Epidemiology and biostatistics II
About the course
This course is an optional course for students at the Master’s degree program in Public Health (MPH). However, for students taking the Epidemiology stream of the MPH, the course is mandatory. The course can be taken as a singular course by applicants who meet the academic admission criteria for the Master's program in Public Health.
The knowledge you need to define, describe and understand the basic concepts of epidemiology and biostatistics is covered in the courses HEL-3047 Introduction to research methods in public health and HEL-3049 Epidemiology and applied biostatistics 1. During the HEL-3052 Epidemiology and biostatistics 2 course, we will further elaborate on those concepts, and also work on other advanced and applied topics of epidemiology and biostatistics.
This advanced course emphasizes the integration of epidemiological theories and biostatistical techniques to address complex public health research questions. Students will gain expertise in the design and analysis of large-scale studies and master advanced statistical tools. The course equips students for independent research or applied roles in academia, healthcare, or public health.
Admission requirements
The course can be taken as a singular course by applicants who meet the academic admission criteria for the Master's program in Public Health.
Application code: 9371
Objectives of the course
After completing the course, students should:
Knowledge
- Have advanced knowledge of the theories, principles, and procedures in epidemiology and biostatistics, including key terms and concepts such as causality, epidemiological indicators, bias and confounding, diagnostics and screening, study designs, different fields of epidemiology, data sources and data quality, and selection of appropriate statistical models and methods.
Skills
- Critically appraise and synthesize multiple epidemiological data sources, theories and methods to build sound public-health arguments.
- Execute the full cycle of an epidemiological study —from protocol design through data management and analysis—while meeting prevailing methodological and research-ethics standards.
- Formulate research questions and develop projects that bridge gaps in existing evidence.
- Select data from available sources and build the best model to test given hypotheses using Jamovi with R.
General competence
- Apply scientific approaches, epidemiological methodology, and ethical considerations to generate knowledge regarding relevant public health problems.
- Systematically assess the strengths and limitations of epidemiological and biostatistical methods—both in your own work and in that of others—and refine approaches based on these evaluations.
- Work within project teams, by independently applying one’s own epidemiological expertise while coordinating and integrating the contributions of others, in order to jointly design, execute, and critically appraise public-health research.
- Convey epidemiological findings clearly and accurately, using proper scientific terminology and tailoring the presentation to different audiences.
Prerequisites
Recommended prerequisites
HEL-3006 Introduction to Epidemiology and Biostatistics, HEL-3049 Epidemiology and biostatistics I
Credit reduction
If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:
- HEL-3060 Methods in epidemiology 10 ects
- HEL-3060 Epidemiology II 10 ects
- HEL-8013 Epidemiology - Deeper Understanding 10 ects
Teaching methods
This course contains a variety of teaching methods to meet the learning outcomes, such as:
- Lectures
- Independent and team-based work sessions (seminar)
- Flipped classroom activities
- Presentations
Active use of the Internet learning management system Canvas is mandatory.
Language of instruction and examination
EnglishSchedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
Master's students studying public health from EUGLOH partner institutions, as well as those from institutions with an Erasmus or North2North agreement, are encouraged to attend this course.
Please see "Admission requirements" section.
Do you have questions about this exchange? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty: https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=510412
Examination
| Oral exam | Duration: 30 Minutes |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Participation in working sessions | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Written assignments | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Oral presentations | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage
More info about the oral exam
The final exam for this course will be conducted in the form of an oral exam. During the exam, students will give a short presentation on a predefined topic (10 min.). After the presentation, there is a semi-structured dialogue addressing both the predefined topic that was presented, but also more broadly related to key concepts, themes, and applications of the overall course material (15 min.). The exam will give students the opportunity to demonstrate to which extent they have reached the learning objectives of the course.
Language: English or Norwegian.
