Research Methods – Epidemiology and Statistical Methods
9 ECTS
Research Methods – Epidemiology and Statistical Methods
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Module Description
This module is divided into two parts – Epidemiology and Statistical Methods – and is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge, competencies, and skills necessary to understand and apply epidemiological methods and statistical techniques in public health practice and in the analysis of public health data respectively.
The module will firstly cover the principles and methods of epidemiology, focusing on the distribution and determinants of health and diseases in populations.
Students will then go on to navigate fundamental statistical concepts, data analysis techniques, and the use of statistical software to support public health research and practice.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will hold a:
- Level 6 Degree related to the subject area of the programme.
OR
- Level 6 degree not related to the subject area of the programme and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience (subject to interview by admissions board)
OR
- Level 5 Diploma or Higher Diploma related to the subject area of the programme and 2 years of work experience in a position related to the subject area of this programme (subject to interview by admissions board).
In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course. Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA College, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
Target Audience
This programme targets:
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in the sector of public health.
- Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the public health industry.
- Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess and communicate public-health related information.
Career Paths
This programme aims to equip target audience with the knowledge, skills and competencies listed in this application. The programme prepares for positions such as:
- Consultant in Public Health
- Leadership, management and administrative roles of health services, programmes or facilities
- Epidemiologist/biostatistician
- Health promotion and communication specialist
- Health Policy Analyst/Planner
- Global public health professional
- Environmental health scientist
- Public health educator/researcher
How you’ll be assessed
The module comprises of:
- Evening classes for part-time courses.
- Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
- Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
- Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:
- Assessment 1
- Assessment 2
The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.
Module Intake Dates
TBA 2025
Learning Outcomes
Competences
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of epidemiological concepts and methods.
- Design, conduct, and analyse epidemiological studies.
- Apply an advanced understanding of disease causation and prevention.
- Critically evaluate epidemiological research and apply findings to public health practice.
- Describe the epidemiology of major chronic and infectious diseases.
- Apply ethical principles in epidemiological research and practice.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of fundamental and advanced statistical concepts and methods.
- Manage, analyse, and interpret public health data using appropriate statistical techniques.
- Critically evaluate the statistical methods and findings in public health research.
- Apply statistical methods to address public health issues and inform policy and practice.
Knowledge
By the end of the module/unit, the students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the foundational principles of epidemiology.
- Design, conduct, and analyse epidemiological studies.
- Apply an advanced understanding of disease causation and prevention.
- Understand and critically appraise epidemiological research and apply findings to public health practice.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the epidemiology of major diseases and public health surveillance.
- Apply ethical principles in epidemiological research and practice.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of fundamental and advanced statistical concepts and methods.
- Manage, analyse, and interpret public health data using appropriate statistical techniques.
- Critically evaluate the statistical methods and findings in public health research.
- Apply statistical methods to address public health issues and inform policy and practice.
Skills
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Analyse and interpret epidemiological data using appropriate statistical methods.
- Demonstrate proficiency in using statistical software tools for epidemiological analysis.
- Design epidemiological studies to investigate public health issues.
- Critically appraise epidemiological and grey literature.
- Identify biases, confounding factors, and limitations in epidemiological studies.
- Apply ethical principles in the design and conduct of epidemiological studies.
- Write scientific reports and research papers.
- Conduct field investigations and outbreak management.
- Implement and evaluate public health interventions based on epidemiological evidence.
- Critically evaluate and conduct systematic reviews to synthesize evidence in public health research and practice.
Module-Specific Learner Skills
The learner will be able to:
- Apply epidemiological methods to real-world public health problems.
- Develop research proposals, including formulating hypotheses, designing data collection instruments, and selecting appropriate study populations.
- Communicate epidemiological findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
- Present data visually using graphs, charts, and tables.
- Appreciate cultural and social factors affecting health and epidemiological research.
- Communicate complex public health concepts effectively with diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
The learner will be able to:
- Use statistical software tools for epidemiological analysis.
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.