LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module Forensic epidemiology will provide student with the knowledge of the parameters used to evaluate and describe the structure of a population and to evaluate its fertily, mortality, and morbility. The module will also present the standardization tecniques to compare different, in time and space, populations. The most commonly used epidemiological studies (cohort study, case-control, etc) and the main sources of bias will be presented. General knowledge to perform epidemiological study to explore association, correlation and causation between risk factors and diseases/conditions will be provided to the student. The theoretical part will be presented using real cases and the acquired knowledge will be applied by the student analysing cases of forensic interested such as environmental crimes. The module will also provide a general knowledge about the parameters associated with screening tests (specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predicte values). At the end of the module student will demonstrate competence and critical capacity to understand and apply epidemiological studies in general and forensic contexts.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Through in-depth study and knowledge of the main epidemiological studies applicable to the forensic context and analysis of real cases, the student at the end of the course will be able to use epidemiological methodology in the forensic context

PREREQUISITES

Conoscenza base della epidemiologia, verrà fornito del materiale di approfondimento

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures
GROUP WORK
During the course, students will be invited to present case studies; the work conducted by students during the course will also be taken into account in the exam grade

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

History and methods of epidemiology

Epidemiological studies

Bibliographic research

Role of the forensic epidemiologist

Case studies:

1. Bioterrorism

2. overdose deaths

3. accidents

4. falls

5. suffocation

6. devices

7. medical negligence

8. environmental crimes

Distinction between homicide and accident

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

AulaWeb

M.D. Freeman and M.P. Zeegers "Forensic Epidemiology: Principles and Practice" Academic Press

S.A. Koehler and P.A. Brown "Forensic Epidemiology" CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group