Introductory description

This module will build on the material covered by the module “Epidemiology and statistics” (module leader Neil Raymond). This first module will be a prerequisite unless students can show evidence of equivalent knowledge/expertise. We hope that many students who take this first module will choose the proposed module as an option. We believe this will apply in particular to students on the Masters in Public Health and MSc in Child Health for whom “Epidemiology and Statistics” is a core module.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. issues in the design, analysis and interpretation of case-control studies
2. issues in the design, analysis and interpretation of cohort studies
3. issues in the design, analysis and interpretation of randomized controlled trials
4. issues in the design, analysis and interpretation of trial data meta-analyses
5. other practical issues in common epidemiological study designs (such as survey methods).

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the main theoretical and practical issues in the design, statistical analysis and interpretation of:(1) case-control studies(2) cohort studies(3) randomized controlled trials(4) trial data metaanalyses
• 1. ability to design an epidemiological study to test a specific hypothesis2. ability to critically appraise common epidemiological study designs2. ability to select appropriate statistical techniques for the analysis of results from common epidemiological study designs3. ability to interpret the results of statistical analyses of epidemiological studies
• 1. ability to apply generic epidemiological research methods when studying populations

Indicative reading list

Breslow NE, Day NE. Statistical Methods in Cancer Research: Vol. I - The Analysis of Case-Control Studies. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer 1980.
Breslow NE, Day NE. Statistical Methods in Cancer Research: Vol. II - The Design and Analysis of Cohort Studies. Lyon: International Agency for Research on Cancer 1987.
Machin D, Day S, Green S. Textbook of Clinical Trials. John Wiley & Sons 2004.

Subject specific skills

Sound understanding of subject
Critically evaluate
Reflection

Transferable skills

Numeracy
Thinking and problem solving
written communication
oral communication
Teamwork
Organisation & time management
Use of tools and technology
Commercial awareness
Independence and initiative
Adaptability/Flexibility