SFKM10189U Veterinary Epidemiology, part 1

Volume 2013/2014
Education
Master's Programme in Veterinary Public Health - compulsory
Content

Aim
The aim of the course is to enable participants to design an epidemiological study, including description of hypothesis, study design, sampling methods, measures of frequency and association, nature of data, etc. 

Content
The course is the first of two modules in Epidemiology. This first module of the course is based on blended learning, including both eLearning and on-site lectures, plenum discussions and exercises. The course introduces the concepts associated with basic epidemiology, e.g. study objectives and hypotheses, study design, nature of data, data management and measures of frequency and association. The focus is on practical application of the concepts, by writing a protocol describing the plans for conduct of an observational epidemiological study, as well as practical data management using R.

After an introduction with self-studies and eLectures in an eLearning environment, there is one week on-campus training with lectures and exercises. During this week, basics for the protocol are laid down. During the following eLearning weeks, the protocol is developed step-by-step using the principles taught in the course. The protocol is handed in one week prior to examination and forms the basis for an oral examination. 

Learning Outcome


Learning outcome
At the end of the course it is expected that the participant has the following qualifications:
Knowledge:
Identify an epidemiological problem to be investigated using relevant epidemiological and statistical methods.
Skills:
Design studies, collect and store data in a database and evaluate data quality. 
Develop a research protocol using relevant epidemiological methods.
Competences:
Collaborate scientifically with epidemiologists and statisticians and other relevant scientists. Be able to evaluate the validity and reliability of the epidemiological study in relation to generalising future study results to other populations than just the study population.

Literature

Houe H, Ersbøll AK, Toft N: Introduction to Veterinary Epidemiology. Biofolia. 2004.
Dalgaard P: Introductory Statistics with R. Springer. 2008.
Exercises and notes will be provided in the e-learning environment.

A BSc or MSc degree in veterinary medicine, human medicine,
agricultural sciences, engineering or natural science is required – and
at least two years of relevant professional experience. If you wish
to attend single courses, the above mentioned requirements can be
deviated.
Good English language skills are required.
Blended learning, including 4-6 weeks for eLearning, followed by 1 week on-site, then 6 weeks eLearning and a final oral examination (either on-site or via Skype). Both the eLearning and face-to-face learning is a mixture of lectures, exercises and discussions.
Each participant is expected to bring a laptop for the exercises. The laptop must have Microsoft Word (or compatible software) and R installed. Instructions for R installation will be given during the first e-learning week.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Lectures
  • 20
  • Preparation
  • 40
  • Project work
  • 84
  • Theory exercises
  • 20
  • Total
  • 165
Credit
6 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Oral examination, 30 minutes
The participant must submit an individual project report. The report is defended at an oral exam with 15 minutes for presentation, and 15 minutes for questions from the examiners. The exam occurs fact-to-face or via Skype.
Exam registration requirements
Participation in the on-site course, submission of individual project report and participation in discussions in e-learning module.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
passed/not passed
Censorship form
No external censorship
Criteria for exam assesment
Knowledge: Identify an epidemiological problem to be investigated using relevant epidemiological and statistical methods.
Skills: Design studies, collect and store data in a database and evaluate data quality. 
Develop a research protocol using relevant epidemiological methods.
Competences: Collaborate scientifically with epidemiologists and statisticians and other relevant scientists. Be able to evaluate the validity and reliability of the epidemiological study in relation to generalising future study results to other populations than just the study population.