• BIOL2009
• Nutritional Epidemiology

This module is a primer in epidemiological methodology with the emphasis on nutritional exposures. A knowledge and understanding of the different study designs in epidemiology which are both descriptive and analytical in nature is envisaged. This course will give students a detailed understanding, of the nutritional components and multi-factorial nature of disease aetiology. Also, from this module student's should develop an understanding of the role of epidemiology in research, clinical trials, disease monitoring and public health, as well as the ability to critique and evaluate research findings. Students will also learn where to acquire relevant data on diet and disease in human populations.

Lectures:
Community concept and Demography - Structure and dynamics of a population - Comparison between developed and developing countries. Demographic transition.
Concepts of incidence and prevalence of disease.
The contribution of nutrition, genetics, socio-demographic factors and other environmental factors in relation to a number of chronic diseases.
Epidemiological Methodology - Descriptive, analytical retrospective, prospective and intervention study methodologies. These will include interventions at both the individual and community (ecological) level. The differing methodologies will be illustrated and supported by examples from the literature of nutrient related diseases. The study designs examined will also include systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
Valid sources of information relating to diseases and diet.
Disease Prevention - Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention approaches.
Design and use of screening programmes and their epidemiological evaluation.
Epidemiology and its role in relation to public health.
The critical role of ethics and confidentiality in undertaking research.