Introduction to Epidemiology and Statistics MED5652

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Health and Wellbeing
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course provides a strong foundation in epidemiological and statistical methods required for public health. The course assumes no prior knowledge of epidemiology or statistics, and students will be guided through the major techniques used to measure and analyse the health of populations, including the use of statistical software such as RStudio and STATA. Students will be supported to interpret and critically appraise literature in public health, providing a firm foundation for advanced study in the area.

Timetable

Weekly sessions comprised of lectures, seminars, and asynchronous material.

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Assessment 1: Written Essay (50%) - approx. 1500 words [ILO 1, 2, 4]

 

Assessment 2: Practical Skills (50%) - 2,000 words [ILO 1, 3, 4]

Course Aims

This course aims to introduce students to the key concepts underpinning fundamental epidemiological and statistical methods used commonly within public health, and to support students to develop the practical skills in designing studies, analysing data, and critically appraising literature relevant to public health.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Critically assess the role of epidemiology and statistics within public health.

2. Critically appraise key concepts in epidemiological study design.

3. Critically appraise and apply key statistical methods.

4. Critically appraise and evaluate the concept of causality within public health literature.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.