Infectious Disease Epidemiology, 15 credits

Validation

This course syllabus was validated by the Management Board of the School of Natural Sciences, Technology and Environmental Studies at Södertörn University on 2018-04-23 according to the stipulations in the Higher Education Ordinance.

Entry requirements

The equivalent of English B, Statistics 7.5 credits and a Bachelor degree including 90 credits in Environmental Science, Bioscience, Sociology, International Health, Media Communcation Studies, or the equivalent.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is able to:

• define and categorise studies in infectious disease epidemiology so that suitable study can be selected and designed
• define case-control and cohort studies so that the differences between these can be clearly explained
• organise surveillance of infectious disease outbreaks so that suitable control strategies can be suggested to limit the spread of an actual disease
• use mathematical modelling within infectious disease epidemiology so that putative risks can be determined
• analyse molecular epidemiological problems so that evolution, virulence and spreading patterns for individual biological agents can be determined
• define and explain biological and environmental scientific aspects within infectious disease epidemiology, e.g. spreading mechanisms and vector distribution connected with environmental changes, so that suitable measures can be suggested
• define and explain national and international socioeconomic factors that are important in infectious disease control
• analyse how different control strategies can have an impact at the individual level
• critically examine and evaluate scientific studies in the field of infectious disease epidemiology
• within a group design, carry out and present a study within the field of infectious disease epidemiology.

Course content, modules and examinations

The course includes studies about factors that influence the spread of different forms of infectious disease epidemics, including quantifying, surveillance, outbreak investigation, case-control studies, cohort studies, mathematical and modelling of infectious diseases. Furthermore, the influence of socio-economical, geographical and biological factors on the risk of global and local outbreaks and possible control measures (e.g. vaccination programmes) are studied. Molecular epidemiological methods are covered in theory and in practice through computer-based practicals with bacterial and viral examples. Deepened insight into modern issues and problem solving is acquired through lectures and seminars. The course also includes a project, which requires individual work, as well as project-based group activities.

Course design

The course includes lectures, seminars, practical training in quantitative methods and a literature project.

Examination format

1001, Theory is assessed through written examination.

1002, Practical exercises and seminars are assessed by active participation and written assignments. The project is assessed through oral and written presentations.

Absence from more than 50% of the seminars requires that the student take the course again. Compensatory assignments must be handed in within one year of course completion.

The grading criteria are distributed prior to the start of a course or module.

If a student has a certificate from Södertörn University for compensatory support, the examiner has the right to decide on an adapted examination or alternative form of examination in accordance with Södertörn University's regulations.

Restrictions on accreditation

The course may not be accredited as part of a degree if the contents are partly or wholly the same as a course previously taken in Sweden or elsewhere.

Other stipulations

Following the Vice-Chancellors decision on internationalization and grade scale at Södertörn University College (dnr: 1148-1.1.2-2018), this syllabus replaces the syllabus with course code 1116MJ, with the difference that the grade system has been updated. The syllabus is determined through special order (dnr: 1776-2.1.1-2018).