E2040 Introduction to Epidemiology and Environmental Health

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2024
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 2 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Gabriela Kšiňanová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Albert Kšiňan, Ph.D. (lecturer)
MUDr. Martin Bobák, M.Sc., Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Hynek Pikhart, Ph.D., M.Sc. (lecturer)
Mgr. Anna Bartošková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Andrea Dalecká, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Daniel Szabó (seminar tutor)
Consuelo Quispe Haro (lecturer)
Mgr. Kateřina Váchová (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
MUDr. Martin Bobák, M.Sc., Ph.D.
RECETOX – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Mgr. Albert Kšiňan, Ph.D.
Supplier department: RECETOX – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Thu 12:00–13:50 D29/252-RCX1
Prerequisites
! E0350 Epidemiology
Students need to also register separately for E2041 (practice seminar).
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This comprehensive course covers fundamental concepts of epidemiology and environmental health. Students will explore the research methods employed to examine population health and gain insights into the various determinants of diseases within communities. By studying the dynamic relationship between human health and the environment, learners will develop the skills to analyze research findings and apply them effectively in real-world scenarios, contributing to the improvement of public health outcomes.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
-Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of population health and epidemiology, including the ability to define and explain key concepts.
-Analyze the occurrence and spread of diseases within populations, identifying their underlying causes.
-Calculate and interpret various risk rates to assess the potential impact of diseases.
-Navigate diverse sources of data commonly used in epidemiological research.
-Describe different types of epidemiological studies, evaluating their respective strengths and weaknesses.
-Assess the quality and validity of research studies in epidemiology.
-Utilize research findings to propose evidence-based recommendations for practical applications and improvements in public health.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to epidemiology and environmental health - definition and foundational concepts of the field, classification of causes of death and disease
  • 2. Disease occurrence and determinants in populations - understanding the global and historical aspects of disease occurrence, identifying risk factors (biological, environmental, social), measures of disease frequency
  • 3. Basics of quantitative methodology - research questions and hypotheses, statistical testing, exposure and outcome variables, causal inference
  • 4. Introduction to data analysis - data, variables, cases, distribution
  • 5. Measures of association and effect - correlations, ratios, population attributable risk
  • 6. Study designs in epidemiology I - descriptive studies: case report, case series, time series, ecological studies, cross-sectional studies
  • 7. Study designs in epidemiology II - cohot studies, case-control studies
  • 8. Study designs in epidemiology III - experimental design, intervention studies, systematic reviews, metaanalyses
  • 9. Exam I
  • 10. Routine population and monitoring data -population health evaluation, HALE/GBD, YLL, YLD, DALY
  • 11. Bias, confounding, effect modification - informant bias, observer bias, recall bias, selection bias, reliability/validity
  • 12. Critical evaluation of research studies - inherent research limitations, publication bias, transparency
  • 13.Ethical considerations in epidemiology, translating science into practice - protection of human subjects, ethical framework and guidelines, prevention, policy, evidence-based practice, cost-benefit ratio
  • 14. Recap
Literature
    recommended literature
  • Environmental epidemiology : study methods and application. Edited by Dean B. Baker - Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008, xiv, 398. ISBN 9780198527923. info
  • BONITA, R., R. BEAGLEHOLE and Tord KJELLSTRÖM. Basic epidemiology. 2nd ed. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2006, xi, 213. ISBN 9241547073. info
  • Handbook of epidemiology. Edited by Wolfgang Ahrens. 1st ed. Berlin: Springer, 2005, ix, 115. ISBN 3540005668. info
  • PIKHART, Hynek. Principles of Epidemiologic Studies. In Bencko, Vladimír. Hygiene and Epidemiology: Selected Chapters. 2nd ed. Praha: Karolinum Press, 2020, p. 152-161. ISBN 978-80-246-4306-9. info
Teaching methods
The course format includes both lectures and practice seminars. During practice sessions, students engage in exercises specifically designed to enhance their practical skills and gain a deeper comprehension of the subject matter.
Assessment methods
The attendance at the practice sessions is mandatory. Students will be given 5 points for each attended practice up to the total of 60 points (30% of the grade). Students can incur two absences without losing attendance points. There are also two practice session assignments that include in-home preparation (30% of the grade). There are two non-cumulative exams throughout the semester (40% of the grade).
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2022, Autumn 2023.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/autumn2024/E2040