations of epidemiological study designs; and the role of epidemiology in evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of health care. The book has a particular emphasis on modifiable environmental factors and encourages the application of epidemiology to the prevention of disease and the promotion of health, including environmental and occupational health.

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources
Journal Resources

The British Medical Journal  

The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 

BMC Public Health 

European Journal of Epidemiology

Health Policy

URL Resources

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control - https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en

The National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools - https://www.nccmt.ca/learningcentre/EN/index.php#main2.html 

The Institute of Public Health - www.publichealth.ie 

Irish Health Protection Surveillance Centre- https://www.hpsc.ie/

Other Resources
Additional Information