Epidemiology explores the patterns, causes and effects of diseases in groups of people.
Develop your skills in epidemiology and discover what factors can protect people against disease.
- Get an introduction to disease measurement at population level.
- Learn to design and appraise epidemiological studies.
- Join a part-time online epidemiology course you can fit around full-time work.
You’ll study with active applied health researchers at a university awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for 40 years of excellence in health services research.
We have a distinguished track record in putting health research into practice and you’ll benefit from this unique expertise.
You can use the credits you earn on this course towards our Master of Public Health (MPH) and accredited MSc in Clinical Nutrition.
What will I study?
You’ll study the basic principles of epidemiology.
This includes an introduction to disease measurement at a population level and basic epidemiological study design and analysis.
You’ll explore:
- causality and associations
- measures of disease occurrence
- different types of study design – and the pros and cons for each
- populations
- sampling
- validity and reliability
- sensitivity and specificity
- bias and confounding
- critical appraisal.
By the end of this course, you will…
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Understand the concept of causation, how this differs at a population and individual level, and the difference between a ‘simple’ association and a ‘causal’ association.
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Understand different methodological considerations in epidemiological investigations, including: validity, reliability, bias and confounding.
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Appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of different epidemiological study designs, understand when to use them and the appropriate analytic approach in each case.
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Understand different measures of disease occurrence.
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Have developed skills in critical appraisal and interpretation of epidemiological research.
Why study Epidemiology online with the University of Aberdeen?
1st in Scotland
First for research in Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework.
Real-world impact
Our work has changed clinical practice, policy, legalisation and academic method, directly impacting the lives of millions of people around the world.
Our research impact
Award-winning research
We’re proud winners of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest national honour for a UK university, for sustained excellence in health services research over the last 40 years.
How will I study?
Our Epidemiology short course is delivered part-time, 100% online. You can study with us anywhere in the world and manage your study hours to suit you.
This course is taught at Masters level.
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- short podcasts
- online lectures
- online tutorials
- reading materials
- discussion boards with classmates
- the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
This course has weekly themes, with material released in three-week blocks to give you flexibility to suit your schedule. You’ll consolidate your learning from lectures with further reading, practical assignments, online discussions and homework assignments.
Your tutors
You’ll learn from experienced epidemiologists and researchers from our School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, internationally recognised for its research excellence.
Assessment
This course is assessed entirely online via:
- a weekly quiz (5% of your mark)
- a written assignment (25% of your mark)
- an online test (70% of your mark).
Your course coordinator
Professor Peter Murchie
Peter is a GP, Professor of Primary Care and leads the Academic Primary Care Research Group. His vital research work focuses on managing cancer within primary care.
View Peter’s profileWhere will this take me?
Towards a Masters
You’ll earn 15 credits at Masters level (SCQF Level 11) with this course. You can use these credits towards further study, including our online:
Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods for Health (60 credits)
Masters in Clinical Nutrition (180 credits)
- Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN).
- Available to study to Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) and Postgraduate Diploma level (120 credits).
Master of Public Health (180 credits)
- Also available to study on campus.
Build your learning
We have a range of online Health short courses you can use to build your skills.
Many carry credits you can build up into postgraduate qualifications, including Masters degrees:
Careers
Developing your skills in this key area of public health, you’ll gain a strong career advantage as a researcher, health or related professional.
An epidemiology career can take you into roles in a research setting, focusing on populations as a whole, or as a clinical epidemiologist, concentrating on patients.
Your employer or professional institute may recognise this course for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Talk to your employer or institute to find out more.
Free careers advice
We’ll help you explore your career potential and connect with job opportunities around the world.
You can access our free careers service while you study.
From interview training to CV clinics, we’re here with tailored, impartial and professional advice.
This course has no formal entry requirements. You decide if it’s suitable for you.
The course is delivered at Masters level. At this level, you’d usually have at least:
- a 2:2 (second-class) undergraduate degree
- or relevant experience that supports this level of study.
