Course syllabus - Methods to Investigate Health

Objectives

The objective of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire enhanced knowledge of epidemiology and the corresponding biostatistical methods. Students are further expected to develop their ability to analyse complex questions and be able to apply relevant epidemiological theories and study designs.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student is expected to be able to:

1 explain and apply definitions and concepts regarding epidemiology and biostatistics
2 explain and implement epidemiological study designs
3 analyse and interpret biostatistical methods in epidemiological studies
4 assess, independently and critically, the scientific quality of epidemiological studies
5 motivate and reflect on the choice of methods, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of methods for the collection and analysis of aggregated epidemiological data in Public Health Science

Course content

- basic concepts in epidemiology and biostatistics
- study designs in epidemiology
- the use of aggregated data
- basic descriptive and analytical epidemiology with a focus on aggregated data
- common sources of error in the use of aggregated data
- time series analyses
- research in epidemiology and biostatistics

Specific requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Public Health Sciences, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Caring Sciences, or a corresponding education or foreign degree. In addition, Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English A/English 6 are required. In cases when the course is offered in English, the requirement for Swedish B/Swedish 3 is excluded.

Examination

INL1, Written assignment, 4.5 credits, grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).
SEM1, Seminar, 1.5 credits, grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).
SEM2, Seminar, 1.5 credits, grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For a Pass with distinction (VG) on the course as a whole, the student must have earned a VG for INL1 as well as a G for SEM1 and SEM2. For a Pass (G) on the course as a whole, the student must have earned that grade for INL1, SEM1 and SEM2.

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

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

Replaces FHA062