INTHE4021 – Introduction to Epidemiology
Course content
This is an introduction course in epidemiological principles and use of epidemiological methods in international community health. Students will be able to explain the main principles for planning and carrying out quantitative/epidemiological research, the most central epidemiological study designs, and how to select a study sample.
Students learn central concepts regarding epidemiologic measures and statistical analysis in epidemiology, and mechanisms for systematic bias in different research projects, estimation of study samples, study variables and relevant data analysis methods.
Students will attain epidemiological knowledge that renders them a valuable partner for planning and carrying out epidemiological research and enable them to read and critically evaluate epidemiological literature.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
After completing the course, you will be able to:
- Define key concepts in Epidemiology
- Summarize the measures used in epidemiology
- Explain the most commonly used epidemiological study designs
- Definitions of populations, samples and variables
- Relate types of variables and data analysis approaches
- Describe validity and reliability in epidemiology and how they relate to epidemiological errors (random and systematic errors)
Skills
After completing the course, you will be able to:
- Choose epidemiological study design relevant to the research question at hand
- Estimate an appropriate sample for your study
- Develop a data management and analysis plan based on study measures
- Compare and contrast between random and systematic errors
- Identify different types of systematic errors that can affect validity
- Make use of relevant statistical analysis to obtain epidemiologic measures of association
- Apply the methods learned in combined statistical and epidemiologic exercises
General Competences
After completing this course, you will be able to:
- critically evaluate the role of quantitative research within health and health services
- recognize the pros and cons (challenges) of quantitative designs
- reflect upon ethical and scientific standards of quantitative research
Admission to the course
This course is only available for students at the following master programme:
- International Community Health (master's two years)
- Folkehelsevitenskap og epidemiologi (master – to år)
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Teaching
The course consists of lectures and seminars. In the seminars, the students do exercises and assignments related to the course. 80% attendance in the seminars is required to be eligible to take the exam. Attendance will be registered.
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Oral group presentation.
80% attendance in the seminars is required to be eligible to take the exam.
Examination and grading at The Faculty of Medicine.
Language of examination
- Students at International Community Health must do their oral group presentation in English.
- Students at Folkehelsevitenskap og epidemiologi may do their oral group presentation in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.