BMS3023 : Epidemiology
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to proof of pre-requisite knowledge.
- Module Leader(s): Dr Richard McNally
- Lecturer: Dr Laura Woods, Professor Linda Sharp, Mrs Nermine Basta, Dr Thomas Chadwick, Dr Svetlana Cherlin, Dr Andrew Kingston, Professor Judith Rankin, Professor Mark Pearce, Dr Louise Hayes
- Owning School: Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Scien
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
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 | |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | In person - Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 7 | 1:00 | 7:00 | In person seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 1 | 93:00 | 93:00 | 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 lecture materials. Non-synchronous online |
| Total | 200:00 |
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.
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 | In person invigilated exam 2 essay questions to be answered from choice of 4 |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 30 | In 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.
FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BMS3023's Timetable