This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module will commence by considering a key question, 'What is epidemiology?' enabling students to think about the main tenets of the discipline including a consideration of the central paradigms, theoretical foundations and the nature of epidemiological variables. Other topics in subsequent sessions will include an appreciation of the key concepts of public health and population-based health followed by a consideration of the main analytical frameworks and disease clustering, the role of error, bias and confounding in variation and epidemiological reasoning and models of cause and effect.
The latter sessions will have a focus on measurement including measuring population patterns of disease, disease frequency and the epidemiological concept of risk. The module will then turn to considering questions around ethical issues in epidemiology, the appraisal of epidemiological and public health research, and the context of epidemiology in public health in the UK.
Total contact hours: 24
Private study hours: 176
Total study hours: 200 hours
MSc Applied Health Research
Main assessment methods
2,500 word essay (provide a critical appraisal of an existing piece of epidemiological research) (50%)
2,500 word essay (using appropriate methodological approaches to answering a key epidemiological question) (50%)
Reassessment methods
Like for like.
Berkman L, Kawachi I, eds. 2000. Social epidemiology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Bhopal, R. S., 2008. Concepts of Epidemiology: Integrating the Ideas, Theories, Principles and Methods of Epidimiology. Second edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Coggon D, Barker DJP, Rose G. eds. 2003. Epidemiology for the uninitiated. Fourth edition, BMJ Books.
Kirkwood B. Sterne J. Essential Medical Statistics. 2nd Edition Blackwell Scientific 2003.
Kogevinas, M., 1998. The loss of the population approach puts epidemiology at risk. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 52, pp. 615-16.
Pearce, N. 2005. A Short Introduction to Epidemiology. Second edition.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key concepts that underpin the science of epidemiology, and a critical awareness of
current problems/new insights in epidemiology & public health.
8.2 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable in epidemiology and public health to their own research.
8.3 Understand the main methods of epidemiology, including use of arithmetic tools and the ideas underlying their calculation.
8.4 Show a practical understanding of established techniques in epidemiology (including in public health) so that they are able to
independently create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
8.5 Evaluate critically current research and scholarship in epidemiology.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Present information orally and in writing that utilises their knowledge of the underlying concepts of epidemiology and its methods.
9.2 Demonstrate understanding of key methods – e.g. for the presentation and interpretation of epidemiological data on risk - not just in terms
of arithmetical tools but also the ideas that underpin them.
9.3 Complete simple exercises that require the interpretation of epidemiological data and have an understanding of the underlying
epidemiological concepts.
9.4 Use their skills to critically match study design to research questions.
9.5 Appraise epidemiological research.
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