Participants will be introduced to and interact with evidence on the status quo, trends, research and policy priorities of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Through lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, the module covers: introduction to NCDs and their burden; drivers of NCDs; methodological issues in the study of the epidemiology of NCDs; and research and policy priorities for NCDs, and strategies for their control.

This module aims to:

• provide an overview and stimulate critical thinking on the importance of, and trends in, non-communicable diseases globally, including low- and middle-income countries;
• generate an appreciation of the drivers of the burden of non-communicable diseases and how this knowledge can be used for control;
• identify methodological and conceptual issues for studying, measuring and analysing non-communicable diseases and their control strategies.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

1. Appreciate the growing global importance of non-communicable diseases across low-, middle- and high-income countries;
2. Identify the major determinants of non-communicable diseases and the key challenges faced by epidemiology and public health in studying and controlling these conditions.

Mode of delivery

This module is delivered predominantly face-to-face. Where specific teaching methods (lectures, seminars, discussion groups) are noted in this module specification these will be delivered by predominantly face-to-face sessions. There will be a combination of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as self-directed study (asynchronous learning).

Assessment

The module features a combination of formative and summative assessments to stimulate critical thinking, application knowledge on NCDs in various settings, and communicating evidence to various audiences.

1. Formative Assessments - Students will be provided with one or two scientific papers to critically appraise, and asked to submit a short critique.
2. Summative Assessments - In Week 5, students will sit a timed open book exam covering all lectures, seminars and practical sessions.

Credits

• CATS: 15
• ECTS: 7.5

Module specification

For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.