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3 CMED6300 Intermediate epidemiology Coordinator: Dr M Schooling Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: CMED6200 Introduction to epidemiology This course builds on the introductory course in epidemiology (CMED6200). Causal inference is undoubtedly one of the most important epidemiological concepts in current epidemiological and population health research. Epidemiological research which focuses on ‘risk factor’ analysis though important does not always lead public health practitioners and scientists to identify modifiable factors relevant for changing health outcomes. The application of causal inference thinking in epidemiological study design and the use of more advanced data analysis helps ameliorate this problem. Close

3 CMED6230 Epidemic and endemic diseases Coordinator: Dr Wu Peng / Prof BJ Cowling Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: No Infectious diseases have been an important public health issue since the beginning of human history. With frequently observed emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases, it is essential to examine previous major disease outbreaks/epidemics and interventions in preventing transmission of these diseases in order to inform public health decisions in disease control in the future. In this course students will examine major epidemic and endemic human infectious diseases and dissect infectious diseases from historical and contemporary perspectives using an integrated approach to improve their ability to apply public health approaches to prevent and control infectious diseases and formulate appropriate strategies in response to disease epidemics/pandemics in society. Close

CMED6050 Advanced epidemiological methods II Coordinator: Prof Eric Tchetgen Tchetgen Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: (i) CMED6200 Introduction to epidemiology and (ii) CMED6030 Advanced epidemiological methods I This course will provide an in depth investigation of statistical methods for drawing causal inferences from observational studies. Informal epidemiologic concepts such as confounding, comparability, intermediate variables, total effects, controlled direct effects, natural direct and indirect effects for mediation analysis, and selection bias will be formally defined within the context of a counterfactual causal model. Methods for estimating a total causal effect in the context of a point exposure will be discussed, including regression methods, propensity score techniques and instrumental variable techniques for continuous, discrete or binary outcome. Mediation analysis will be discussed from a counterfactual perspective, which methods for making inferences about the joint effects of time-varying exposures in the presence of time dependent covariates that are simultaneously confounders and intermediate variables will be emphasised. These methods include g-estimation of structural nested models, inverse probability weighted estimators of marginal structural models, and g-computation algorithm estimators. Close

CMED6108 Molecular epidemiology: microbial genetics and evolution Coordinator: Dr H. Zhu / Dr T.Y. Lam Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: No The genomes of pathogenic microorganisms determine their infection and transmission in hosts. Emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases are usually associated with the evolution of these pathogens in response to the host defense and environmental challenges. This course introduces the genomic and evolutionary biology of pathogens causing human infections, and the implications to the public health policies for disease control and management, such as regarding to vaccine strain selection and drug administration. Modern research methods for studying pathogen genome and evolution to understand their transmission and epidemiology, are also introduced, with demonstration using real examples from recent epidemics. Close

3 CMED6902 Health economics Coordinator: Dr Jianchao Quan Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: No This course introduces the field of health economics from first principles. It covers the key economic concepts including supply and demand, markets and market failures, health care financing, and economic evaluation. The course seeks to train students in the uses and limitations of economic analysis in health and health care. Close

CMED6227 Biological basis of disease Coordinator: Dr S Valkenburg Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: No This course analyses the basic features of cellular functioning at different levels and provides an overview of the recent technological advances that are impacting the healthcare and public reaction to scientific discoveries. Students will learn to assess the importance of acquiring a general understanding of the molecular basis of diseases that represent a major burden for society and the public health system, as a basis for evidence-based responses. Examples will be drawn for non-communicable and communicable diseases. Close

CMED6228 Field epidemiology Coordinator: Dr YH Tam Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: No The course introduces the theory of disease surveillance and includes a review of the relevant epidemiological and bio-statistical skills needed for field investigation. The operational aspects of field investigations including study and questionnaire design, sampling and data collection, data analysis and interpretation, formulation of recommendations, and risk communication. Field investigations in some special settings will also be considered. Close

CMED6207 Non-communicable disease epidemiology and control Coordinator: Dr M Schooling Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: (i) CMED6200 Introduction to epidemiology and (ii) CMED6201 Principles of public health Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease, are major causes of death and disability. This course builds on the fundamental courses Introduction to Epidemiology and Principles of Public Health by exploring the distribution, predictors and causes of major NCDs. Students will review the global burden, prevailing theories and controversies regarding the aetiology of major NCDs and formulate effective public health strategies for their prevention and control. This course focuses on the critical appraisal of epidemiological studies and the translation of research findings into practice, which will be relevant to students pursuing a career in epidemiology or public health practice. Close

CMED6201 Principles of public health Coordinator: Dr D Ip Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: No This is the fundamental survey course for the MPH programme, encompassing the full spectrum of contemporary public health issues locally and globally. Close

CMED6217 Qualitative health research Coordinator: Dr W Lam Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: No This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to qualitative health research, with the aim to helping students to acquire a sound knowledge base of the qualitative research process and to develop an appreciation of the importance of qualitative research in health science. During the course, various qualitative methods will be introduced and discussed. Students will have the opportunity to engage in activities involved in data collection, analysis, as well as appraising qualitative research evidence. Close

CMED6202 The practice of public health Coordinator: Dr D Ip Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: No This course aims to promote the application of public health sciences to a wide range of common problems and issues. Students will be given various scenarios simulating real-world public health problems which can be used to illustrate the wide range of disciplines applicable (from an evidence-based perspective) to the practice of public health. Students will practise the development of a systematic approach to define these problems, search for information to support their assessment, and propose and execute actions to deal with the problems. Close

3 CMED6704 Health behaviour and communication Coordinator: Dr W Lam Credit Units: 3 Pre-requisite: No This course provides a comprehensive review of the social and behavioural science theories commonly used in public health. The utility of these theories in planning, implementing, and evaluating public health interventions and programs will be critically examined. The theories addressed in this course are not limited to the individual-level, but also that take a broader perspective and examine the role of health communication in influencing health behaviours. Close