Program Overview

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Course Syllabus for Epidemiological Methods for Studying Determinants of Health

Introduction

The course syllabus for Epidemiological Methods for Studying Determinants of Health provides a comprehensive outline of the course's essential data, specific entry requirements, outcomes, content, teaching methods, examination, transitional provisions, and other directives.

Essential Data

• Course code: 4FH086
• Course name: Epidemiological Methods for Studying Determinants of Health
• Credits: 7.5
• Form of Education: Higher education, study regulation of 2007
• Main field of study: Public Health Sciences
• Level: AV - Second cycle
• Grading scale: Fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG)
• Department: Institute of Environmental Medicine
• Decided by: Utbildningsnämnden GPH
• Course syllabus valid from: Spring semester 2026

Specific Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits in public health science, healthcare or other relevant social sciences subject area.
• Proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6.

Outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

• Explain principles of various types of common epidemiological study designs, and describe their strengths and weaknesses.
• Describe theoretical models for causality and discuss principles of causal mechanisms.

Competence and Skills

• Calculate and interpret measures of disease occurrence and relationships, and describe how a specific measure is influenced by the study design.
• Identify and explain sources of errors in epidemiological studies and how these impact the results.
• Discuss epidemiological concepts including validity and precision related to different epidemiological study designs.

Judgement and Approach

• Critically assess epidemiological scientific articles based on study design, results, validity and precision to draw adequate conclusions from the results.

Content

The course focuses on epidemiological theory and practice, including principles of design, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiological studies. It introduces the concept of causality, concepts related to study basis, measures on disease occurrence and measures on relationships, effect modification, common designs for epidemiological studies, and the importance of various types of sources of errors.

Teaching Methods

The course focuses on active learning, using strategies such as lectures, group assignments, and an individual assignment that runs throughout the course. An individual assignment with feedback at different time points will also be an important method for students to apply the knowledge they have gained.

Examination

To pass the course, the student should show that the expected learning outcomes have been achieved. Two examinations are used: one individual assignment and one written examination. The individual assignment will be presented both written and orally by the student, who shall also be an opponent to another student's presentation. These parts are all graded with Fail/Pass.

Transitional Provisions

Examination will be provided during a time of two years after a possible cancellation of the course. Examination can take place according to an earlier literature list during a time of one year after the date when a major renewal of the literature list has been made.

Other Directives

Course evaluation is carried out according to the guidelines established by The Committee for Higher Education. The course is given in English.

Literature and Other Teaching Aids

Mandatory Literature

• Norell, Staffan, Workbook of epidemiology, New York; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1995.
• Gordis, Leon, Epidemiology, Fifth edition, xv, 392 pages. Scientific articles will be handed out during the course.