Course syllabus

 

 

Overview

The MPH221 Epidemiology and Biostatistics course is a mandatory component of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program and is also available as a stand-alone course.

This course equips students with essential skills to design epidemiological studies, collect, analyze, and interpret data to address different medical and public health issues. The course will also cover ethical principles in epidemiological research. It provides a foundational understanding of biostatistics and epidemiology through a combination of lectures, computer exercises, and seminars. Students will learn core theories and problem-solving techniques, while also gaining practical experience with statistical tools, including Stata software.

Throughout the course, participants will engage in individual and group exercises to apply the knowledge they have gained. In addition, there will be summary sessions and Q&A opportunities to prepare students for their final examinations. Active participation and engagement in class discussions are key components of the course, and they contribute significantly to the notes provided. Students are encouraged to attend and participate in all classes.

Outcome Measures

Computer exercises and seminars, 1+1 hp:
Five computer exercise sessions are mandatory. Participants are required to attend the practical sessions and perform statistical analyses using various datasets. For each mandatory exercise, students must compile an individual report containing the analysis outputs, interpretations, and reasoning behind their approach, and be ready to report and discuss the answers either during exercise session or during a mandatory follow-up session. One of the exercises, "Introduction to Stata, with descriptive statistics", requires a written hand-in.

There will also be mandatory seminars/group work, more information about requirements to pass will be added.

Part A Exam, 5 hp: On Monday Nov 30th there is an individual DISA exam, covering the first four weeks of the course.

Part B Exam, 5 hp: On Tuesday Jan 5th there is another individual DISA exam.

Project assignment, 3 hp.

 

Additional information

Additional details on course content, objectives, and assessments can be found in the Course Syllabus.

• Course Syllabus
• Course Schedule (note: subject to changes up until 2 weeks before the course starts)
• Literature list  
  Note: The fourth edition of Medical Statistics is no longer available as a printed book. However, the fifth edition is now in circulation. Through the GU library, you will have access to e-books for both editions. We will reference sections from both editions throughout the course, so please be sure to note which edition is being referred to in the recommended readings for each session.

For the computer exercise sessions, we will be using regular lecture rooms. All students must bring their own laptops with Stata installed. If a student is unable to bring a laptop, they will be asked to work in pairs with another student during the session.

Download and install Stata

To install Stata on your computer:

• The software can be downloaded through the GU student portal, link: https://studentportal.gu.se/en/digital-tools/other-digital-tools-and-software?f_sa=1&i_mc=1  Please choose StataNow/SE 19.
• An advice is to read the "Software information" specific to Stata on the GU download page. You reach it by clicking on the info link just above the download link for Stata. On the information page, you find a link to an installation guide. If you have a problem with the installation, there is also the possibility to contact the Servicecenter at GU. However, getting help from there can take some days.

Once you’ve completed the installation, please ensure that you can open and run Stata.

Stata is also available on all computers in computer room 2158 (Medicinaregatan). 

 

Contact information
Course coordinators: Anna Rehammar anna.rehammar@gu.se and
                                    Nawi Ng nawi.ng@gu.se 

Course administrator: Teresa Petersson publichealth@medicin.gu.se 

 

General student information

Find your way to and on campus

Programme information on Studentportal

Checklist for new students

Course registration, results and certificates

Written examination 

Disability study support

Study Environment and Rules

Application form for adaptation of exam.pdf

Instructions - Application for adaptation for examination

Academic honesty, updated feb 2023.pdf