Applied Epidemiology (MSc) – (M.Sc.)

Course Content

The Masters programme has three major components:

* core modules related to the essential epidemiology / public health disciplines
* optional modules so that students develop individual interests and
* an extended project designed to integrate knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course.

Core modules are listed at the bottom of this page.

Course Structure
You will need to complete a total of 180 credits for the Masters course - 90 credits´ worth of core modules, including the development of a project protocol, 30 credits of optional modules, and a 60-credit research dissertation. Induction Week

The course starts in late September/early October, when all students are expected to attend the School's taught compulsory "Introductory Week" (Monday-Friday inclusive).

International students are also expected to attend the International Office Welcome Week (usually held the week before the School's Introductory Week) to help them to settle into Nottingham.

Teaching Days

Core modules are taught on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Optional modules are taught on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Full-time students attend on two or three days a week during the taught semesters depending on their optional module choices. Part-time students attend core modules on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays in Year 1, and on Thursdays in Year 2.

Teaching Methods

Teaching and learning methods vary in line with the objectives of the course but include a range of methods from lectures to private study, and from guided and independent group exercises to problem-based and self-directed learning.

Use of the Internet, the virtual learning environment (WebCT) and email is expected, and appropriate training and support given. Students will also learn to use Stata statistical software.

Asessment Methods

Assessments vary, and include written assignments, analyses of data sets and reports on analyses. There are some timed examinations. Depending on the pathway you choose, you may also complete verbal or poster presentations. Some work is assessed as group work. Assessments may take place during timetabled sessions, but most are prepared by the students in their own time.

The Masters pass mark is 50%, and the pass mark for the Diploma is 40%.

Modules
Research Methods in Epidemiology with Basic StatisticsThis module considers the basic concepts of epidemiology and gives students the knowledge and skills to access, describe and interpret epidemiological data - the main research methods used in epidemiology - the strengths and weaknesses of the different types of study and how the evidence obtained contributes to the assessment of causality.- how to carry out critical appraisal of published papers - the basic principles of statistics including descriptive statistics, summarising and presenting data, distributions, parameters of location and dispersion, scale of measurement the basic principles of sampling and sampling error and confidence intervals the basic principles of hypothesis testing, normal distributions, t-test, c², Fisher exact probability test, analyses for paired designs such as paired t-tests and McNemar test, extension of c² to larger contingency tables, regression and correlation, simple linear regression, Pearson correlation coefficient, interpretation and validity, nonparametric methods, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, Spearman, sample size and power, introduction to multivariate analyses. Classic examples of applied epidemiologyStudents will build an understanding of key epidemiological concepts, how the discipline has developed, and its role in the practice of public health. This will be facilitated through discussion, presentation and writing exercises using a selection of landmark papers that have been important in the historical development of the field of epidemiology.Advanced EpidemiologyThis module covers advanced methods of epidemiology including: o Basic demography o Measures of disease frequency and effect o Direct and in-direct standardisation o Criteria for causality o Advanced design concepts of ecological, cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies o Matched case-control studies o Clinical trials; planning, design and interpretation Further Methodology in EpidemiologyThis module gives an introduction to some of the more complex and newer methods of epidemiological design and analysis and their application in specific fields of epidemiological research. In learning the methods, we will focus on the conceptual issues and application, with essential statistical theory as necessary to understand and apply the method.
Some of the methods covered will be: * Matched analyses, including that from case control and cohort studies
* Meta-analysis techniques and analyses
* Complex sampling methods such as stratified, weighted and cluster sampling
* Analysis of repeated measurement data, including fixed and random effect, and the general linear model

* Multi-level modelling
We will consider application to the following specific areas of research: * Cancer epidemiology
* Nutritional epidemiology
* Genetic epidemiology
* Environmental epidemiology


Practical use of routine data for Epidemiological ResearchThis module will look at the strengths and weaknesses of a number of sources of routinely available data for epidemiological studies. Though there will be some lecture based teaching, it will be primarily based on problem based learning and hands on analysis and interpretation of routinely available datasets. Problems to be addressed will be based around the acquisition and choice of data for a question, the use of data provided, what research can be carried out with these sort of data and what are the pros and cons of doing research in this way. There will also be an introduction to writing a grant proposal based on using routine datasets. Advanced Statistical MethodsThis module covers advanced methods of statistical analysis and regression modelling including o Mantel Haenzsel analysis of odds and rates o Effect modification/interaction o Strategies of multivariable modelling o Multiple linear regression o Logistic regression o An introduction to the concept of likelihood and the likelihood ratio test o Poisson and Cox regression The module concentrates on the practical application of these statistical methods and approaches in analysing epidemiological data, providing the essential statistical theory to underpin these methods. Theory and Practice in Public HealthAn introduction to the courses offered by the Division: these share a common introductory pathway. Links taught theory to practice through case studies from students´ own countries & from practice. Delivered in two themes within which taught input complements guided reading, radio & video material, web-based activities & WebCT tasks. Theme 1 Content is based on o Defining public health and concept of inequalities in health o History of public health, with particular reference to individual experience & key successes in improving public health at international & national levels o The role of, & importance of, epidemiology in public health o Power & public health, considering formal & informal influences including theoretical & practical role of the WHO o The current exercise of power over public health in students´ home countries o Key issues in globalisation & the future of public health. Theme 2 Content is based on o Generic key techniques in public health: systematic reviews, health needs assessment & health impact assessment o Case studies addressed in small groups by a practitioner in public health.