ICTQual Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology

The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology is a globally recognised qualification designed to introduce learners to the essential principles, methods, and applications of epidemiology. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how diseases spread, how health data is collected and interpreted, and how evidence-based strategies are used to control and prevent outbreaks.

Through this qualification, learners explore key topics such as disease surveillance, population health studies, and risk factor analysis. The course equips participants with the ability to interpret epidemiological data, apply statistical reasoning, and contribute to public health decision-making. Whether you are new to the field or looking to strengthen your foundational knowledge, this qualification offers an excellent starting point for careers in public health, research, healthcare management, and community health services.

The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology follows international standards and best practices to ensure learners develop analytical and critical-thinking skills relevant to global health challenges. It is suitable for individuals aiming to understand public health systems, disease prevention, and outbreak response at both local and international levels.

This course serves as a stepping stone for those interested in advancing into specialised areas such as biostatistics, environmental health, infectious disease control, and health policy, empowering learners to make informed contributions to the improvement of public health worldwide.

Course Overview

Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology

To enrol in ICTQual Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
  • Educational Background:Learners are expected to have completed secondary education or an equivalent qualification. A basic understanding of biology, health sciences, or mathematics is recommended, as these subjects provide a foundation for understanding epidemiological principles, data interpretation, and research methods.
  • Professional Experience:While no prior professional experience is mandatory, individuals with experience in healthcare, public health, or community services may find the course particularly beneficial. The program is suitable for both beginners seeking to enter the field and professionals wishing to strengthen their knowledge of epidemiological concepts and practices.
  • English Proficiency:Since the course is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English. This is essential to understand academic materials, participate in discussions, interpret data, and complete written assessments to a professional standard.
  • Additional Requirement:Learners should have basic literacy, numeracy, and IT skills to manage research-based coursework, statistical analysis, and online learning resources effectively. Some institutions may also require access to a computer and a stable internet connection for digital learning and data analysis activities.

This qualification, the ICTQual Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology, consists of 7 mandatory units.

  1. Introduction to Epidemiology
  2. Epidemiological Study Designs
  3. Measures of Disease Frequency
  4. Causation and Association
  5. Sources of Bias and Error
  6. Public Health Applications
  7. Ethical Considerations in Epidemiological Research

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Introduction to Epidemiology

Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the core concepts, purpose, and scope of epidemiology in public health.
  • Explain the difference between communicable and non-communicable diseases.
  • Identify key historical milestones and contributors to the field of epidemiology.
  • Describe the role of epidemiology in disease prevention and health promotion.
  • Recognise how epidemiological data informs health policy and global health strategies.

Epidemiological Study Designs

Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Differentiate between descriptive, analytical, and experimental study designs.
  • Understand the strengths and limitations of cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies.
  • Apply appropriate study designs to investigate specific health issues.
  • Interpret research data collected through various epidemiological methods.
  • Assess the reliability and validity of epidemiological studies in real-world contexts.

Measures of Disease Frequency

Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Define and calculate key measures such as incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates.
  • Understand the importance of population size and time in disease measurement.
  • Analyse trends and patterns in disease occurrence using epidemiological data.
  • Interpret disease frequency data to support public health interventions.
  • Communicate epidemiological findings accurately and effectively.

Causation and Association

Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the difference between causation and correlation in epidemiological studies.
  • Apply frameworks such as Bradford Hill’s criteria to evaluate causal relationships.
  • Identify risk factors and protective factors associated with specific health outcomes.
  • Interpret epidemiological evidence to determine disease causality.
  • Critically analyse research data to differentiate true associations from spurious ones.

Sources of Bias and Error

Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Recognise different types of bias, including selection, information, and confounding bias.
  • Identify common sources of error in epidemiological research and data analysis.
  • Apply strategies to minimise bias and improve study accuracy.
  • Evaluate the impact of bias on research validity and reliability.
  • Develop a critical approach to reviewing epidemiological literature.

Public Health Applications

Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand how epidemiology supports disease prevention and control programs.
  • Apply epidemiological methods in outbreak investigation and health surveillance.
  • Contribute to evidence-based decision-making in public health practice.
  • Analyse the relationship between environment, behaviour, and population health.
  • Support community health initiatives using epidemiological insights.

Ethical Considerations in Epidemiological Research

Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand key ethical principles guiding epidemiological research.
  • Recognise the importance of informed consent and confidentiality in health studies.
  • Identify ethical challenges in data collection and participant protection.
  • Apply ethical frameworks to ensure responsible research conduct.
  • Promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in epidemiological investigations.

The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology provides learners with the essential knowledge and analytical skills needed to build a strong foundation in public health and disease research. This qualification opens various opportunities for further study and professional development in health sciences, research, and healthcare management. Learners who complete this course will be well-prepared to pursue advanced training and certifications that enhance their expertise in population health, data analysis, and disease control.

Advanced Epidemiology and Data Analysis

  • Progress into higher-level epidemiology programs to deepen understanding of disease modelling and statistical methods.
  • Develop advanced analytical skills for interpreting complex health data and research findings.
  • Learn to use epidemiological software and digital tools for data management.
  • Gain practical insights into designing and evaluating public health studies.
  • Strengthen your ability to contribute to public health policy and evidence-based decision-making.

Public Health and Disease Prevention

  • Explore advanced training in public health, focusing on disease prevention and health promotion strategies.
  • Learn how to develop and implement community health interventions.
  • Study methods to assess environmental and behavioural factors affecting population health.
  • Enhance your understanding of global health systems and outbreak management.
  • Contribute to initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities in diverse populations.

Health Research and Analysis

  • Gain opportunities to participate in health research projects and data analysis roles.
  • Learn how to critically evaluate research literature and epidemiological reports.
  • Develop skills in research design, data interpretation, and outcome assessment.
  • Collaborate with research teams to generate public health evidence.
  • Build expertise in producing research-based insights that support policy and practice.

Healthcare and Community Health Roles

  • Apply epidemiological principles in roles related to healthcare planning and disease monitoring.
  • Support public health teams in tracking and managing community-level health issues.
  • Engage in health promotion activities to raise awareness and improve local health outcomes.
  • Strengthen skills in data-driven decision-making within healthcare organisations.
  • Contribute to national and international health surveillance systems.

Professional Development and Certification

  • Pursue continuous professional development (CPD) in specialised fields such as infection control, biostatistics, or global health.
  • Attend professional workshops and short courses to expand epidemiological competencies.
  • Stay updated on emerging public health trends, diseases, and data technologies.
  • Join professional associations in health and epidemiology for networking and collaboration.
  • Build a lifelong learning path in public health and evidence-based healthcare research.

FAQs

The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology is ideal for individuals who want to understand how diseases spread, how health data is analysed, and how evidence-based health policies are developed. It is suitable for aspiring public health professionals, healthcare workers, data analysts, researchers, and those interested in contributing to community health and disease prevention. The course is also beneficial for anyone seeking a solid introduction to epidemiological methods before pursuing advanced public health or research qualifications.

Completing the ICTQual Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology opens up diverse career pathways in public health, research, and healthcare management. Graduates may work in roles such as epidemiology assistants, data support officers, community health coordinators, or research technicians. The qualification also serves as a stepping stone toward specialised careers in health data analysis, disease control, and health policy development. With the growing global demand for professionals skilled in health monitoring and data-driven decision-making, this course provides a valuable foundation for long-term career growth in the public health and healthcare sectors.

ICTQual Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology is a 3-day 9-hour training program. This Training program has mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centres.

ICTQual Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But the final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, the ICTQual Level 3 Award in Foundations of Epidemiology includes quizzes consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These assessments evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and ability to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%.