PHPS40200 Communicable Disease Epidemiology

Academic Year 2022/2023

In this module students are taught the epidemiology of important infectious diseases, including vaccine-preventable disease. Surveillance will be discussed from a national and international perspective; the requirements of countries under international health regulations will be addressed. Major communicable diseases will be covered, including blood-borne viruses, COVID 19, healthcare associated infections, legionella, TB, streptococcal diease and meningococcal disease. Antibiotic resistance will be addressed.

Assessment is by 2 assignments. One during trimester and one at end of trimester. All assessment components must be completed in order to pass the module.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module students will:
1. have acquired an in-depth knowledge of the epidemiological principles in relation to infectious diseases
2. be able to apply the steps in the investigation of an outbreak of food poisoning to a practical example
3. understand surveillance, the International Health Regulations and notifiable diseases
4. understand the key clinical features, epidemiology and control of major communicable disease
5. be able to describe, implement, monitor and evaluate control measures against infectious diseases
6. understand the important aspects of antibiotic resistance development and prevention
7. be able to apply knowledge to the evaluation of immunisation schedules in different countries

Indicative Module Content:

Communicable disease terms
Management of outbreak of food poisoning
Surveillance (national and international)
Health care associated infection
STIs
Bacterial disease - TB, streptococcal disease, meningococcal disease, legionella
Viral disease - blood borne viruses, influenza, covid19
Immunisation
Group presentations
Antibiotic resistance

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

4
Field Trip/External Visits

4
Autonomous Student Learning

80
Total

112
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students will learn through lectures, seminar, tutorial and assignments. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: In House Assignment Week 9 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

40
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: End of Trimester Online MCQ
Single best answer format
No negative marking		 1 hour End of Trimester Exam n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
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 feedback will be provided on the assignment. If a student then requests individual feedback that will be provided.

Name Role
Professor Séamus Fanning Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Carla Perrotta Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Patrick Wall Lecturer / Co-Lecturer