London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

This module introduces social epidemiology theory, methods, and applications to equip students to study how social, political, and economic contexts and health inequities shape population health. 

First, the module explores the diverse theoretical constructs and frameworks of the social epidemiology discipline alongside lectures and practicals on study design and the measurement of key constructs in social epidemiology (e.g., poverty, health inequities, racism) (weeks 1-2).

Then, the module applies social epidemiology theory and methods to a range of examples (e.g., maternal and child health, violence, communicable and non-communicable diseases). This section of the course is taught with input from a range of experts who use, apply, and critique social epidemiology methods (weeks 3-5).

All lectures are supported by several practical and discussion sessions, interspersed throughout the course. The end-of-module assessment is through critical appraisal of a scientific paper, based on social epidemiology learnings during the course.

This module aims to enable students to gain an understanding of social epidemiology theory and methods to develop, assess, and critique research on the social determinants of health and health inequalities, with a particular focus on how social, economic and political environments produces health outcomes, how social phenomena can be measured, and how health inequalities can be addressed.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

1. Understand and critically appraise research into the social determinants of health that generate health inequities and inequalities. In particular, the students will:
   1. Be familiar with some key theories in social epidemiology and be able to apply theory to explain a particular health condition or health inequality;
   2. Be familiar with measurement theories and methodologies, and be able to critically appraise some methods to measure complex social variables.

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 grade for summative assessment will go towards the overall award GPA. The assessment for this module will be online.

• Summative assessment - Critical appraisal of a journal article from social epidemiology perspective (100%).

Credits

• CATS: 15
• ECTS: 7.5

Module specification

For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.