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PHPS40370

Academic Year 2024/2025

Non Communicable Disease Epidemiology (PHPS40370)

Subject:
Public Health & Population Sci
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Public Hlth, Phys & Sports Sci
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Patricia Fitzpatrick
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is delivered through lectures and seminars. Additional materials are posted also to guide the student learning.

In this module the epidemiology of certain important non-communicable diseases is examined (cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, obesity, diabetes mellitus and major cancers). The levels of prevention are introduced and strategies for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention are explored. The criteria for introduction of population screening and its role and delivery for secondary prevention of cancer and other chronic conditions is examined. Practical examples of introduction of screening programmes in practice are given. Skills in literature searching and critical appraisal are developed.

Students will prepare group presentations on a range of epidemiology topics as part of assessment.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Understand the basic principles of epidemiology as applied to non communicable disease
2. Identify the major chronic diseases of developed coutries and describe their epidemiology and apply to health education and awareness
3. Compare trends in major chronic diseases in Ireland and internationally and identify sources of information
4. Understand the multifactorial nature of many chronic diseases
5. Apply criteria to evaluate introduction of a screening programme / understand the key issues in screening today / be apply to calculate sensitivity/specificity/PPV and NPV, understand screening in series and in parallel
6. Apply the principles of good screening organisation and practice to the introduction of a screening programme.
7. Prepare and deliver group Powerpoint presentation

Indicative Module Content:

Cancer registration
Basics of epidemiology as applied to non communicable disease
Cancer epidemiology (major cancers)
Screening - criteria, controversies, calculations of key metrics
Cancer prevention
Human papilloma virus and cancer
Respiratory diseaese epidemiology
Neuro-epidemiology
Cardiovascular disease epidemiology
Obesity & Diabetes Mellitus

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

8

Autonomous Student Learning

80

Lectures

14

Seminar (or Webinar)

9

Total

111


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students will learn through lectures, seminars based on prior review of materials posted, debate, student group presentations

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment with a number of sections, to be completed individually Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
60
Yes
Group Work Assignment: Group Presentation Exact dates to be confirmed by most likely weeks 8 and 9 (details to be given at start of module) Week 8, Week 9 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer 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?

Feedback individually and by group to students, post group presentation Feedback individually to students, post assignment

Name Role
Assoc Professor Mary Codd Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Catherine Phillips Lecturer / Co-Lecturer