Introduction to Epidemiology

This foundation subject introduces students to epidemiology and its application in public health. The subject involves the study of factors affecting health and illness from a population rather than an individual perspective. It further develops concepts introduced in 95726 Introduction to Public Health. Epidemiology underpins much of public health. It provides a framework of methods from which information can be reviewed to help identify and address public health problems. Students explore fundamental aspects of epidemiology, including:

foundation concepts: surveillance, measurements of health and disease, concepts of health and disease
study designs and their use: how epidemiological data can be used to plan and develop interventions to prevent disease (e.g. infection outbreak) and promote health
critically appraise the quality of evidence

This subject provides a strong foundation in epidemiology for those intending to work with health data in public health and health services settings.