Principles Of Epidemiology
- Health Sciences
- 300 level
- 3 credit units
- 89 pages
- 11 units
This course introduces the principles of epidemiology, focusing on the study of disease distribution and determinants in populations. It explores various types of epidemiological studies, basic measurements, and strategies for understanding disease causation. The course also covers the epidemiology of communicable and non-communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. Students will learn about epidemics, surveillance, and prevention methods, equipping them with essential knowledge for community health practice.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PHS318, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PHS318 · UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION TO EPIDEMIOLOGY
Do not hesitate to contact your tutor or study centre on phone or email in any of the following circumstances: you do not understand any part of the study units or the assigned reading you have difficulty with the self test or exercises you have questions or problems with an assignment, tutors comments or grading of an assignment.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the principles of epidemiology and its relevance to public health.
- Describe different types of epidemiological studies and their applications.
- Calculate and interpret basic measurements in epidemiology.
- Discuss the epidemiology of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- Explain the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and its prevention.
- Apply epidemiological strategies for disease control and prevention.
What it prepares you for
- Community Health Worker
- Public Health Officer
- Disease Surveillance Officer
- Health Educator
- Infection Control Specialist
- Healthcare
- Government Agencies
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Research Institutions
- International Health Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Sexually Transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS
Unit 3: Demographic Incidence and Prevalence of HIV/AIDS
Understanding the complex interplay of demographic factors, cultural practices, and socioeconomic determinants requires critical analysis.
- Module 3: Sexually Transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS
Unit 2: Human Immuno-Virus/Acquired Immune Diseases Syndrome
Requires a thorough understanding of virology, immunology, and the mechanisms of drug action to combat HIV replication.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 56 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Epidemiology
Unit 1: Introduction to Epidemiology · 4 hours
Define epidemiology and its key components.. Discuss the historical context and evolution of epidemiology.. Explain the relevance of epidemiology to community health practice..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Epidemiology
Unit 2: Types of Epidemiological Studies · 4 hours
Describe descriptive studies and their application in epidemiology.. Explain analytical studies and their role in hypothesis testing.. Differentiate between observational and experimental studies..
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Epidemiology
Unit 3: Basic Measurements in Epidemiology · 4 hours
Define incidence and prevalence rates.. Calculate and interpret crude, specific, and standardized rates.. Explain the uses of health statistics in nursing practice..
- Week 4Module 2: Epidemiology and Communicable/Non Communicable Disease
Unit 1: Strategies of Epidemiology · 4 hours
Identify the chain of epidemiology and its components.. Explain the concept of disease causation and ecological factors.. Discuss host and environmental factors in disease development..
- Week 5Module 2: Epidemiology and Communicable/Non Communicable Disease
Unit 2: Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases · 4 hours
Define communicable and non-communicable diseases.. Identify disease-causing agents and infectious agents.. Explain concepts such as incubation period, infectivity, and immunity..
- Week 6Module 2: Epidemiology and Communicable/Non Communicable Disease
Unit 3: Epidemics · 4 hours
Define epidemics and related terms.. Explain the propagation of epidemics and types of spread.. Describe the steps involved in investigating an epidemic..
- Week 7Module 3: Sexually Transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS
Unit 1: Sexually Transmitted Infection · 4 hours
Define sexually transmitted infections (STIs).. Identify common types of STIs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and genital herpes.. Discuss the consequences of STIs on reproductive health and society..
- Week 8Module 3: Sexually Transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS
Unit 2: Human Immuno-Virus/Acquired Immune Diseases Syndrome · 4 hours
Define HIV/AIDS and its impact on the immune system.. Explain the different types of HIV and their characteristics.. Describe the structure of HIV and its replication process..
- Week 9Module 3: Sexually Transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS
Unit 3: Demographic Incidence and Prevalence of HIV/AIDS · 4 hours
Analyze the global demographic view of HIV/AIDS.. Discuss the UN's perspective on the HIV/AIDS pandemic.. Examine the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria..
- Week 10Module 3: Sexually Transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS
Unit 4: Tests for HIV · 4 hours
Describe the HIV test and its purpose.. Explain the process of testing infants for HIV.. Identify possible HIV test results and their implications..
- Week 11Module 3: Sexually Transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS
Unit 5: Prevention, Treatment and Control of HIV/AIDS · 4 hours
Explain the rationale for combination therapy in HIV/AIDS treatment.. Discuss other pharmaceutical care services for HIV/AIDS patients.. Describe preventive measures for target groups, medical personnel, and the general public..
- Week 12Module 1: Introduction to Epidemiology
Module 1: Introduction to Epidemiology (Review) · 6 hours
Review all units from Module 1.. Practice applying epidemiological concepts to case studies.. Prepare for Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs).
- Week 13Module 2: Epidemiology and Communicable/Non Communicable Disease
Modules 2 & 3: Epidemiology and Communicable/Non Communicable Disease, Sexually Transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS (Review) · 6 hours
Review all units from Modules 2 and 3.. Focus on key concepts related to disease prevention and control.. Prepare for final examination by reviewing learning outcomes..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking Modules 1-3 key epidemiological principles.
- Practice calculating incidence and prevalence rates using sample data from Units 3 and 4.
- Review the modes of transmission and prevention strategies for communicable diseases from Units 5-7.
- Focus on understanding the HIV life cycle and treatment options from Units 8-10.
- Study the demographic trends and surveillance methods related to HIV/AIDS from Units 11-13.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PHS318 about?
This course introduces the principles of epidemiology, focusing on the study of disease distribution and determinants in populations. It explores various types of epidemiological studies, basic measurements, and strategies for understanding disease causation. The course also covers the epidemiology of communicable and non-communicable diseases, including sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. Students will learn about epidemics, surveillance, and prevention methods, equipping them with essential knowledge for community health practice.
How many units does PHS318 have?
PHS318, Principles Of Epidemiology, has 11 units across 3 modules, over 89 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PHS318?
PHS318 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Health Sciences.
Is PHS318 hard?
PHS318 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PHS318 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 11 units.
How is PHS318 assessed?
PHS318 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with PHS318?
Community Health Worker, Public Health Officer, Disease Surveillance Officer, Health Educator and Infection Control Specialist.