Module Catalogue 2024/25

BMS3023 : Epidemiology

BMS3023 : Epidemiology

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Richard McNally
  • Lecturer: Dr Thomas Chadwick, Dr Svetlana Cherlin, Dr Andrew Kingston, Professor Judith Rankin, Professor Mark Pearce, Dr Louise Hayes, Dr Laura Woods, Professor Linda Sharp, Mrs Nermine Basta
  • Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
  • Capacity limit: 100 student places
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of the module is to provide a broad based introduction to the study of epidemiology and to illustrate the underpinning methodologies with selected examples focused on specific diseases and public health issues. The selection of these particular examples includes some areas of epidemiology in which Newcastle University has a very active research community.

• To provide an understanding of the purpose and use of epidemiology illustrated by using specific
examples

• To provide an understanding of the different types of epidemiological study design and to
illustrate this with specific examples

• To provide an understanding of the limitations of epidemiological studies and to illustrate
with specific examples

• To provide an understanding of the epidemiology and aetiology of specific diseases

The module is designed to provide a basic understanding of epidemiological methods with real examples drawn from a range of infectious and chronic diseases.

Outline Of Syllabus

Study design
Bias and Confounding
Health Information
Ethics, confidentiality, governance
Exposure
Genetic epidemiology
Molecular epidemiology
Life course epidemiology
Perinatal epidemiology
Chronic disease epidemiology (cancer, diabetes/obesity, old age)
Infections
Health inequalities
Exercise epidemiology

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module the students will be able to:

• Evaluate the purpose and use of epidemiology in healthcare and biomedical research.
• Discuss the use of incidence, prevalence and mortality rates in epidemiology.
• Compare and contrast the main types of epidemiological study, including their limitations.
• Relate the issues of ethics, confidentiality and governance to the field of epidemiology.
• Assess the impact of molecular and genetic epidemiology to the understanding of selected disease
pathogenesis.
• Differentiate the sources of health information and evaluate their usefulness.
• Discuss the epidemiology of specific chronic and infectious diseases and perinatal and life-course and exercise epidemiology.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module the students will be able to:


• source information on differing aspects of epidemiology
• critically evaluate research findings relevant to the understanding of epidemiology
• discuss with peers current issues relating to epidemiology

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture201:0020:00In person - Lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion140:0040:00The assessment preparation and revision for the assessments
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching71:007:00In person seminars
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity140:0040:00Writing and reflection on lecture materials. Non-synchronous online
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity193:0093:00Reading and updating on subject using references from lecturers, RECAP and other sources
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

PIP (20 lectures and 7 seminars) material will provide the knowledge base. Most will integrate information researchers have gathered from epidemiological studies and other relevant sources.

Students will have an opportunity to consider and discuss real research topics and disease examples in the seminars.

Lectures and lecture materials should stimulate the students to reflect and do further reading and the seminars are aimed to stimulate the students to reflect and critically consider research findings and their relation to the understanding of the epidemiology and aetiology of human disease.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1202A70In person invigilated exam 2 essay questions to be answered from choice of 4
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise1M30In person invigilated timed essay (1 hour).
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The final exam provides evidence of knowledge and understanding of the topics. The timed essay tests the analytical and research skills of the students as well as developing their written communication skills which helps prepare them for the examination.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.