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MPH8006 : Applied Epidemiology and Data Science

  • Offered for Year: 2025/26
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Andrew Kingston
  • Co-Module Leader: Dr Laura Woods
  • Lecturer: Dr Yu-Tzu Wu, Dr Dexter Canoy, Professor Matthew Prina
  • Owning School: Population Health Sciences
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

This module aims to teach advanced epidemiological and statistical methods. Students will learn to navigate, use and integrate diverse health data sources, alongside epidemiological studies to conduct innovative and responsible public health analyses and research.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics include: advanced statistical methodology and models, biases in epidemiological studies, big data and data linkage, basic machine learning, information governance, and emerging trends in epidemiology.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
CategoryActivityNumberLengthStudent HoursComment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities Lecture 20 1:00 20:00 Present in person: Lectures including interactive activities
Guided Independent Study Assessment preparation and completion 42 1:00 42:00 Preparing for and completing a written report on the analysis of a large data set.
Guided Independent Study Assessment preparation and completion 2 1:00 2:00 Group paper presentations
Guided Independent Study Assessment preparation and completion 25 1:00 25:00 Preparing for and completing multiple-choice exam.
Structured Guided Learning Academic skills activities 25 1:00 25:00 Technical exercises and guided reading
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities Workshops 10 1:00 10:00 Present in Person: Computer practical’s - interactive activities around teaching
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities Drop-in/surgery 1 1:00 1:00 Present in person or online (to aid PT students): one-hour drop-in sessions for individual student support.
Guided Independent Study Independent study 65 1:00 65:00 Independent study
Guided Independent Study Independent study 10 1:00 10:00 Skills practice: complete practical exercises set in workshops
Total 200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks essential for understanding advanced epidemiological concepts and statistical methodologies. This supports learning outcomes related to understanding and applying advanced statistical methods and differentiating analytical techniques.

Hands-on computer practical sessions allow students to practice and apply the skills and knowledge they have learned across the module. These sessions provide opportunities for students to engage in real-world data analysis, ensuring they can effectively implement advanced methods and techniques in practical scenarios.

Drop-in session individual, personalised support, allowing students to address specific challenges and deepen their understanding through direct interaction with lecturers. This approach reinforces students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, enhancing their problem-solving skills.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
DescriptionLengthSemesterWhen SetPercentageComment
Digital Examination 60 2 M 40 Present in person closed book Inspera MCQ exam with 20 questions.
Other Assessment
DescriptionSemesterWhen SetPercentageComment
Oral Presentation 2 M 60 Present in Person group oral presentation - 20 minutes with 5 - 10 minutes Q&A Session and 500 word reflective report.
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

DescriptionSemesterWhen SetComment
Oral Presentation 2 M 15 minute, group presentation, present in person or online. Formative assessment to prepare for summative assessment. This will run concurrently with the practical sessions across the duration of the module.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment format for this module is two-fold:

Digital Examination: A 60-minute, 20 question closed-book MCQ exam, constituting 40% of the overall assessment using Inspera digital exam. This exam will test students’ understanding of advanced epidemiological concepts and statistical methodologies. [25 hours including preparation and examination time].

Presentation and Reflection Report: Students will deliver a 20-minute structured presentation with a 5-10 minute Q&A session, paired with a 500 word reflective report. This component constitutes 60% of the overall assessment. [35 hours including preparation and presentation time].

1.       Presentation (50%): Students will present their data analysis, including methodology, results, interpretations, and implications. They will be assessed on their ability to apply advanced statistical methods, differentiate analytical techniques, explain the impact of big data, ensure research replicability, and communicate findings effectively.
1.2.       Reflective Report (10%): A concise 500-word report summarising their decision-making process, rationale, and key insights. This report reinforces critical thinking and reflective practice.

Formative presentations will be conducted in groups. Each group will present in person or online (to accommodate part-time students) for a duration of 15 minutes followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. These presentations will be recorded for further tutor and peer feedback.’

This assessment format ensures students achieve the module’s learning objectives and knowledge outcomes, preparing them for professional roles in public health and epidemiology.

Reading Lists

Timetable