Course syllabus - Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Scope
7.5 credits
Course code
FHA039
Valid from
Autumn semester 2013
Education level
Second cycle
Progressive Specialisation
A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements).
Main area(s)
Science of Public Health
School
School of Health, Care and Social Welfare
Ratified
2013-02-06
Status
This syllabus is not current and will not be given any more
Literature lists
Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.
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Books
Basic epidemiology [electronic resource]
2nd ed. : Geneva : World Health Organization, c2006. - 1 online resource (xi, 213 p.)
ISBN: 978-92-4-068183-5 (electronic bk.) LIBRIS-ID: 11926375
URL: Link
Epidemiology : beyond the basics
3rd ed. : Sudbury, Mass : Jones & Bartlett Publishers Inc, cop. 2014 - xiii, 515 s.
ISBN: 9781449604691 LIBRIS-ID: 16732765
Articles
Theories for social epidemiology in the 21st century: an ecosocial perspective
International Journal of Epidemiology 2001 : 30, 2001
Observational research methods. Research design II: cohort, cross sectional, and case-control studies
Emergency Medicine Journal 2003 : 20,
Causation, bias and confounding: a hitchhikers guide to the epidemiological galaxy. Part 1. Principles of causality in epidemiological research: time order, specification of the study base and specificity
The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2008 : 43(2),
Causation, bias and confounding: a hitchhikers guide to the epidemiological galaxy. Part 2. Principles of causality in epidemiological research: confounding, effect modification and strength of association
The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2008 : 43(3),
Causation, bias and confounding: a hitchhikers guide to the epidemiological galaxy. Part 1. Principles of causality in epidemiological research: statistical stability, dose- and duration-response effects, internal and external consistency, analogy and biological plausibility
The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2008 : 43(4),
Key concepts in Biostatistics: Using Statistics to Answer the Question Is there a difference?
Seminars in Dialysis 2002 : 15(5),
Theory and Practice in Epidemiology
Annals New York Academy of Sciences 2001 : 954,
How to asses epidemiological studies
Postgraduate Medical Journal 2004 : 80,
-
Books
Basic epidemiology [electronic resource]
2nd ed. : Geneva : World Health Organization, c2006. - 1 online resource (xi, 213 p.)
ISBN: 978-92-4-068183-5 (electronic bk.) LIBRIS-ID: 11926375
URL: Link
Introductory biostatistics for the health sciences : modern applications including bootstrap
Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Interscience, c2003. - 1 online resource (xvii, 406 p.)
ISBN: 9780471458715 LIBRIS-ID: 11645045
Articles
Theories for social epidemiology in the 21st century: an ecosocial perspective
International Journal of Epidemiology 2001 : 30, 2001
Observational research methods. Research design II: cohort, cross sectional, and case-control studies
Emergency Medicine Journal 2003 : 20,
The Epidemiological Transition: Changing Patterns of Mortality and Population Dynamics
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 2009 : 3(19S),
Causation, bias and confounding: a hitchhikers guide to the epidemiological galaxy. Part 1. Principles of causality in epidemiological research: time order, specification of the study base and specificity
The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2008 : 43(2),
Causation, bias and confounding: a hitchhikers guide to the epidemiological galaxy. Part 2. Principles of causality in epidemiological research: confounding, effect modification and strength of association
The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2008 : 43(3),
Causation, bias and confounding: a hitchhikers guide to the epidemiological galaxy. Part 1. Principles of causality in epidemiological research: statistical stability, dose- and duration-response effects, internal and external consistency, analogy and biological plausibility
The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2008 : 43(4),
Choosing a future for epidemiology: 1. Eras and paradigms
American Journal of Public Health 1996 : 86(5),
Key concepts in Biostatistics: Using Statistics to Answer the Question Is there a difference?
Seminars in Dialysis 2002 : 15(5),
Theory and Practice in Epidemiology
Annals New York Academy of Sciences 2001 : 954,
How to asses epidemiological studies
Postgraduate Medical Journal 2004 : 80,
Objectives
The objective of the course is for students to attain enhanced knowledge in epidemiology and related biostatistical methods. Another course objective is for students to develop their ability to analyse complex questions and be able to use the appropriate epidemiological theory and study design.
Learning outcomes
After having completed the course, students are expected to be able to:
1. Explain and apply definitions and concepts of epidemiology and biostatistics
2. Explain and apply epidemiological study design
3. Analyse and interpret statistical methods in epidemiological studies
4. Independently and critically evaluate the scientific quality of epidemiological studies
5. Motivate and reflect upon method choices, strengths and weaknesses of data collection and analytical methods in relation to epidemiological data and the area of public health science
Course content
Health factors, disease patterns, and the distribution of health in the population
Study design in epidemiology
Basic descriptive and analytical epidemiology
Principles of causality
Basic concepts of epidemiology and biostatistics
Current research in epidemiology and biostatistics
Tuition
Teaching on the course consists of lectures, seminars, group work and practical exercises.
Specific requirements
A degree at the Bachelor’s level in one of the following subject areas: Public Health Science, Nursing with a specialisation in Care, Caring Sciences, Medical Science, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or the equivalent. In addition, Swedish B/Swedish 2 and English A/English 5 are required. In cases when the course is offered in English, the requirement for Swedish B/Swedish 2 is excluded.
Examination
Assignment (INL1), 1.5 credit points, written individual assignment related to Learning obejctive 4. Marks Pass (G).
Article seminar (SEM1), 1.5 credit points, including a written assignment. Active participation in the seminar, related to Learning objectives 4-5. Marks Pass (G).
Exam (TEN1), 4.5 credit points, individual written exam, related to Learning objectives 1-5. Marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
For the grade Pass with distinction (VG) on the course as a whole, the student must receive a Pass with distinction (VG) for TEN1. For more information, see the Study Guide.
A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.
Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.
Grade
Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail