Epidemiology MRes

Program Overview

The Epidemiology MRes program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to conduct independent research in epidemiology. It combines taught modules with a research project, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory, methods, and applications of epidemiology in research and public health. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and public health organizations. The program offers a unique blend of individualized supervision, practical skills training, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Epidemiology MRes

The Epidemiology MRes is a postgraduate program designed for graduates with a BSc in the life sciences or other science disciplines. It is also suited to intercalating and qualified MBBS or BDS students. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory, methods, and applications of epidemiology in research and public health.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct independent research in epidemiology.
• Develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills in data analysis and interpretation.
• Enhance students' understanding of the role of epidemiology in public health and disease prevention.
• Prepare students for careers in academia, research, and public health organizations.

Program Description:

The Epidemiology MRes is a 12-month program that combines taught modules with a research project. Students will study a range of topics in epidemiology, including:

• Study design and data collection
• Statistical analysis and interpretation
• Causal inference
• Disease surveillance and outbreak investigation
• Health inequalities and social determinants of health
• Global health
• Ethical considerations in epidemiological research
The program culminates in a 24-week research project, supervised by an expert academic in the field of epidemiology. This project provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world research problem.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program comprises the following modules:

• Clinical Epidemiology (20 credits): This module provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the value, theoretical basis, and practicalities of epidemiology and approaches to epidemiological research.
• MRes Project (110 credits): This module is a 24-week research project supervised by an expert academic researcher in the field of epidemiology research.
• Research Skills and Principles for the Biosciences (10 credits): This module introduces students to the principles of scientific research, including research design, data analysis, and scientific writing.

Optional Modules:

Students can choose from a range of optional modules to tailor the program to their interests and career goals. Some of the available optional modules include:

• Global Health (20 credits)
• Biomedical Additive Manufacture and Biofabrication (20 credits)
• Biomaterials (20 credits)
• The Biological Study of Behaviour (20 credits)
• Ageing & Health (20 credits)
• Experimental Medicine & Therapeutics (20 credits)
• Drug discovery and development (20 credits)
• Cancer Studies (20 credits)
• Chromosome Biology and Cell Cycle Control in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• The Biological Basis of Psychiatric Illness & Its Treatment (20 credits)
• Biology of Ageing (20 credits)
• Genetics of Common Disease (20 credits)
• Applied Immunobiology of Human Disease (20 credits)
• Molecular Microbiology (20 credits)
• Biomolecular Research in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• Sensory Systems (20 credits)
• Scientific Basis of Neurological Disorders (20 credits)
• Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells (20 credits)
• Transplantation Sciences (20 credits)
• Genetic Medicine (20 credits)
• Genetics of Human Development (20 credits)
• Surgical Anatomy (20 credits)
• Mitochondrial Biology & Medicine (20 credits)
• Diabetes (20 credits)
• Cardiovascular Science in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• Bioscience Research Development and Enterprise (20 credits)
• Comparative Cognition: Information Processing in Humans and Other Animals (20 credits)
• Exercise in Health and Disease (20 credits)
• Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine (20 credits)
• Evolution and Human Behaviour (20 credits)
• Human Health and the Impact of Microbial Genomics (20 credits)
• Therapeutic Applications of Cell Signalling Pathways (20 credits)
• Oral and Dental Sciences (20 credits)
• Bioinformatics for Biomedical Scientists (20 credits)
• Enabling Technologies and Methodologies for Biomedical Research (20 credits)
• Theoretical Aspects of Animal Welfare (20 credits)
• Practical Aspects of Animal Welfare (20 credits)
• Human Nutrition Science (20 credits)

Course Schedule:

The program is offered full-time and starts in September. The program comprises taught modules and a research project. It covers topics such as:

• Definition and history of epidemiology
• Types of epidemiological studies
• Study design and data collection
• Measures of frequency and association
• Bias and confounding
• Causal inference
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Ethical considerations in epidemiological research

MRes Project:

This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research under the supervision of an expert academic. Students will choose a research topic from a range of options and develop a research proposal, conduct the research, and write a dissertation.

Research Skills and Principles for the Biosciences:

This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of scientific research. It covers topics such as:

• Scientific method
• Research design
• Data collection and analysis
• Scientific writing
• Presentation of research findings
• Ethical considerations in research

Optional Modules:

Students can choose from a range of optional modules to tailor the program to their individual interests and career goals. The specific modules available may vary from year to year, but some examples include:

• Global Health: This module explores the challenges and opportunities of global health, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and health systems.
• Drug discovery and development: This module covers the different stages of drug discovery and development, from target identification to clinical trials.
• Genetics of Common Disease: This module explores the genetic basis of common diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
• Nutrition Science: This module explores the relationship between nutrition and health, including the role of diet in disease prevention.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Essays
• Critical appraisals
• Oral presentations
• Written examinations
• Project design
• Graphical abstracts
• Problem-solving exercises
• Reports
• Reflective logs
• Research proposals
• Presentations
• Dissertations

Assessment Criteria:

The specific assessment criteria will vary depending on the module and assessment method. However, general assessment criteria may include:

• Understanding of key concepts and principles
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world problems
• Clear and concise communication of ideas
• Effective use of evidence and data
• Originality and creativity
• Ethical considerations
• Time management

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group work
• Workshops
• Practical sessions
• Individual supervision

Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and researchers with expertise in epidemiology and related fields. The faculty includes:

• Dr Jeremy Brown - Degree Programme Director
• Professor Zofia Chrzanowska-Lightowlers - Deputy Degree Programme Director
• Dr Gavin Clowry - Deputy Degree Programme Director

Unique Approaches:

The program offers a number of unique features, including:

• Individualized supervision from expert academics
• Opportunity to conduct independent research
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities
• Strong emphasis on practical skills
• Career support and guidance

Careers:

Career Paths:

Graduates of the Epidemiology MRes may pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Academia
• Research
• Public health
• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics
• Clinical research
• Health policy
• Health education
• Medical writing
• Science communication

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the program have been employed in a variety of roles, including:

• Project manager
• Research associate
• Associate consultant
• Senior analyst
• Research scientist
• Marie Curie early stage researcher
• Clinical research associate
• Medical writer
• Medical doctor
• Research laboratory technician
• Sales representative
• Immunology development manager

Other:

Student Support:

The program provides a range of support services to help students succeed. These include:

• Academic advising
• Career counseling
• Health and well-being support
• Disability support
• Student union
• Library services
• IT support

Facilities:

The program is based in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which provides students with access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• Individual research laboratories
• Dedicated medical library
• Hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces
• Dedicated facilities for a range of key bioscience applications, including flow cytometry, bioinformatics, imaging, genomics, and proteomics