HNE-30403 Integration of Evidence I (online)

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

DL courses 'Introduction to Descriptive Epidemiology' and 'Introduction to Analytical Epidemiology'

Continuation courses:

The DL-MSc-specializations have a fixed schedule during the pilot-phase

Contents:

This course focusses on integrating and judging the strength of scientific evidence for a proposed causal relation between a certain (nutritional) exposure and a health outcome.
We take the 'evidence pyramid' as a starting point. The top of the evidence pyramid, the RCT, is discussed in more detail as a 'gold standard' research method. This gives a solid basis to contrast other research approaches and discuss the potential biases. In addition, you study basic statistical analyses methods to quantify intake-health associations in observational studies, as these are the associations that will be judged for their strength of evidence.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- discuss strengths and limitations of observational studies, human intervention studies and animal or cell line studies;
- show understanding of causal models (e.g. the Rothman Pie, counterfactuals, evidence pyramid, Hill criterial etc) by applying these models to specific examples of exposure-outcome associations.
- explain under which circumstances a RCT can/cannot be considered as a gold standard research approach;
- be able to quantify intake-health associations based on results of observational studies.

Activities:

E-modules, knowledge clips, online group discussion & individual assignment.

Examination:

- final exam: remote proctored written exam with closed questions (60%);
- group assignment: 'discuss evidence for a proposed dietary intake and health outcome' (40%);
Both components need a minimum mark of 5.5 to pass.

Literature:

Petrie & Sabin, Medical statistics at a glance, (selection of chapters)
Webb & Bain, Essential Epidemiology, 2nd or 3rd edition, Ch 10
MJ. Gibney et al, Public health nutrition, 2004. Ch 11