Principles of Epidemiology in Health Research (Health CPD)
Key Details
- Module Cost
- £1,185
- Further Information
- fmh.cpd@uea.ac.uk
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Module Overview / Introduction
The Principles of Epidemiology in Health Research module is aimed at professionals working in health and care settings including those working in global health contexts who wish to deepen their understanding of the principles underpinning epidemiological research and how these are applied to investigate real-world health challenges. The module will focus on common epidemiological study designs and statistical methods, including those used to assess the causes and patterns of disease and evaluate clinical and public health interventions.
Learners will engage with diverse perspectives from researchers and peers across health and care sectors, fostering a multiprofessional approach to understanding complex epidemiological issues and how these impact on and are interpreted in health and care practice. The content will build on foundational knowledge of quantitative research and statistics, enhancing the ability to critically evaluate, design, and apply epidemiological research in global, national, regional and local settings. Learners will critically analyse epidemiological data, address challenges such as chance, bias and confounding, and use statistical methods for data interpretation. The module will also provide foundational knowledge to inform the development of postgraduate research in epidemiology, including doctoral study, and/or collaborate with others in the development of epidemiological research projects and proposals.
This online module is delivered over 12 weeks through six two-weekly blocks of learning, supported by asynchronous resources and activities and live online tutorials and webinars. Contributions from academics and those applying epidemiological research in health and care practice are embedded throughout, providing valuable perspectives through which learners can evaluate their own research practice and the wider research environment within health and care.
Online Learning Content Release dates:
24/04/26, 08/05/26, 22/05/26, 05/06/26, 19/06/26 and 03/07/26
Live Online Tutorial:
29/04/26, 13/05/26, 27/05/26, 10/06/26, 24/06/26 and 08/07/26 all 9-10am
Live Online Webinars:
06/05/26, 20/05/26, 03/06/26, 17/06/26, 01/07/26 and 15/07/26 all 9-11am
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module you will be able to:
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Articulate foundational understanding of the theoretical, methodological and conceptual principles underpinning epidemiological research
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Critically evaluate epidemiological study designs and their application in public health and the investigation of health-related conditions, including their strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations.
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Recognise challenges in health and care that can be addressed through epidemiological research, articulating clear research questions and an awareness of the epidemiological study designs that may be used to address them.
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Identify and interpret common measures of frequency and association used in epidemiological research.
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Interpret, critically appraise and communicate epidemiological evidence to inform policy, practice, and decision-making in health and care services.
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Critically evaluate epidemiological research with regard to the influence of bias, chance and confounding and articulate how these issues can be addressed through robust design and analysis.
Teaching & Assessment
6 Online Blocks of learning over 12 weeks
Live online webinars and tutorials
Independent Study
20 credits = 200 effort hours
At least one study day per 2-week block of learning
Attendance expected at live (synchronous) tutorials and webinars
2000 Word Written Critical Evaluation. You will prepare a 2000-word evidence-based critical evaluation of one published epidemiological research study report from a selection of three UK and international epidemiological studies provided, covering a range of topics and methods.
Summary Presentation and Q&A. you will deliver a 5-minute online presentation summarising your critical evaluation to a panel of two assessors. In the 10 minutes following the presentation, you will answer three questions selected from a pre-defined bank of 15 questions to draw out further the extent to which you have met the module learning outcomes.
How to Apply / Disclaimer
To apply for this as a single module as part of your Continuing Professional Development please enter the application system via our Professional Development section.
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. Nevertheless, inadvertent errors in information may occur. The information contained in this webpage has been supplied from a variety of sources, and is subject to change. Please ensure you check all module information and timetable provided through the official student information systems.