Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Induction day 2016/17 MSc Epidemiology & Biostatistics

Transcription

1 Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics Induction day 2016/17 MSc Epidemiology & Biostatistics

2 Programme management Dr Paul Baxter Programme Leader Dr Marlous Hall Deputy Programme Leader Mr Andrew Shearing Programme Administrator Induction 2

3 Ice breaker Induction 3

4 What are we trying to achieve? Induction 4

5 Providing an environment which fosters education... Induction 5

6 Some advice... Socrates (c. 469 BC 399 BC) I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think Responsibility for learning is with you! Induction 6

7 How to prepare for the start of teaching... Induction 7

8 Read the handbook... Induction 8

9 Be part of the community... Induction 9

10 A two way process... Plutarch, (c. AD ) The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited Opportunity to select two student representatives as members of our Programmes Management Committee (PMC) Bring to us issues Positive as well as negative! Induction 10

11 MSc structure 180 credits (10 credits is approximately 100 hours of work) 60 credit Research Project (split over Semester 2 + summer) 60 taught credits Semester 1 (four 15 credit modules) 60 taught credits Semester 2 (four 15 credit modules) Induction 11

12 Common core modules Semester 1 EPIB5022 Core Epidemiology EPIB5023 Introduction to Modelling EPIB5024 Statistical Inference EPIB5038 Advanced Epidemiological Techniques Semester 2 EPIB5030 Professional Spine Induction 12

13 EPIB5022 Core Epidemiology Dr Graham Law Components of assessment 1 x Essay - Three short answers questions (1000 words total) (70%) 2 x Online Assessment Blackboard (30%) The module will cover the following subjects Introduction to epidemiology; Causation and models of cause; Directed acyclic graphs; Experiment and observational epidemiology; Hierarchy of evidence in study design; Anecdote, case series; Case registers; Disease clusters; Ecological studies; Case-control studies; Cohort studies; Randomised controlled trials; Intention-to-treat, blinding, placebo; Introduction to metaanalysis; Incidence, prevalence, mortality; Absolute and relative risk; Odds ratios, risk ratios; Attributable risk and fraction; Selection bias; Information bias; Confounding. Induction 13

14 EPIB5023 Introduction to Modelling Prof Mark Gilthorpe Components of assessment 2 x 1000 Project Report (50%) 1 x Unseen Examination 2hr (50%) To provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles (model theory, limitations, assumptions) underpinning the use of (generalised) linear modelling in medicine and health, and critically appraise the use of such models. The module will cover the following topics: Introduction to software (especially R statistical software); Correlation and simple linear regression; Multiple linear regression, including maximum likelihood estimation; Model fitting, parameter estimation and interpretation; Model diagnostics; Extending the linear model: Generalised linear modelling including logistic regression analysis and Poisson regression.. Induction 14

15 EPIB5024 Statistical Inference Dr Paul Baxter Components of assessment 1 x Self / Peer assessment: 5 short questions per month (45%) 1 x Practical: 2 short questions per week (45%) 1 x Reflective Log: 100 word reflection after each practical (10%) The module will cover the following subjects: Basic methods of inference; Review of probability theory; Frequentist inference; Bayesian inference Induction 15

16 EPIB5038 Advanced Epidemiological techniques Dr Richard Feltbower Components of assessment 2 x Coursework assessments based on practical workshops (100%) The module will cover the following subjects: Modelling trends in incidence rates; age-period-cohort models; Introduction to spatial methods; Use of census data; ecological regression methods; agreement; predictive values; sensitivity/specificity; ROC curves; Survival analysis using non-parametric approaches (actuarial/kaplan-meier survival estimates)log-rank/ Wilcoxon tests), semi-parametric (Cox proportional hazards model) and an awareness of parametric models (accelerated failure time model, relative survival analysis); Model building, model diagnostics, fitting timedependent variables, Meta analysis methods; Binary outcome methods; conditional and unconditional logistic models; Adjustment for confounding; Identifying sufficient sets of confounders; Identification of, and adjustment for, participation bias, matching. 16

17 EPIB5030 Professional Spine Dr Marlous Hall Components of assessments: 1 x Reflective Log (10%) 1 x Poster Presentation (10%) 1 x Problem Sheet (sample size calculation) (40%) 1 x 1000 word referee s report of an article (40%) The module will cover the following subjects: Consultancy skills; Developing a research proposal; Sample size estimation; Research Ethics; Searching the literature; Critically appraising the literature; Academic writing; Data presentation; Designing effective posters; Presentation skills; Reviewing for journals Induction 17

18 What about the research project? Induction 18

19 Research Project Module This module gives you an opportunity to do a novel piece of research. On completion of this module, you will be able to: Undertake a systematic and critical review of the literature relating to the identified problem; Design and write an appropriate proposal (with ethics) for conducting a research project; Write a meeting abstract and deliver a scientific presentation of the research project and defend your work to the audience; and Write the research project up into an journal article of submission quality

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22 Research Project Module Handbook

23 Research Project Assignments

24 Research Project Assignments Key dates 2016/17 Thursday 10/11/ Theme and project choice session Friday 02/12/ Deadline for theme and project choices Friday 24/02/ Literature Review presentation Friday 24/03/ Literature Review submission Friday 12/05/ Project Proposal submission Wednesday 19/07/ Project Oral Presentation Friday 25/08/ Journal Article submission

25 Theme structure Induction 25

26 Theme leaders Graham Law Roger Parslow Cathy Brennan Induction 26

27 Statistical Epidemiology theme Students selecting this theme will specialise in advanced statistical methods that play a crucial part in modern epidemiological research. This includes latent variable methods allowing models to vary across different subgroups of the patient population and multilevel techniques taking into account the complex hierarchy of patients treated by clinical teams within hospitals. Semester 2 EPIB5025 Multilevel and Latent Variable Modelling EPIB5037 Advanced Modelling Strategies One optional module Induction 27

28 EPIB5025 Multilevel and Latent Variable Modelling Dr Darren Greenwood Components of assessment 2 x 1500 word Report (100%) The module will cover the following subjects: Introduction to multilevel modelling (MLM), simple hierarchies, assumptions and consequence of ignoring hierarchy, Model specification, variance components (VC) model, random intercept, complex level 1, random slope, complex random slope; Model fit, residuals, diagnostics, model comparison, predictions, MCMC, Modelling other outcome distributions, binomial, Complex hierarchies, crossclassified, multiple-membership, Introduction to latent variables, principle components analysis (PCA), Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Causation and path analysis, Structural equation models (SEM). Induction 28

29 EPIB5037 Advanced Modelling Strategies Professor Mark Gilthorpe Components of assessment 2x Short Reports (800 words) (60%) 1 x Short Report (800 words) (40%) The module will cover the following subjects: Causality, directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) and their use within epidemiological studies, adjustment for confounding, competing exposures and mediation; regression to the mean; analysis of change, appropriate use of ANCOVA and baseline effects; the reversal paradox (Simpsons paradox, Lord's paradox, and suppression); mathematical coupling; ratio variables; statistical interaction; mixture modelling; and zero-inflated models. Induction 29

30 Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology theme Students selecting this theme will specialise in the epidemiology of diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer and congenital anomalies that are a leading cause of death worldwide. As well as understanding the biology, causes and trends of these diseases, students will also explore exposures (such as diet, chemicals, radiation, toxicology and lifestyle factors) including measurement, validation and study design. Semester 2 EPIB5035 Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology Two optional modules Induction 30

31 EPIB5035 Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology Dr Roger Parslow Components of assessment 1 x 1000 word critical appraisal (30%) 1 x 1500 word research protocol (30%) 1 x two short questions per practical session (30%) 1 x 100 word reflection after each practical or workshop (10%) The course will cover the following subjects: Non-communicable diseases epidemiology. Disease groups will be examined in detail: Cancer, Diabetes, etc. For each disease group, the following subjects will be covered: biology, aetiology, trends and survival. Exposure epidemiology: Specific environmental exposures covered will include: Diet, Chemicals, Radiation, Toxicology, etc.. Exposure measurement and validation will include: Molecular epidemiology, Biological effects etc. Induction 31

32 Applied Population Health theme Students selecting this theme will specialise in understanding the core principles underpinning a population health perspective and the practical application of population health sciences for improving health. Students will explore the application of epidemiology in understanding health and wellbeing and designing, delivering and evaluating preventative interventions. Semester 2 PHLT5125 Population Health: Principles and Practice PHLT5110 Communicable Disease Control and Non-Infectious Environmental Hazards One optional module Induction 32

33 PHLT5125 Population Health: Principles and Practice Dr Cathy Brennan Components of assessment 1 x 3000 word report (100%) The course will cover the following subjects: What do we mean by health and what do we mean by populations? Determinants of health and implications at a population level. Sick individuals vs sick society; the nature of causation and risk and the prevention paradox. Individual autonomy vs public good, incorporating public health ethics. Critical reflections on a public health programme case study. Population dynamics; introduction to demography age/sex structure, fertility and mortality rates. Measures of deprivation. Surveillance and key population level data sources. Approaches and frameworks for health needs assessment. Undertaking health equity audits and health impact assessments. Levels of prevention and health promotion. Psychological theories and behaviour change. Social theories and community health. Key features of population health interventions and how they may be evaluated 33

34 PHLT5110 Communicable Disease Control Dr Martin McAreavey Components of assessment 1 x 3000 word report (100%) The course will cover the following subjects: Infectious Disease: general microbiology; food microbiology; prevention of infection; legal and corporate responsibilities; policy on Communicable Disease Control. Surveillance Mechanisms: Definition; infectious and non-infectious systems; evaluation; future development; the CCDC function; environmental institutions. Management of Outbreaks: identification; preliminary enquiries; hypotheses and definitive studies; sources of infection, modes of transmission; primary and secondary infection; conduct of investigation, co-ordination, liaison; reports, media and public relations. Prevention: primary, secondary and tertiary prevention- application to environmental hazards; education; Getting Ahead of the Curve strategy as a catalyst for change; evaluation. Water quality, air quality, solid waste/contaminated land, food safety 34

35 Optional modules You may choose any of our Semester 2 EPIB modules Or You may select an elective taught by any other School in the University: For example: GEOG5240 PHLT5025 Applied Population and Demographic Analysis Health Economics Archbishop of York (Cardinal Wolsey, ) Be very careful what you put in your head, because you will never, ever get it out Induction 35

36 EPIB5032 Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology Professor Jenny Barrett Components of assessment 1 x Essay 3,000 word limit (50%) 1 x Unseen exam (50%) The module will cover the following subjects: Basic human genetics, basic population genetics, familial aggregation of disease, parametric and non-parametric linkage analysis, genetic association, candidate gene association studies, genome-wide association studies, family-based association studies, newer types of genetic information (such as copy number and sequence data), case studies of the genetic epidemiology of particular diseases. Induction 36

37 EPIB3036 Introduction to clinical trials Dr Rebecca Walwyn Components of assessment 1 x 2000 word section of a trial grant proposal (50%). 1 x Unseen exam (50%). The module will cover the following subjects: Writing trial protocols and statistical analysis plan; designing data collection tools and databases; Phase III clinical trial designs (including parallel-group, crossover, factorial, repeated-measures and cluster-randomised trial designs); experimental design modified by practical, ethical and economic constraints; critical appraisal of protocols, reports etc; sources of bias in clinical trials; sample size calculations; descriptive and comparative methods of analysis to trial data, protocol deviations and multiplicity;quality assessment within systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

38 EPIB5036 Independent Learning Skills in Epidemiology and Biostatistics Dr George Ellison Components of assessment 1 x Project Report - 60 pages / 3,000 words (70%) 1 x Verbal Presentation - 10 minutes (30%) Each student will be allocated to a supervisor who will be responsible for the detailed description of the 15 credit mini project. The material may be available in textbooks, although the development of the topic will preferably not follow any one textbook completely. This project may either take the form of a data analysis, supported by a review of methods underlying the analysis, or a critical review of methods, illustrated by examples of the methodology. Induction 38

39 When must I choose my theme? A meeting with the programme leader, theme leaders and project module supervisors will be held on: Thursday 10 November 2-4pm To discuss theme choice, project choices and optional modules. Final choices need to be submitted to the programme administrator by: 4pm on Friday 2 December

40 How do I pass the MSc? Full details are in the programme handbook, briefly: 1. You must pass all of the modules in the common core with marks >50 2. You need 150 credits from >180 credits attempted 3. You must have an overall classification average >50 (>60 for merit award, >70 for distinction award) Notes If you fail a module (mark <50) you will be entitled to a second attempt, capped at a maximum mark of 50 Mitigation processes exist if you are unable to submit an assessment, e.g. due to illness It is possible to terminate studies at the end of Semester 1 (awarded PGCert) or before completing the research project (awarded PGDip)

41 Time for a break! Induction 41