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  • Descriptive epidemiology

Descriptive epidemiology

Welcome to the module, Descriptive Epidemiology. 

This module was designed to meet the growing need for an applied course in the measurement of a variety of health indicators and outcomes. Whether you manage a health programme, a health facility, or simply have to interpret health data in the course of your work, this module sets out to increase your capacity to deal with health and disease information. It aims to assist you in applying epidemiological knowledge and skills to a variety of Public Health problems. 

These are examples of the kinds of questions this module will help you to answer:

  • Is your DOTS programme succeeding? 
  • What does it mean if a TB prevalence is 850/100 000? 
  • Is this a Public Health problem or not? 
  • What is the “burden of disease” in different communities?

Although the module also addresses many of the topics usually associated with the traditional approach to epidemiology, e.g. rates, screening, surveillance, causation, etc, it embraces a wider perspective on health measurement. It does this by addressing the social determinants of health as well as known biomedical features of community health. In addition, emphasis is placed on the application of epidemiological concepts and methods to solving Public Health problems.

The module is designed for self-study or flexible learning, which enables you to work through the course material at your own pace. Flexible learning also allows you to explore the material to whatever depth you prefer, and to skip over parts with which you are already familiar. This involves a variety of learning activities including reading, reflection, observation, analysis, research, calculation and application of theory and concepts to practice. 

The Module Introduction outlines the module aims, learning outcomes and content that will be covered. It also includes the facts, figures and other information that you need to know about your assignment tasks and how they will be assessed, how to contact your lecturer, develop a work plan and other general information to help you complete the module. Remember also that the SOPH Programme Handbook provides additional contact information and administrative guidelines for submitting assignments. Please read the Module Introduction carefully and contact your lecturer if you have any concerns or questions. Take special note of section 3 which concerns Assignments and the submission process.

We hope that you will enjoy the module and find it useful in your own efforts to improve community health.

Click below to download the different units of the module guide:

Introducing Descriptive epidemiology – Introduction

Descriptive epidemiology Unit 1

Descriptive epidemiology Unit 2

Descriptive epidemiology Unit 3

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Modules

  • Management strategies
    21 June 2021
  • Health promotion
    21 June 2021
  • Population health and development 1
    21 June 2021
  • Descriptive epidemiology
    21 June 2021
  • Introducing Public Health
    14 June 2021

Students who already have a masters degree in another field and are interested in completing a PhD in public health, may choose to pursue the PGD in order to gain a strong grounding and background in public health – before applying to be a PhD candidate. FIND OUT MORE Frequently Asked
Questions
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