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PCS-40024 - Module Specification
School of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 15 December 2025

PCS-40024 - MPH - Applied Epidemiology
Coordinator: Ross Wilkie Room: MSPC1.74 Tel: +44 1782 7 34845
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733928

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

This 15-credit module introduces you to epidemiology and its application to improve public health. This will include developing an understanding of the need for evidence based public health. You will then explore different epidemiological methods which provide evidence that underpins public health practice. You will develop their ability to interpret and use epidemiology to improve population health and reduce health inequalities.

Aims
This module aims to enable students to examine the role of epidemiology in public health practice. It will develop students' understanding of the need for evidence-based public health and relevant research methods in public health practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically evaluate the role of epidemiology as the basic science underpinning public health: 2
critically analyse and draw conclusions around the contribution health information makes to improving population health: 2
critically analyse and interpret health information to improve population health: 2
Demonstrate the ability to present critical appraisal of the rationale, methods, results and implications of a peer-reviewed paper: 1

Study hours

Lectures/workshops 36 hours; these will include practical sessions, lectures, workshops, small group work, case based discussions and critical appraisal sessions on scientific literature. It will also include a session on developing the presentation of a posters (including learning & practicing production of poster-sized PowerPoints and recording of narration with may use of on-screen pointers).
114 hours of independent self-study broken down as follows:
60 hours - background reading, reviewing given material, private study, preparation for online and in-person activities (this includes the materials provided for asynchronous study)

54 hours – completion of portfolio and preparation for presentation.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Presentation weighted 50%
Recorded poster presentation of a critical review of a published paper
A recorded poster presentation in which the student critically reviews a peer-reviewed journal article reporting a research study. Students will create a digital poster and record a 5–7 minute presentation of the poster. In the presentation, students will identify and extract key information from the paper, provide a clear summary of its content, and critically appraise both the research itself and how it is presented in the paper. Size of presentation is equivalent to 1500 words

2: Portfolio weighted 50%
Satisfactory completion of portfolio
The portfolio will consist of six pieces of coursework completed during the module. Each piece of coursework will focus on a concept taught during the module (e.g. observational research methods, experimental research method); and will examine the student's understanding of that concept and its and application in public health. The coursework will consist of completing worksheets in which students will respond to questions about research methods and calculations, and will also examine the student's ability to critically evaluate health information for application in practice. The coursework will be collected electronically and continuously throughout the module. Satisfactory completion requires each piece of coursework to achieve a minimum of 50%; if students do not achieve 50% they have a second and third opportunity to achieve this following feedback from a teaching fellow who is marking the coursework. Total size of the portfolio is equivalent to 1500 words.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 15 December 2025