Epidemiology

Modules shown are for the current academic year, and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Term 1 aims to provide you with a strong understanding of the core concepts and methods of epidemiology and statistics and skills required to successfully complete Term 2 and 3.

All MSc Epidemiology students follow a core pathway of teaching that draws directly on the research within the Departments of EBS and IDE at St Mary’s Campus. There is a common core of epidemiology and statistics shared with students taking the Master of Public Health.

Running in parallel to the ten-day ‘Introduction to Statistical Thinking and Data Analysis, ‘Principles and Methods of Epidemiology’ and ‘Infectious Disease Modelling’ modules are two additional five-day epidemiology modules dedicated to the specific core topic areas of ‘Infectious Disease Epidemiology’ and ‘Chronic Disease Epidemiology'.

Statistics, epidemiology and modelling modules consist of lectures, practicals in which you will be asked to do calculations by hand; critically interpret data; critique research findings, designs or papers; computer practical sessions using STATA, Excel or Berkeley Madonna software; discussion groups; independent learning activities and self-study. Formative assessments, which give you insight in your progress, are part of several modules.

• Introduction to Statistical Thinking and Data Analysis
• Principles and Methods of Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Modelling
• Chronic Disease Epidemiology

Term 2 modules aim to reflect areas of emerging research as well as providing extended tutoring in core epidemiological and statistical concepts and skills, building upon the knowledge, insight and skills gained in Term 1.

There is a mixture of compulsory and optional modules. All students will continue their training in statistics by studying the compulsory modules ‘Advanced Regression (with R)’ and ‘Introduction to Bayesian Analysis’.

You also study ‘Exposure Assessment’, which focuses on the assessment of environmental exposures and sources of environmental pollution. ‘Molecular epidemiology’ will provide you with a fundamental understanding of the core concepts of molecular epidemiology and the application of molecular epidemiologic findings to public health and translational medicine, which is an emerging field. This module also focuses on biomarkers.

As in Term 1, practicals and independent study complement the lectures, which can all take different forms. Formative assessments are part of several modules.

• Advanced regression
• Exposure Assessment
• Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology
• Introduction to Bayesian Analysis
• Investigation of Outbreaks

• Social Epidemiology
• Genetics and Evolution of Infectious Pathogens
• Spatial Epidemiology
• Epidemiology and Control of Vector-borne and Helminth Infections
• Advanced topics of Biostatistics

In Term 3, individual research projects are carried out under supervision.

It is possible that the projects may be carried out in collaboration with other universities and research institutions, but this is not common and not always recommended. Projects are expected to take four months of full-time study, with one (or more) member(s) of Imperial academic staff assigned to advise and monitor students. There may also be external supervisors.