Epidemiological Methodology and Hygiene

To develop knowledge, competence and practice about the epidemiological methods in order to plan the study design, to measure health determinants and events, to investigate the cause-effect relationships and to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic or preventive interventions, as well as to critically interpret, with an evidence-based approach, data from the scientific literature of biomedical interest and the translational aspects.  Furthermore, the course aims to provide students with a solid scientific and practice knowledge of applied epidemiology, of the health promotion and of prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases at individual and collective levels. 

The course includes lectures in which continuous interaction with the students is encouraged and exercises in the classroom and in the laboratory to develop the ability to apply the knowledge acquired during the course.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.
 

 

Epidemiological Methodology

Public Health for the translation from basic science into prevention, promotion of health and policies. The sampling; To measure the events; To study the cause-effect relationships; Experimental epidemiology; The screening test; The investigation of an epidemic; Cluster of events; The questionnaires in epidemiology; Epidemiology of vaccination;

Hygiene

Epidemiology and prevention of respiratory tract infections; Epidemiology and prevention of parenteral or sexual-transmitted infections; Epidemiology and prevention of food- and waterborne diseases and zoonoses; Epidemiology and prevention of enteric infections; Epidemiology and prevention of emerging and vector-borne diseases; Epidemiology and prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases; Epidemiology and prevention of hospital acquired infections;  Epidemiology and prevention of cardiovascular diseases; Epidemiology and prevention of diabetes mellitus and obesity; Epidemiology and prevention of cancer; Pre- and periconceptional epidemiology. Public Health Genomics.

1. F Faggiano, F Donato, F Barbone. Manuale di Epidemiologia per la Sanità Pubblica. Centro  Scientifico Editore
2. PL Lopalco, AE Tozzi Epidemiologia facile. Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore
3. Checcacci L, Meloni C, Pellissero G.: IGIENE Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
4. Barbuti S., Fara G.M., Giammanco G. – Igiene, medicina di comunità e sanità pubblica. Edizione EDISES 

During the course other texts and documents, mostly in English language, will be recommended

Ongoing (in itinere) evaluation.

Written exam (multiple choice and open-ended questions) and oral exam.

An ongoing test is foreseen which, if passed, will contribute to the determination of the final grade. The test consists of a written test with multiple choice and open-ended questions. 

The written and oral tests will contribute to the determination of the final grade. The highest grade will be assigned to the student who has demonstrated mastery of the topics, ability to relate acquired knowledge, expository skills and mastery of the disciplinary lexicon.

Verification of learning can also be carried out by an online platform, if needed 

Epidemiological cohort studies: description of the main characteristics.

Cancer epidemiology. Screening campaigns.

Relative risk (RR):

a) It is a measure obtained only in experimental studies

b) It is used to assess the greater risk of disease of those exposed compared to those not exposed to a risk factor

c) It is used to evaluate the prevalence of disease in those exposed to a risk factor

d) It is used to assess the greater risk of disease of the unexposed compared to those exposed to a risk factor

e) None of the above