BMS3023 : Epidemiology
- Offered for Year: 2022/23
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to proof of pre-requisite knowledge.
- Module Leader(s): Dr Richard McNally
- Lecturer: Dr Mark Booth, Professor Mark Pearce, Dr Louise Hayes, Professor Linda Sharp, Mrs Nermine Basta, Dr Thomas Chadwick, Dr Svetlana Cherlin, Dr Andrew Kingston
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- 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 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
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | PIP - Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | The assessment preparation and revision for the assessments |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Synch online lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | PIP seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Sync online seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Writing and reflection on lecture materials. Non-synchronous online |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 93:00 | 93:00 | Reading and updating on subject using references from lecturers, RECAP and other sources |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
At least 50% PIP (lecture) and at most 50% synchronous online teaching 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.
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 | 70 | 48 hour open book exam (1 essay from choice of 3) (online remote) max 1600 words |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 30 | Paper Interpretation Exercise 500-1000 words max. Recommended completion time 2 hours, given 24 hours to submit online. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The open book essay provides evidence of key writing skills that allow knowledge and understanding of the topics to be demonstrated along with the ability to integrate this within the context of published material.
The paper interpretation exercise tests the understanding of research literature, discipline knowledge, data analyses, methodologies and critical appraisal abilities. Feedback from the paper interpretation exercise will also help with the students exam assessment. Paper to be provided online 7 days in advance of submission period.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMS3023's Timetable