Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Epidemiology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Dr. Juan Carlos Martín Sánchez (jcmartin@uic.es)
Vittoria Barbati (vbarbati@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
- CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
- CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
- CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CE15 - To identify the frequency and distribution of diseases, their causes and determining factors, as well as the interventions that are necessary to maintain or restore good health.
- CG02 - To be aware of the aspects that govern pathological state and its implications at a clinical and diagnostic level.
- CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
- CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
- CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
- CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
- CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
- CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
- CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
- CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
- CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
- CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
- CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
- CT12 - To apply scientific method.
- CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
- CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to 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 and experimental
Unit 2. Measures in epidemiology
- 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
Case methods
CM1: Study types
CM2: Epidemiological measures
CM3: Epidemiological measures
CM4: Diagnostic tests
CM5: Confusion and interaction
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 three components:
- Multiple choice exam (70%).
- Evaluation of case method work (30%): individual work, presentation of different case methods, group work.
To pass the subject, the student must obtain a minimum score of 5 in each of the two components and an average grade higher than 5.
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
- 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.
- Rothman 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 12/01/2024 I2 14:00h
- R1 22/01/2024 A10 16:00h
- E2 19/06/2024 A10 11:00h