Syllabus
Lectures: The first part of the module will be aimed at learning the general principles of epidemiology followed by a second part intended for the elementary application of knowledge and methods to be used in practice. To preserve the aforementioned elementary approach, refer to the chapters (Cap) and respective teaching units (UD) available in the "Quaderno di Epidemiologia" adopted as a basic textbook:

•Cap 1/UD 1-2 - Introduzione allo studio della epidemiologia
•Cap 2/UD 1-2 - Cenni storici
•Cap 3/UD 1-10 - Definizione di epidemiologia, concetti di base
•Cap 4/UD 1-5 - Compiti e scopi dell''epidemiologia
•Cap 10/UD 1-11 - Misure di frequenza delle malattie
•Cap 12/UD 1-15 - Trasmissione e mantenimento delle infezioni
•Cap 13/UD 1-5 - Pattern di malattia

For further insight, it is advisable to read chapters 1 (Epidemiology of infectious diseases) and 2 (Surveillance systems) of the textbook of Infectious Diseases of Animals

Practical activities: For the current year the practical activities will take place in the classroom. They will be based on the resolution of multiple choice tests corresponding to the didactic units of study through the method of collective critical analysis of correct and incorrect answers. All those who have answered (correctly or not) will be asked to argue their answer. Only finally will the correct answer be given by proceeding to the critical review of the various answers proposed (DOC 2.1). Furthermore, various epidemiological scenarios will be analyzed, always in an elementary way, for which adequate solutions will have to be hypothesized according to the "problem solving" method. Examples of the use of computer system tools applicable to epidemiology will also be illustrated: Spreadsheet, Database, GIS, GPS, CAD (Computer Aided Diagnosis) (DOC 2.2).

Assessment methods
Oral exam. The discussion of one of the topics on the program will be required. As part of the evaluation of the other modules of the integrated course (C.I.), specific references to the related epidemiological aspects will in any case be required.
During the exam it is necessary that: a) the student correctly expresses himself with an appropriate scientific language (DOC 1.4), b) demonstrates to know and argue the concepts, purposes, tasks and methods of epidemiology and to know how to integrate the preparatory knowledge, specific ones and other subjects of the integrated course (DOC 2.1), c) shows that he knows how to deal in a coordinated, effective way , coherent and appropriate issues related to the prevention, control and eradication of contagious diseases and the safeguard of animal and human health (DOC 1.1, 2.1, 2.7, 2.9, 2.10, 2.12)