This module will provide foundational knowledge on the epidemiology of infectious diseases: basic concepts and methods for describing and quantifying transmission of infections at different scales; epidemiological aspects of vaccination; surveillance and outbreak investigation; specific epidemiological features of representative infectious diseases; and key challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and eradication.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:
- Explain key concepts, terms and quantities used to describe the frequency, distribution and transmissibility of infectious diseases.
- Explain the principles underlying simple transmission dynamic models of infectious diseases.
- Design, conduct, analyse, interpret and report an outbreak investigation.
- Interpret and evaluate surveillance data on infectious diseases.
- Explain how vaccines protect susceptible people and evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of different vaccines or strategies.
Session Content
The module is expected to cover the following topics:
- Methods and concepts: host-pathogen interactions, transmission chains, modes of transmission, measures of transmissibility transmission dynamics at the population scale and mathematical models to investigate these, molecular and immuno-epidemiology.
- Outbreak investigation and surveillance: includes a simulated outbreak which student groups investigate, analyse and write up.
- Vaccination: includes different effects of vaccines, methods for evaluating vaccine effectiveness and safety, vaccination programmes and vaccine confidence.
- Distinct epidemiology of some types of infections: for example vector-borne, sexually transmitted and chronic/recurrent infections.
- Key challenges: for example antimicrobial resistance, eradication or elimination and addressing the colonial dimensions of infectious diseases.
An optional three-hour directed self-study training on the ODK software package for epidemiological study data management is also offered during the reading week immediately prior to the course. During the module, a few optional sessions with external speakers may also be organised to provide real-life examples and illustrate challenges.
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 assessment for this module has been designed to measure student learning against the module's intended learning outcomes (ILOs) as listed above. Formative assessment methods may be used to measure students’ progress. The grade for summative assessment(s) only will go towards the overall award GPA. The assessment for this module will be online.
Credits
- CATS: 15
- ECTS: 7.5
Module specification
For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.
This module is intended for students interested in the fundamental epidemiology (host-pathogen interactions; transmission dynamics; surveillance; epidemiological mechanisms of control interventions) of infectious diseases in either low- and middle-income and/or high-income settings. The module does not focus on the clinical and diagnostic aspects of particular diseases, and is likewise not appropriate for students mostly interested in the public policy aspects of infectious diseases or the practical design and implementation of control programmes.
This module is suitable for students who have completed an introductory module in epidemiology, who have quantitative skills, and general familiarity with infectious agents (e.g. malaria, tuberculosis, HIV). Familiarity with the Open Data Kit (ODK) software package is non-essential but encouraged. Students enrolled for the module and who are not familiar with this package are encouraged to attend an online ODK training offered during the reading week immediately before the module starts), or review EPM103 materials on ODK prior to module starts.
Applications for Term 2 D2 modules are now open. Please visit the list of individual modules for more upcoming study opportunities.
The application deadline for 26/27 entry will be 23:59 (UK time) on Sunday, 24 January 2027. We strongly advise that you apply early as courses may close earlier than the stated deadline if they become full.
Visa information
Please refer to the current visa requirements for short-term study.