Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Epidemiology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Coordinator: Dr. Adrián González-Marrón (agonzalezm@uic.es)
Dr. Jose M Martínez-Sánchez (jmmartinez@uic.es)
Hipólito Pérez-Martin (hperez@uic.es)
Introduction
Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related situations or events (including disease), and the application of this study to the control of diseases and other health problems.
The contents of the subject will be useful to carry out basic, clinical, epidemiological, translational and public health research projects.
Pre-course requirements
The Biostatistics module.
Objectives
- To understand the basic concepts and types of epidemiological studies.
- To teach students how to design an epidemiological research study and carry out an epidemiological research protocol.
- To teach students how to perform critical reading of scientific articles.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
Basic skills
CB1
That students have demonstrated to possess and understand knowledge in an area of study that starts from the base of general secondary education, and is usually found at a level that, although supported by advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that imply knowledge from the cutting edge of your field of study
CB3
That students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their area of study) to make judgments that include reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific or ethical nature
CB4
That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialized and non-specialized audiences
CG11
Recognize basic concepts from different fields related to biomedical sciences.
CE15
Identify the frequency and distribution of diseases, their causes and determinants, as well as the necessary interventions to maintain or restore health.
Transversal competences
CT1
Develop the capacity for organization and planning appropriate to the moment.
CT2
Develop the ability to solve problems.
CT3
Develop the capacity for analysis and synthesis.
CT4
Interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
CT5
Use the internet as a means of communication and as a source of information.
CT6
Know how to communicate, make presentations and write scientific papers.
CT7
To be able to teamwork.
CT8
Reasoning and evaluating the situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
CT9
Have the ability to develop skills in interpersonal relationships.
CT10
Be able to carry out autonomous learning.
CT11
Apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
CT12
Apply the scientific method.
CT13
Recognize the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and aging.
CT14
Respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values of a culture of peace and democratic values.
Learning outcomes of the subject
- To analyse health problems considering individuals as part of population groups, and to understand the concepts and main methods that allow us to identify risk factors for diseases.
- To describe the health determinants at an individual and collective level.
- To assess the health needs of the population based on biological, psychological, social, cultural and environmental aspects.
- To describe and analyse improvement strategies for the health of individuals and the population.
Syllabus
Unit 0. Presentation and introduction of the subject
Unit 1. Types of epidemiological studies
- Observational vs. experimental
- Cross-sectional, cohort, case-control and ecological
- Clinical trial
Unit 2. Epidemiological measures
- Cases, percentages, ratio, rate and odds
- Measures of frequency: prevalence, incidence, mortality rate, specific rate by age group and standardization
- Measures of association
- Measures of impact
Unit 3. Diagnostic tests
- Sensitivity and specificity
- Positive predictive value, negative predictive value
- ROC curves
Unit 4. Biases and confusion
Unit 5. Interaction
Unit 6. Linear, logistic and Cox regression
Case methods
CM1: Study types
CM2: Epidemiological measures
CM3: Diagnostic tests
CM4: Confusion and interaction
CM5: Linear, logistic and Cox regression
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The methodology used in this module will consist of theoretical presentations (60%) and case methods (40%).
Theoretical presentations: presentation of theoretical concepts by the lecturer.
Case methods: application, through practical cases, of the knowledge previously acquired in the lectures.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
A mixed evaluation will be carried out, which will have two components:
1. Evaluation of case method work (20%):
• Individual work
• Presentation of different case methods
• Group work
2. Multiple choice exam (80%).
To pass the subject, the student must obtain an average grade higher than 5, with a minimum score of 5 in each of the two components used to evaluate the subject.
Students who do not pass the subject on their first attempt will have the opportunity for a retake in July that will consist of a single multiple choice exam (100% of the grade).
Bibliography and resources
Basic references
- Gordis L. Epidemiología, 3ª ed. Madrid: Harcourt, 2003.
- Szklo M, Nieto J. Epidemiología intermedia: Conceptos y Aplicaciones. Díaz de Santos; 2003.
- Argimón JM, Jiménez J. Métodos de investigación clínica y epidemiológica. Madrid: Elsevier, 2004.
- Fletcher RH, Fletcher SW, Wagner EH. Epidemiología clínica. 4ª ed. Barcelona: Masson-Williams & Wilkins, 2008.
- Rotman K. Epidemiología moderna. 1 ed. Ediciones Díaz de Santos, S.A.: Madrid; 1986.
- Piédrola Gil, et al. Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública. 10ª Edición. Barcelona: Masson S.A.; 2001.
Evaluation period
- E1 22/12/2021 I3 09:00h