Epidemiology

Ivonne Sluijs is a doctorate student and teacher of epidemiology at the Julius Centre in Utrecht. She teaches medical students about the nuts and bolts of epidemiology.

Find out more about Ivonnes work and ambitions...

>> The next-scheduled Master’s Programme Information Evening
will be held on: 9 October 2013.

What is epidemiology?

Epidemiology examines the distribution of health and morbidity in populations and their determinants. Epidemiology is a scientific discipline which is increasingly in demand in clinical research (human, pharmaceutical or veterinary), industry and policymaking. With evidence-based medicine setting new standards, specialists are needed in design, data collection, analysis and interpretation of epidemiological and health research. The study of Epidemiology is an attractive option for students with a background in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, or an equivalent degree, who have an explicit interest in applied medical or biomedical research and human or veterinary population medicine.

Mart Stein is a doctorate and Masters student of Epidemiology (postgraduate). His research looks at new online methods for identifying outbreaks of infectious diseases faster and for finding effective ways of limiting outbreaks.

Find out more about Marts research... 

Regular and post-graduate

The Master’s programme in Epidemiology is offered in 2 variants: a 2-year regular programme, which is aimed at students holding a BSc degree, and a shorter, post-graduate programme (1.5 years), which is aimed at applicants who have already completed a medical or biomedical degree, such as physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists and candidates holding a MSc in Life Sciences.

Knowledge and skills

Students will acquire extensive knowledge and practical skills in epidemiologic research design and implementation, quantitative analysis and its application to human or veterinary medicine and public health. The knowledge and skills gained form a solid basis for health research and disease control programmes, including applications in developing countries.

Programme

The main components of the programmes are comprehensive theoretical education, a practical research project, structural and quantitative analysis of the literature, and the presentation of research in front of an audience. Both Epidemiology programmes offer five specialisations: Clinical Epidemiology, Veterinary Epidemiology, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Pharmacoepidemiology, and Environmental & Occupational Epidemiology.

Career opportunities

After graduation, students may continue their career in a PhD programme or as an epidemiologist in various settings, such as academia, government or NGO public health organisations, medicine, veterinary medicine or  industry, including pharmaceuticals. Read more about career opportunities.

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