Non-communicable diseases epidemiology

 

Module Aims:

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the basic (i.e., distribution, aetiology, and prevention) and more advanced epidemiological concepts in non-communicable diseases such as CVD, diabetes, cancer, and mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and dementias. By the end of this module, students should be able to: (i) appreciate the importance of non-communicable diseases, (ii) identify the major determinants of non-communicable diseases and the key challenges faced by epidemiology and public health in studying and controlling these conditions.

 

Module Learning Outcomes:

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

1. Understand definitions and classifications of non-communicable diseases, including mental disorders
2. Describe the distributions and long-term trends in non-communicable diseases overall and how they differ in low-, middle- and high-income countries
3. Understand the role of conventional and novel risk factors, and genetic determinants for non-communicable diseases
4. Compare and contrast different epidemiological approaches used to quantify the importance of risk factors for non-communicable diseases
5. Identify conceptual and methodological issues in identifying causes of non-communicable diseases and evaluating preventive strategies
6. Examine individual, community and policy level strategies for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases
7. Describe screening strategies for non-communicable diseases
8. Evaluate and examine risk prediction models for non-communicable diseases

 

Pre-requisites:

Principles of Epidemiology, Research Skills, Principles of Biostatistics.

Some knowledge of genetic epidemiology would be helpful.

 

Teaching Strategy:

Teaching will consist of lectures and practical sessions. Students will work in small groups in the practical sessions, which will take a variety of forms, including additional lectures, group tasks, discussions and data interpretation and calculation. Students are expected to read around topic areas.

 

Assessment:

Written assignment answering a series of questions on NCD topics.

 

 Module Length: 5 days