| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Epidemiology MRes program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to conduct independent research in epidemiology. It combines taught modules with a research project, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory, methods, and applications of epidemiology in research and public health. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and public health organizations. The program offers a unique blend of individualized supervision, practical skills training, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Epidemiology MRes
The Epidemiology MRes is a postgraduate program designed for graduates with a BSc in the life sciences or other science disciplines. It is also suited to intercalating and qualified MBBS or BDS students. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory, methods, and applications of epidemiology in research and public health.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct independent research in epidemiology.
- Develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills in data analysis and interpretation.
- Enhance students' understanding of the role of epidemiology in public health and disease prevention.
- Prepare students for careers in academia, research, and public health organizations.
Program Description:
The Epidemiology MRes is a 12-month program that combines taught modules with a research project. Students will study a range of topics in epidemiology, including:
- Study design and data collection
- Statistical analysis and interpretation
- Causal inference
- Disease surveillance and outbreak investigation
- Health inequalities and social determinants of health
- Global health
- Ethical considerations in epidemiological research The program culminates in a 24-week research project, supervised by an expert academic in the field of epidemiology. This project provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world research problem.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program comprises the following modules:
- Clinical Epidemiology (20 credits): This module provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the value, theoretical basis, and practicalities of epidemiology and approaches to epidemiological research.
- MRes Project (110 credits): This module is a 24-week research project supervised by an expert academic researcher in the field of epidemiology research.
- Research Skills and Principles for the Biosciences (10 credits): This module introduces students to the principles of scientific research, including research design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
Optional Modules:
Students can choose from a range of optional modules to tailor the program to their interests and career goals. Some of the available optional modules include:
- Global Health (20 credits)
- Biomedical Additive Manufacture and Biofabrication (20 credits)
- Biomaterials (20 credits)
- The Biological Study of Behaviour (20 credits)
- Ageing & Health (20 credits)
- Experimental Medicine & Therapeutics (20 credits)
- Drug discovery and development (20 credits)
- Cancer Studies (20 credits)
- Chromosome Biology and Cell Cycle Control in Health and Disease (20 credits)
- The Biological Basis of Psychiatric Illness & Its Treatment (20 credits)
- Biology of Ageing (20 credits)
- Genetics of Common Disease (20 credits)
- Applied Immunobiology of Human Disease (20 credits)
- Molecular Microbiology (20 credits)
- Biomolecular Research in Health and Disease (20 credits)
- Sensory Systems (20 credits)
- Scientific Basis of Neurological Disorders (20 credits)
- Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells (20 credits)
- Transplantation Sciences (20 credits)
- Genetic Medicine (20 credits)
- Genetics of Human Development (20 credits)
- Surgical Anatomy (20 credits)
- Mitochondrial Biology & Medicine (20 credits)
- Diabetes (20 credits)
- Cardiovascular Science in Health and Disease (20 credits)
- Bioscience Research Development and Enterprise (20 credits)
- Comparative Cognition: Information Processing in Humans and Other Animals (20 credits)
- Exercise in Health and Disease (20 credits)
- Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine (20 credits)
- Evolution and Human Behaviour (20 credits)
- Human Health and the Impact of Microbial Genomics (20 credits)
- Therapeutic Applications of Cell Signalling Pathways (20 credits)
- Oral and Dental Sciences (20 credits)
- Bioinformatics for Biomedical Scientists (20 credits)
- Enabling Technologies and Methodologies for Biomedical Research (20 credits)
- Theoretical Aspects of Animal Welfare (20 credits)
- Practical Aspects of Animal Welfare (20 credits)
- Human Nutrition Science (20 credits)
Course Schedule:
The program is offered full-time and starts in September. The program comprises taught modules and a research project. It covers topics such as:
- Definition and history of epidemiology
- Types of epidemiological studies
- Study design and data collection
- Measures of frequency and association
- Bias and confounding
- Causal inference
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Ethical considerations in epidemiological research
MRes Project:
This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research under the supervision of an expert academic. Students will choose a research topic from a range of options and develop a research proposal, conduct the research, and write a dissertation.
Research Skills and Principles for the Biosciences:
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of scientific research. It covers topics such as:
- Scientific method
- Research design
- Data collection and analysis
- Scientific writing
- Presentation of research findings
- Ethical considerations in research
Optional Modules:
Students can choose from a range of optional modules to tailor the program to their individual interests and career goals. The specific modules available may vary from year to year, but some examples include:
- Global Health: This module explores the challenges and opportunities of global health, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health systems.
- Drug discovery and development: This module covers the different stages of drug discovery and development, from target identification to clinical trials.
- Genetics of Common Disease: This module explores the genetic basis of common diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Nutrition Science: This module explores the relationship between nutrition and health, including the role of diet in disease prevention.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Essays
- Critical appraisals
- Oral presentations
- Written examinations
- Project design
- Graphical abstracts
- Problem-solving exercises
- Reports
- Reflective logs
- Research proposals
- Presentations
- Dissertations
Assessment Criteria:
The specific assessment criteria will vary depending on the module and assessment method. However, general assessment criteria may include:
- Understanding of key concepts and principles
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world problems
- Clear and concise communication of ideas
- Effective use of evidence and data
- Originality and creativity
- Ethical considerations
- Time management
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group work
- Workshops
- Practical sessions
- Individual supervision
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and researchers with expertise in epidemiology and related fields. The faculty includes:
- Dr Jeremy Brown - Degree Programme Director
- Professor Zofia Chrzanowska-Lightowlers - Deputy Degree Programme Director
- Dr Gavin Clowry - Deputy Degree Programme Director
Unique Approaches:
The program offers a number of unique features, including:
- Individualized supervision from expert academics
- Opportunity to conduct independent research
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities
- Strong emphasis on practical skills
- Career support and guidance
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the Epidemiology MRes may pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Academia
- Research
- Public health
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Clinical research
- Health policy
- Health education
- Medical writing
- Science communication
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the program have been employed in a variety of roles, including:
- Project manager
- Research associate
- Associate consultant
- Senior analyst
- Research scientist
- Marie Curie early stage researcher
- Clinical research associate
- Medical writer
- Medical doctor
- Research laboratory technician
- Sales representative
- Immunology development manager
Other:
Student Support:
The program provides a range of support services to help students succeed. These include:
- Academic advising
- Career counseling
- Health and well-being support
- Disability support
- Student union
- Library services
- IT support
Facilities:
The program is based in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which provides students with access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- Individual research laboratories
- Dedicated medical library
- Hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces
- Dedicated facilities for a range of key bioscience applications, including flow cytometry, bioinformatics, imaging, genomics, and proteomics
