Introduction to Epidemiology and Environmental Health

                               Lecture (E2040) and Practice (E2041)

                                            Autumn 2023

                            Wednesdays 11:00 – 12:50 and 13:00 – 14:50

                                        Room RCX1 (D29/252)

Instructors:



             Mgr. Albert Kšiňan, Ph.D.

             Mgr. Gabriela Kšiňanová, Ph.D.

             Katarzyna Kordas, Ph.D.

             MUDr. Martin Bobák, M.Sc., Ph.D.

             Mgr. Hynek Pikhart, Ph.D., M.Sc.

             Mgr. Andrea Dalecká, Ph.D.

             Mgr. Anna Bartošková

             Mgr. Daniel Szabó


Office:

             327 (UKB, Kamenice 34, INBIT – 3rd floor)

E-Mail:

             albert.ksinan@recetox.muni.cz

             gabriela.ksinanova@recetox.muni.cz

Office Hours:

             by appointment



Course Focus

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.


The course is organized as a lecture (E2040) and practice (E2041) sessions. Students taking the
course are required to register for both parts of the course.


Student Learning Outcomes (after this course, the student will be able to):

●       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.


Resources

●       The primary electronic platform for class study materials and assignment submissions is
is.muni: https://is.muni.cz/auth/predmet/sci/podzim2023/E2040. Please note that all course
materials (lectures and practice) will be available in course E2040 study materials.




Grading

                                                 A

                                                                                                100-92%

                                                 B

                                                                                                91-84%

                                                 C

                                                                                                83-76%

                                                 D

                                                                                                75-68%

                                                 E

                                                                                                67%-60%

                                                 F

                                                                                                 <60%





Assignments

                                            Assignment

                                                                                                 Total points

Exam I

                                                                                                      40

Exam II

                                                                                                      40

Attendance

(5 pts. each, 12 total)

                                                                                                      60

Assignments

(30 pts. each, 2 total)

                                                                                                      60

Total

                                                                                                      200



Exams (40 points each)

●       There will be two non-cumulative exams per semester (midterm and final)

●       20 multiple-choice format questions per exam

●       Based on lecture materials

●       See the course calendar for exam dates



Attendance (5 points each)

The attendance at the seminars (E2041) is mandatory. Students will be given 5 points for each
attended practice up to the total of 60 points. Students can incur two unexcused absences without
losing attendance points.



Assignments (30 points each)

●       There will be two practice sessions that will require in-home preparation (e.g., creating
questions for class discussion based on assigned readings or comparing study designs)

●       Detailed instructions will be given a week before the deadline (i.e., at the seminar in the
Weeks 3 and 11).

●       Submit the assignments to the is.muni Homework Vaults (“Odevzdávárna”) before the deadline
(i.e., practice sessions in the Weeks 4 and 12).

●       See the course calendar for the deadlines.





                                          Course Calendar




Week

Date

Topic

Instructor

1

20. 9.

Class overview

Introduction to epidemiology and environmental health

A. Kšiňan

2

27. 9.

Disease occurrence and determinants in populations

A. Dalecká

3

4. 10.

Basics of quantitative methodology

H. Pikhart

4

11. 10.

Introduction to data analysis

Assignment I

A. Kšiňan

5

18. 10.

No class - Matriculation Ceremony


6

25. 10.

Measures of association and effect

K. Kordas

7

1. 11.

Study designs in epidemiology I

A. Bartošková

(practice session D. Szabó)

8

8. 11.

Study designs in epidemiology II

K. Kordas

9

15. 11.

Study designs in epidemiology III

K. Kordas

10

22. 11.

Exam I

Routine population and monitoring data

M. Bobák

(practice session guest)

11

29. 11.

Bias

Confounding and effect modification

K. Kordas

12

6. 12.

Critical evaluation of research studies

Assignment II

K. Kordas

13

13. 12.

Ethical considerations in epidemiology research and practice

Translating science into practice

K. Kordas

(practice session guest)

14

20. 12.

Recapitulation

A. Kšiňan


Exam. period

Exam II