BMS3023 : Epidemiology
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Richard McNally
- Demonstrator: Mrs Nermine Basta, Dr Thomas Chadwick, Professor Fiona Matthews, Dr Louise Hayes
- Lecturer: Dr Svetlana Cherlin, Dr Mark Booth, Professor Mark Pearce, Professor Linda Sharp
- 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 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
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
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 | Small group teaching | 7 | 1:00 | 7:00 | Synchronous online |
| 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 |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Teaching material delivered synchronously online |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Synchronous online teaching material 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 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
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
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 | Open Book Essay (1 essay from choice of 3). Students required to complete the essay over 5-7 day period (online remote). |
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