Epidemiology is the science that studies the distribution of diseases and health conditions in populations (Descriptive Epidemiology) and the investigation of the factors that shape these distributions (Analytical Epidemiology). Epidemiology lays the foundation for health prevention and health promotion, since potential causative and/or risk factors are identified through Epidemiology. Additionally, the main objective of Health Promotion programs at all levels of prevention (primary, secondary and tertiary) is essentially the modification of potential risk factors.
In this context, students will study in depth and be able to:
· identify and make proper use of available epidemiological data sources
· collect, analyze, and interpret valid primary descriptive data
· correctly apply the study types of Descriptive Epidemiology
· develop correct reasoning hypotheses
· apply correctly the study types of Analytical Epidemiology for testing causal hypotheses
· comprehend the characteristics and the process of designing, implementing and evaluating preventive intervention studies
· identify and manage the issues that may arise in the design, implementation, analysis and interpretation of the results of preventive intervention studies