Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Epidemiology
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, Spanish
Teaching staff
Dr. Adrián González Marrón (agonzalezm@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.
The content of this course is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 3 (“Good health and well-being”) and 10 (“reduced inequality”).
Pre-course requirements
The Biostatistics module.
Objectives
- To make 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
- CN11 - Identify the impact of microbiology, genetics and biochemistry on human health, as well as the diagnostic tools used in each of the different healthcare fields.
- CP02 - Apply scientific methodology to interpret practical or theoretical data by evaluating situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
- CP05 - Apply biological foundations in the search for practical solutions to health problems, following ethical standards and scientific rigour and respecting fundamental equal rights between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values inherent in a peaceful society of democratic values that includes inclusive, non-discriminatory language without stereotypes.
- HB05 - Recognise how the essential medicines work and their ability to modify biological activity.
- HB06 - Calculate the frequency and distribution of diseases, their causes and determining factors, as well as the necessary treatments to maintain or restore good health.
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.
- Interpret the results of epidemiological studies, considering their validity in light of potential biases, confounding factors, and interactions.
- Apply epidemiological criteria to assess the usefulness of diagnostic tests in clinical practice and public health programs.
Syllabus
Unit 0. Presentation and introduction of the subject
Unit 1. Types of epidemiological studies
Unit 2. Measures in epidemiology
Unit 3. Diagnostic tests
Unit 4. Biases and confounding
Unit 5. Interaction
Unit 6. Epidemiology in the context of public health
Case methods
CM1: Study types
CM2: Epidemiological measures
CM3: Diagnostic tests
CM4: Confounding and interaction
CM5: Epidemiology in the context of public health
Teaching and learning activities
In person
The methodology used in this module will consist of theoretical presentations and case methods.
Master class (20 hours): presentation of theoretical concepts by the lecturer.
Case methods (10 hours): 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. Multiple-choice exam (70%) with questions offering 4 answer options, only one of which is correct, and with a 33% penalty for each incorrect answer.
2. Case method work (30%).
To pass the subject, the student must obtain a minimum score of 5 in each of the two first components (exam and case method work).
The case methods will be carried out in the classroom. Failure to attend an MC session will result in a zero for that CM. CMs may only be completed without attending the session if there is a duly justified reason.
Students who do not pass the course in the first sitting will have a second opportunity to obtain the minimum score of 5 in the multiple-choice exam and/or case method assessment. For subsequent sittings (third and beyond), students will be required to retake both components.
Bibliography and resources
Lash TT, et al. Modern Epidemiology, 4th Edition. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer, 2021.
Celentano DD, Szklo M. Gordis Epidemiology, 6th Edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier, 2019.
Fernández-Crehuet Navajas J, y cols. Piédrola Gil. Medicina preventiva y salud pública, 12.ª edición. Barcelona: Elsevier España, 2016.
Evaluation period
- E1 09/01/2026 A21 18:00h
- E2 15/06/2026 A16 16:00h