Print Course syllabus
Course syllabus - Methods to Investigate Health
Scope
7.5 credits
Course code
FHA071
Valid from
Autumn semester 2026
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
Organisation
Department of Health Sciences, Innovation and Design
Ratified
2019-01-25
Revised
2025-11-03
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
Praktisk epidemiologi: för medicin, vård och folkhälsa
ISBN: 9789147128389
Reference Literature
To study epidemiology in more depth:
Other Materials
More literature (e.g. articles, web sources or text from book chapters) of maximum 200 pages can be added. Further information will be provided during the start of the course and on Canvas
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:
- explain and apply definitions and concepts regarding epidemiology and biostatistics
- explain and implement epidemiological study designs
- analyse and interpret biostatistical methods in epidemiological studies
- assess, independently and critically, the scientific quality of epidemiological studies
- 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 course 3 or Swedish level 3 and English course 6 or English level 2 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3.
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 disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.
Grade
Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G)
Interim Regulations and Other Regulations
Replaces FHA062