Methodology of Investigation/Health Population III

Recommended Prerequisites

A. Recommended basic knowledge:

Biostatistics - it is suggested the knowledge of the main descriptive and analytical statistical techniques that are part of the teaching of the Curricular Units previously taught: MISP I and MISP II.

B. Aptitudes and Attitudes:

English Language - ability to read, understand and express written and oral language at a level that is appropriate for the optimal use of the recommended bibliography.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical and practical/theoretical classes with expositive methodology, resolution of practical cases, debate, projection of videos and use of national and international databases in the area of Population Health.

Learning Outcomes

Develop a high level of scientific knowledge regarding the historical evolution of Epidemiology.

Understand the concept of population at risk.

Understand and calculate the main indicators in Population Health.

Understand and apply the main techniques and methodologies used in Epidemiology (Rates, ratios, prevalence and incidence; crude and standardized rates; Standardization methodology).

Understand the main theories and criteria of causality of association between exposure and disease.

Know the main types of Epidemiological Studies and the situations in which they are applied and used.

Understand and calculate measures of association of variables in the identification of the main risks for the Health of the populations.

Understand the interconnection between epidemiological concepts and statistical methods.

Know and know how to avoid the main errors and biases in epidemiological studies.

Know the usefulness, application and main stages of a population screening. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Scope, historical evolution, definitions and types of Epidemiology.

Population at risk.

Main indicators in Population Health.

Techniques and methodologies used in Epidemiology (Rates, ratios, notions of prevalence and incidence; crude and standardized rates; Standardization methodology).

Theories of causality.

Main types of Epidemiological Studies - characterization and applicability. Experimental and non experimental studies (descriptive, cross sectional, ecological, case-control, prospective and retrospective cohort, randomized clinical trials, community trials).

Measures of association of variables. Notions of relative risk, odds ratio, attributable risk, Hazard ratio.

Biases and confounding in Epidemiology.

Screening in Population Health.

Tests and diagnostic procedures. Selection, use and interpretation. Notions and applicability of the calculation of Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value, Negative Predictive Value, Likelihood ratios.

Head Lecturer(s)

António Jorge Correia Gouveia Ferreira

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

1. Referências bibliográficas (references):

Leon Gordis. Epidemiology. 6th Edition. Elsevier; (December 10, 2018). ISBN-13: 978-0323552295

Bonita, R., Beaglehole, R., Kjellström, T. Basic Epidemiology. 2nd Edition. World Health Organization. 2006. ISBN-13: 9789241547079.

Kenneth J. Rothman. Epidemiology: An Introduction. 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-0199754557.

Salvador Massano Cardoso. Notas e Técnicas Epidemiológicas - Fac. Medicina - Coimbra, 5ª edição 2005.

Robert H. Friis and Thomas Sellers. Epidemiology for Public Health Practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning; 6th edition (March 16, 2020). ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1284175431.

2. Bases bibliográficas disponíveis no campus virtual Eduroam bem como na BCSUC (Bibliographical databases available in the virtual campus Eduroam as well as in the BCSUC): B-On, Science Direct, EBSCO, ClinicalKey, OVID, Springer Nature, Web of Science, Index de Revistas Médicas Portuguesas.