Health Sciences and Population Studies

Overview

The course has 2 main strands: the application of laboratory methodologies for the study of Health sciences and an introduction to the study of populations in public health sciences. This module provides students with basic principles, methods and research skills, experience in presenting, analysing and interpreting data and will equip students with a theoretical knowledge of how public health sciences shape health planning and research.

Learning Objectives

On completion of the module the successful student should be able to:
1. Apply bioinformatics for the analysis of biological data.
2. Perform scientific procedures for the investigation of protein expression & tissue analysis.
3. Report and explain findings from scientific procedures and bioinformatics analysis using relevant scientific reporting modalities.
4. Define basic epidemiological concepts including measures of disease frequency, measures of association.
5. Discuss methods of collection and sources of healthcare data including disease registers.
6. Interpret descriptive and analytic epidemiological study findings, randomised trials, and systematic reviews.
7. Describe concepts such as confounding, effect modification and bias.
8. Demonstrate critical assessment and appropriate interpretation of published health evidence from biomedical studies in populations.

Skills

1. Acquisition, condensation and organization of new, diverse and unfamiliar information and terminology from a variety of sources including lectures, textbooks and practical classes.
2. Problem solving and critical analysis of information
3. The development of conceptual thinking and an understanding of the scientific process within the laboratory setting and through the writing of reports.
4. Problem solving and critical analysis of information
5. Use of information technology for acquisition of data.
6. Working independently
7. Develop awareness of time management and prioritisation of tasks
8. Develop a working knowledge of health and safety in the lab.
9. Develop competency in laboratory practices and skills.
10. Assume responsibility for own learning and delivery of accurate information to others
11. Assume responsibility for contribution to team basis
12. Develop an inquisitive and critical attitude and a willingness to communicate ideas.

Assessment

Students must submit all continuous assessment elements. Students must achieve a pass mark overall and pass the written exam to pass the module. 100% attendance at all practical classes and seminars is expected.