PHPS20010 Introduction to Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Public Health

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module will introduce students to epidemiological concepts and principles, basic research methods, data management practices and biostatistics. Topics to be covered include: populations and demographic trends; occurrence and distribution of disease; sources of data on health, disease and disability; determinants of disease including social determinants; observational and experimental study designs and sampling strategies; measurement, bias and estimation of risk from epidemiological studies. Basic data management will include collating data, creating electronic database and the integrity, validity and security of data. Students will learn the principles of biostatistics, understanding data and variables, descriptive statistics, presenting data, confidence intervals, statistical tests for two-group comparisons, correlation and linear regression. Public health topics will cover the impact of socioeconomic factors and lifestyle on disease occurrence, the changing patterns of disease occurrence and the potential for prevention and intervention on a population basis.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module students will understand disease rates and know how to compare rates across populations and over time; understand the concepts of association and causation; be able to determine an appropriate study design for a research question; understand bias, measurement and estimation of risk; be able to critically appraise the scientific literature; understand data; know the basics of descriptive and interferential statistics; understand the application of epidemiology and biostatistics to population health issues. Students will know how to interrogate the scientific literature to research public health issues and will understand the sociological basis of health and illness,

Indicative Module Content:

Populations and demographic trends; occurrence and distribution of disease; sources of data on health, disease and disability; determinants of disease including social determinants; observational and experimental study designs and sampling strategies; measurement, bias and estimation of risk from epidemiological studies. Students will learn the principles of biostatistics, understanding data and variables, descriptive statistics, presenting data, confidence intervals, statistical tests for two-group comparisons, correlation and linear regression. Public health topics will cover the impact of socioeconomic factors and lifestyle on disease occurrence, the changing patterns of disease occurrence and the potential for prevention and intervention on a population basis.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Small Group

18

Seminar (or Webinar)

6

Autonomous Student Learning

60

Total

108

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Face to Face Classes (now online)
Peer and group work
Student presentations 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
FLME30020 - Medical Law & Ethics, PSY20110 - Health Psychology

Equivalents:
Personal & Population Health (MDSA20020)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Group essay on specified aspects of assigned Public Health Group Project
Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

Group Project: Small-group Seminars x 3: Attendance, orientation to and oral presentation of Group Project on assigned Public Health topic, personal reflection and evaluation, Biostatistics tutorial Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

Examination: Multiple Choice Questionnaire single best answer / short answer questions on Epidemiology, Public Health and Biostatistics 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

50

Assignment: Short answer questions on specified topics in sociology (complete 2 of 3). Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Group project: Group feedback Essays: Individual Feedback (Post Results Release)

Name Role
Assoc Professor Mary Codd Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Patricia Fitzpatrick Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Ronald Moore Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Carla Perrotta Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ricardo Piper Segurado Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Patrick Wall Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Peter Holloway Tutor