Duration
10h Th
Number of credits
| Bachelor in pharmacy | 2 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The course covers the key concepts and methods of general epidemiology:
Definition, objectives, and missions of epidemiology
Key health indicators and measures of frequency
Concepts of probability applied to health events
Assessment of the relationship between an exposure factor and a health event
Main types of epidemiological studies
Bias and major sources of error in epidemiology
Principles of causal inference
Basic statistical concepts and interpretation of quantitative results
Principles of critically appraising epidemiological study results
Contribution of epidemiological data to public health decision-making and resource prioritization
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The objectives of this course are aligned with the competency framework established for the Bachelor's program in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The course draws specifically on competency areas related to pharmaceutical expertise, the scientific approach, a sense of responsibility, and quality.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Pharmaceutical expertise
Define and correctly apply fundamental epidemiological concepts.
Calculate, describe, and interpret the frequency and probability of the occurrence or progression of a health-related event.
Scientific approach
Identify the appropriate epidemiological methodology to address a simple question regarding a health issue.
Understand and discuss fundamental probability rules as applied to the interpretation of quantitative results.
Identify the main types of bias found in scientific studies and publications and explain the errors they can cause.
Critically evaluate the alignment between the methods used, the results obtained, and the conclusions drawn in a scientific publication.
Describe the key steps involved in designing an epidemiological study and justify the main methodological choices.
Sense of responsibility
Understand the contribution of epidemiology to the analysis of public health issues and to decision-making, particularly regarding the prioritization and rational use of resources.
Quality
Critically assess the interpretation of epidemiological data, taking into account methodological limitations and the uncertainty associated with the results.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
No specific prerequisites
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course is delivered primarily through lectures, illustrated by concrete examples and podcasts that clarify key concepts.
Practical exercises enable students to apply the concepts taught-specifically regarding the interpretation of epidemiological indicators, the identification of study types and biases, and the critical interpretation of results.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam
Other : True/false questionnaire
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
For the examination procedures, please refer to the official rules available on the University website.
Contacts
Olivier Bruyère, Professor
Division of Public Health, Epidemiology and Health Economics