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This module will introduce you to the key elements of epidemiology
You will learn about the history of epidemiology and its importance to public health, consider different approaches to measuring the health of populations and interpret associations between risk factors and health outcomes. You will be introduced to different approaches to sampling populations and to a range of epidemiological study designs from observation to interventions including cluster RCTs. You will develop your understanding of the types of error and bias that occur in epidemiological studies and strategies to overcome them. You will consider and discuss strengths and limitations of different study designs in an international context of public health decision-making. You will learn about applied epidemiological methods which can be employed in rapid or emergency situations including qualitative and mixed methods. Drawing on all your prior learning in this module, you will interpret epidemiological data and critically appraise epidemiological evidence for both its methodological rigor and relevance to public health decision-making.
Aims of the module
The aim of this module is to introduce students to epidemiological concepts, measures of disease frequency, research design, and skills needed for the interpretation of epidemiological data and critical appraisal of evidence. This is a core discipline for public health and underpins learning throughout the MPH programme.