Welcome to the module, Measuring Health and Disease II: Intermediate 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 illness information. It aims to assist you in applying epidemiological knowledge and skills to a variety of Public Health problems. Although the module addresses many of the topics usually associated with the traditional approach to epidemiology, it embraces a wider perspective on health measurement. It does this by considering the social determinants of health, as well as known biomedical features of public health. The emphasis is on the application of epidemiological concepts and methods to the solution of Public Health problems.
The module is designed as a self-study, or flexible learning format that 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 different kinds of learning activities, including reading, reflection, observation, research, application and practice.
This Module Information outlines the module aims, learning outcomes and topics that will be covered. It also includes information about your assignment tasks, how they will be assessed, how to contact your lecturer, a schedule and other general information to help you complete the module. The actual
assignments will be sent to you later. Please read the assignments carefully and contact your lecturer if you have any concerns or questions.
Contact Information
All the contact information that you may need is contained in the SOPH Programme Handbook. If your contact details have changed in any way, please send the Contact Details Update Form which you will find in that booklet to the Student Administrator straight away.
Module Delivery Format
This module is provided via electronic resources and online learning through the UWC online learning platform, known as iKamva. The platform allows you to interact with your fellow students, course convenor and lectures through the discussion forum and other tools. You will therefore not receive any printed material. The Electronic resources supplied to you are:
- A prescribed textbook
- A Module Guide (Note Sessions 1-3 are on iKamva)
- Readings for all the Module sessions
- An Epi Info Statistical Database Pack
Evaluation of the Module
Please give us some feedback on your experience of this module as it was recently revised. Your feedback will be valuable to us in improving it. You are asked to complete an Evaluation Form which will be sent to you.
We hope that you enjoy the module and find it useful in your own efforts to engage with and improve public health.