Modules
Modules
BMS3023 : Epidemiology
- Offered for Year: 2018/19
- Module Leader(s): Dr Richard McNally
- Demonstrator: Mrs Nermine Basta, Professor Fiona Matthews, Professor Linda Sharp, Dr Louise Hayes, Dr Thomas Chadwick, Dr Jessica Timms, Professor Falko Sniehotta
- Lecturer: Professor Judith Rankin, Professor Mark Pearce
- Owning School: Biomedical Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
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 focussed 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
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | The assessment preparation and revision for the assessments |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 19 | 1:00 | 19:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 95:00 | 95:00 | Reading and updating on subject using references from lecturers, RECAP and other sources |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Writing and reflection on lectures |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will provide the majority of 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. The lectures 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.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 80 | Unseen examination (2 essays from a choice of 4) |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 20 | Timed Essay (1hour) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The written examinations test the student’s knowledge and understanding of the subject. Both the timed essay and exam questions are designed to enable the students to critically evaluate the information they have accrued during the module and demonstrate the scope of their reading and the extent to which the have been able to understand it.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMS3023's Timetable