Module Overview
This module provides an introduction to basic concepts in statistics and the main epidemiological methods used to identify and quantify disease and associated risks. You will develop critical understanding of published research in health care related areas and be able to discuss and interpret quantitative results from such.
Statistical subjects covered will include: types of data and data presentation, descriptive statistics, basic probability, distribution theory including the normal distribution and its properties, sampling theory, principles and techniques, inferential statistics, analysis of categorical and continuous data, non-parametric tests, correlation and regression, and survival analysis.
You will be introduced to descriptive epidemiology, measures and comparisons of disease frequency, ecological studies, cross-sectional studies, prevalence studies, case-control studies, principles of screening, study design and questionnaires and qualitative research methods.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the main techniques used to investigate the epidemiology of the important causes of death and ill health
2. Identify, interpret and discuss appropriate epidemiological study designs to address population health questions
3. Interpret and discuss the import of epidemiological and statistical information that they have collected themselves, or has been presented by others
Credits
20 credits
Module Attendance Required
Two block weeks of teaching
Module Dates
2012/13
Mon - Fri 9.30 to 5.00
24 - 28 September 2012
29 October - 2 November 2012
Assessment
Examination – unseen examination consisting of short notes and problem-solving questions (2.5 hours). Students must achieve at least 50% in the examination to pass the module.
Academics involved in the delivery of this module
Please note for some types of dissertations you will need to attend certain modules. For example: Qualitative Research Methods must be attended if planning to do a piece of qualitative research for a dissertation. Similarly Methodological Basis of Health Technology Assessment must be attended if planning to do a Systematic Review. And for a general qualitative piece of work attendance on the Epidemiology Statistics and Research Methods/Epidemiology Statistics and Health Information are requirements.