HS885-7-AU-CO:
Global Health Epidemiology
2023/24
Health and Social Care (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
26 September 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
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MSC L43912 Global Public Health
This module introduces students to epidemiology as an essential science of global public health. It will contribute to their understanding of the fundamental importance of studying the determinants and distribution of disease frequency in human populations throughout the world to address global health issues.
This module also challenges students to explore how and why evidence and data play a crucial role in informing public health policy, strategy, leadership, service provision and coordination of action for health. It examines the different ways in which data can be collected, analysed, and interpreted so that students are better equipped to critique research and unpack hidden bias. The module will also help students to develop an understanding of which research methods are most appropriate for addressing specific research questions and global health issues by highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of different types of data. Finally, it will guide them to develop the skills to assess the most suitable research methods for a given research question, understanding that the data collected has implications for the type of analysis that can be carried out and the types of question that can be answered with that data.
Understanding how the determinants and the distribution of disease frequency in human populations throughout the world impact on health inequality is key to critically examining how to address global health inequality and who chooses what health issues gets addressed. This module aims to develop students’ ability to analyse and assess the knowledge that informs and guides global and national health policy, strategy and practice. It aims to introduce students to how the study of the determinants and distribution of disease frequency in human populations can be used to study and address health issues. Students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for analysing, critically appraising and integrating global public health research and evidence and the ethical implications of research choices.
Students will also be introduced to the basic analytical tools and concepts including the field of statistics and qualitative analysis with the objective of developing their ability to critically reflect on the value and suitably of different data and for analysis of specific global health challenges. It will develop the skills for identifying how the epidemiology of infectious diseases differs from chronic disease. Finally, it aims to provide them with the skills to critically analyse and assess the knowledge that informs and guides global public health policy, strategy and practice.
1) Develop a broad and critical understanding of the role and importance of basic epidemiological and biostatical theory and methods to the evidence that underpins global public health study and practice.
2) Develop a broad and critical understanding of the role of epidemiology to exploring health inequalities worldwide, including an introduction to social epidemiology
3) Develop the skills to be able to engage in two main epidemiological tasks, description, and causal inference including causal inference within the modern counterfactual framework.
4) Identify and critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of standard experimental and observational study designs, and systematic reviews including issues related to bias and methods to minimise common types of bias (selection bias, information bias and confounding).
5) Understand, identify and analyse the differences in characteristics of the major global sources of morbidity (infectious, non-communicable and chronic diseases, and injury) as well as transmission dynamics.
6) Understand and apply the fundamental concepts of statistics, and critically evaluate their role in the interpretation of research findings used in global public health.
7) Critically assess and reflect on the applicability,, availability, strengths and limitations, of global health epidemiological evidence (external validity) when developing interventions to impact upon health inequalities within target populations.
Introduction to epidemiology
Epidemiological theory and methods one
Epidemiological theory and methods two
BIO stats
Epidemiology and research
The epidemiology of epidemics
Social epidemiology
The teaching methods include a blend of lecture and hands-on directed group work which involves applying class material to hypothetical and real cases. The cases will be selected to highlight the diversity and inclusion bias in the field of epidemiology and to explore innovative approaches to tackling this bias. Students are strongly encouraged to participate during in-class debates and workshop and to make use of library resources.
Through several group work sessions students will develop their collaborative skills and learn to work with a diversity of people. Real time feedback will be provided on in class group work.
Written feedback will be provided on the final assignment.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Written Exam |
Open-book exam, in-person (11/12/2023) |
|
60% |
| Written Exam |
800 word Analytical Exercise |
|
40% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
No
Yes
Yes
Prof Theodore Schrecker
Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University
Professor of Global Health Policy
Available via Moodle
Of 95 hours, 78 (82.1%) hours available to students:
5 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
12 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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