Infectious Diseases Challenges: Epidemiology and Control (PHCM9782)

Learning & teaching

Postgraduate teaching aims to support students in developing their capacity for inquiry and critical thinking. In this course, an active learning approach is encouraged through interactive instruction, self-directed learning, collaborative problem solving and peer learning. Core content is provided through lectures, with some of the lectures facilitated by external experts to allow students the opportunity to be exposed to a diversity of perspectives. Weekly small group activities, including the use of case studies and online student discussions, have been designed to engage students in the learning process. Lastly, for each module we cover, you will find a dedicated Moodle book which will include additional resources such as short lectures, videos and key readings to promote and encourage active and self-directed learning. It is expected that students will draw on a range of resources to enrich their own learning.

The approach to learning and teaching that we use in this course has been designed to allow flexibility in the way that you engage with the material each week and to provide you with the skills to empower you to be a lifelong learner.

The course is designed around the key aspects of infectious disease epidemiology and control as outlined in the learning outcomes. Each week, the course convenors or external experts will present material focused on a different topic and will provide opportunities for discussion (in class or via Moodle). This course features blended learning elements, with pre-recorded lectures for some weeks to reserve more time for tutorial activities in class and online and through discussion forums. The learning approach will vary according to the module content. While each week covers a different topic, they build upon each other. For example, an appreciation of surveillance approaches will assist with learning about outbreak investigations and knowledge about the epidemiology of different infectious diseases will help when we talk about different control strategies.