MSc Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Science)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme students should have shown evidence of:

i) an in-depth, specialist knowledge and mastery of techniques relevant to epidemiology and biostatistics, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of these academic disciplines;
ii) a comprehensive understanding of statistical and epidemiology techniques applicable to their own research;
iii) an originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge;
iv) a conceptual understanding that enables the student:
- to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in epidemiology and biostatistics; and
- to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new ideas and hypotheses; and
- to design and analyse studies appropriate to address research hypotheses; and
- to conduct a research project within funding, ethical and legal constraints
v) an ability to deal with difficult and complex issues in epidemiology both systematically and creatively using a variety of quantitative techniques, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data;
vi) an ability to communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist audiences through research and scholarship of publishable quality that would satisfy peer review and to communicate to non-specialist audiences;

Transferable (key) skills

Masters (Taught), Postgraduate Diploma & Postgraduate Certificate students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:

- the skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in epidemiology, biostatistics and health research;
- evaluating their own achievement and that of others;
- self direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
- critically engage in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms.
- the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility;
- a collaborative approach to health research

Assessment

Achievement for the degree of Master (taught programme) will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:

- evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry within the discipline;
- demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
- drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- evaluating and criticising received opinion;
- make reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.