Concepts of Epidemiology (3567)
  
Coordinating lecturer :dr. Lidia CASAS RUIZ 
  
Co-lecturer :Prof. dr. Joost WEYLER 

Language of instruction : English
Credits: 4,0
  
Period: semester 2 (4sp)
  
2nd Chance Exam1: Yes
  
Final grade2: Numerical
 
Exam contract: not possible
 
Sequentiality
 
   No sequentiality

Content

This course introduces the student to the basics of epidemiology. The focus is on the methodology of the study of the occurrence of health and disease in human (and by extent in animal) populations. The course starts with an overview of the history and present of epidemiology. Then, it introduces the measures of occurrence and association, and the concepts of causality and systematic error. Last, the main study designs used in epidemiology are discussed. In particular, the general concepts in relation to cohort, case-control and trials are explained.

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • understand basic terminology and basic principles of epidemiology,
  • calculate and interpret the different measures of occurrence, association and impact used in epidemiological research
  • understand causality concepts and identify threats to causality in epidemiological studies (bias)
  • accurately present different types of epidemiological studies.


Organisational and teaching methods
Organisational methods  
Lecture ✔  
Self-study assignment ✔  


Evaluation

Semester 2 (4,00sp)

Evaluation method
Written evaluation during teaching period30 %
Homework✔
Oral exam70 %
Open questions✔

Second examination period

Evaluation second examination opportunity different from first examination opprt
No
 

Compulsory course material
 

Hand-outs, slides, selected readings
 

Recommended reading
  Epidemiology. An introduction,Kenneth J. Rothman,2,Oxford University Press,Available as e-book: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ubhasselt/detail.action?docID=5763 681&pq-origsite=summon

Epidemiology by Design,Daniel Westreich,1,Oxford University Press


Learning outcomes
Master of Statistics and Data Science
  •  EC 

    • The student can handle scientific quantitative research questions, independently, effectively, creatively, and correctly using state-of-the-art design and analysis methodology and software.

     
  •  DC 

    • ... correctly using state-of-the-art design methodology.

     
  •  DC 

    • ... correctly using state-of-the-art software.

  •  EC 

    • The student can critically appraise methodology and challenge proposals for and reported results of data analysis.

  •  EC 

    • The student can work in a multidisciplinary, intercultural, and international team.

  •  EC 

    • The student is able to correctly use the theory, either methodologically or in an application context or both, thus contributing to scientific research within the field of statistical science, data science, or within the field of application.

     
  •  DC 

    • The student is able to correctly use the theory in an application context, thus contributing to scientific research within the field of application.

     
  •  DC 

    • The student is able to correctly use the theory methodologically, thus contributing to scientific research within the field of application.

  •  EC 

    • The student is capable of acquiring new knowledge.

  •  EC 

    • The student knows the ethical, moral, legal, policy making, and privacy context of statistics and data science, and always acts accordingly.

  •  EC 

    • The student knows the relevant stakeholders and understands the need for assertive and empathic interaction with them.

  •  EC 

    • The student knows the societal relevance of statistics and data science.

 
  EC = learning outcomes      DC = partial outcomes      BC = evaluation criteria  
Offered inTolerance3
1st year Master Bioinformatics J
1st year Master Biostatistics J
1st year Master Data Science J
1st year Master Quantitative Epidemiology - icp J
1st year Quantitative Epidemiology J
Exchange Programme Statistics J



1   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.12.2, section 2.
2   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.15.1, section 3.
3   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.16.9, section 2.