Module Aims

This module aims to provide the student with an introduction to the key concepts in infectious disease epidemiology and their applications to the control of infectious diseases. The fundamentals of disease surveillance will be covered, including the range of data sources used and analytical methods employed. An understanding of the application of epidemiology to infectious disease control will be developed and illustrated for a range of different infections and control measures. 

 Module Learning Outcomes

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

1. Appreciate the special features of infectious disease epidemiology 

2. Discuss the principles and practice of infectious disease surveillance 

3. Understand a range of quantitative methods for infectious disease epidemiology, including methods for assessing incidence, prevalence, vaccine effectiveness, treatment efficacy 

4. Plan and discuss methods for outbreak investigations 

5. Understand the principles and practice of infectious disease control for a broad range of infections and be able to apply these to new contexts. 

6. Critically evaluate emergency preparedness and response plans and activities 

7. Discuss the challenge of antimicrobial resistance and strategies for addressing it 

8. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the application of a One-Health approach to zoonotic infections. 

Pre-requisites

• Principles of epidemiology
• Principles of Biostatistics (or Statistics for HDS)
• Principles of Public Health

Teaching Strategy

A combination of lectures, group practical work, problem-based activities and structured reading. 

Assessment

Written assessment with short answer questions on a topical infectious disease epidemiology and control problem. 

Module Length

4 days