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