The overall module aim is to give students a theoretical and practical understanding of the design and analysis of studies in environmental epidemiology, with the main emphasis on the industrialised world.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:
- Describe the main methodological issues in environmental epidemiology, specifically those relating to the investigation of the health effects of pollution of air and water , radiation and climate change.
- Plan, conduct and interpret the initial investigation into a putative disease cluster.
- Appreciate the specific value of Geographical Information Systems as an investigative tool in environmental health research.
- Describe the principles of time-series studies and cohort studies for the investigation of the health effects of environmental exposures.
- Describe the methods of quantitative health impact assessment.
- Assess and critically interpret scientific data relating to potential environmental hazards to health.
Session Content
The module is expected to cover the following topics:
- Key issues in environmental epidemiology, including methods for investigating environmental hazards.
- Investigation of the health effects of: air pollution, climate change, ionising or non-ionising radiation, and water-related health risks.
- Analysis of health and exposure data using: Geographical Information Systems and time-series methods.
- Risk assessment.
- Disease clusters.
- Biomarkers.
- Estimation of exposure and problems of measurement.
- Critical review of key papers on air pollution epidemiology and case studies of other environmental hazards to health.
Mode of delivery
This module is delivered predominantly face-to-face. Where specific teaching methods (lectures, seminars, discussion groups) are noted in this module specification these will be delivered by predominantly face-to-face sessions. There will be a combination of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as self-directed study (asynchronous learning).
Assessment
The assessment for this module has been designed to measure student learning against the module intended learning outcomes (ILOs) as listed above. The assessment for this module will be online. The summative assessment will be a multiple-choice test (MCQ) covering all aspects of the module.
Credits
- CATS: 15
- ECTS: 7.5
Module specification
For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.
The module is compulsory for students taking the MSc in Climate Change & Planetary Health. It is intended for anyone with an interest in the links between the environment and health, and covers both local hazards and global environmental concerns. An understanding of basic epidemiological principles is assumed such as would be gained from any introductory module on epidemiology.
Students with a background in veterinary epidemiology might wish to consult the module organiser as it is assumed students have knowledge of human epidemiology (such topics as risks, confounding, and study design) and epidemiological analytical methods, including familiarity with simple regression methods and the interpretation of regression coefficients. There is a focus on methods and principles. The module is relevant to both high and low-income settings, but there is a greater emphasis on examples and methods from higher-income settings.
Applications for Term 2 D2 modules are currently open and will close on 20 January 2025. Applications should be made online via our application portal.