Aims

To explore the contribution of epidemiology to understanding and addressing the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the UK and other industrialised countries. The module starts with a consideration of changes in demography and disease patterns that led to chronic non-communicable diseases becoming the predominant health problems in the UK and similar countries. It then considers the major determinants of those diseases, from underlying socio economic structures through to individual behaviours and genetic determinants.

Outline Of Syllabus

Epidemiological transition; epidemiological models; major determinants of chronic diseases and their control.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide students with the information required to be able to meet the knowledge outcomes. Small group teaching includes direct dialogue between students and provides the opportunity to discuss in depth the complex influences on chronic disease occurrence, thus embedding and reinforcing the knowledge outcomes and facilitating achievement of the intended skills outcomes. A number of the students have significant experience of working in the health service, and the interactive nature of the learning methods enables them to discuss their experience and to relate that to the concepts and ideas being taught, thus aiding their knowledge and understanding of the subject area.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assignment will test the student’s ability to critically evaluate the influence of the different determinants on the trends, current rates and distribution of a particular chronic condition.

A formative 'surgery' will be held on the assignment.