The Richard Wells Research Centre at Thames Valley University

Epidemiology and Biostatistics (1):

Epidemiology is the study of the occurrence of and factors that affect health and ill-health in human populations.  Epidemiology gives us the tools for evaluating health problems and the impact of health policies on populations, and provides the basis for developing disease prevention and health promotion strategies.  In both our work place and our daily lives we regularly receive epidemiological data that is frequently difficult to understand or conflicting.  Understanding the basis of epidemiological investigation is critical to accurate interpretation of this information.

This module aims to provide the participants with the knowledge and skills they need to understand and use epidemiological data effectively.  It will enable you to understand the basis of epidemiological research and investigation, to recognise its strengths and limitations and develop your skills in deductive and inductive reasoning.  It will also give you the knowledge and skills you need to understand and use the statistical methods that underpin the analysis of epidemiological data.

This module will use a “blended” method of delivery.  Most of the module will be delivered face to face using a variety of learning activities but there will also be two  on-line sessions.   There are two associated assessments: the first requires you to develop a folder of evidence that demonstrates competence in using statistical software and in the second you will be asked to interpret and appraise a given epidemiological data set.