| Category |
Case Study |
Subject |
Science |
| University |
Anglia Ruskin University
|
Module Title |
MOD005883 Understanding Epidemiology |
Assessment Outline
For this assessment, you will be provided with a data set and a topic. You will use the data set to conduct epidemiological analyses and interpret the data. You will conduct research on the disease/illness provided, respond to the case study questions and prompts provided in the outline, and include the descriptive analysis results and epidemiological data analysis in your case study report. You will present, analyse, and discuss data on the disease in the essay.
The data set is available in Canvas, but keep in mind that this is fictitious data that has been compiled for your benefit.
Throughout the module, you will have sessions conducting data analyses and interpretation of data. As part of your classroom sessions, you will learn how to use the software to conduct some basic, descriptive, and epidemiological data analysis to be used in this assignment. This will prepare you for your case study report.
The case study report relates to all learning outcomes of the module, and these need to be demonstrated within the essay:
Module learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of historical changes in the global burden of disease.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how communicable and non-communicable diseases affect individuals and communities.
- Identify public health priorities in different regions of the world and analyse how countries respond to the threat of disease.
- Identify the methods and epidemiological information used to describe the health of a population.
Case Study Scenario
In June 2024, public health authorities in San Aurelio, a fictional lower middle income country in Central America, is experiencing an outbreak of acute febrile illness (AFI) affecting three coastal districts: Puerto Verde, Bahia Azul, and Costa del Sol. It was reported that a cluster of patients presenting with acute fever, rash, joint pain, and in some cases neurological symptoms.
Over the next 8 weeks:
- Cases rise rapidly in three coastal districts
- Most cases are in people aged 20–45, with some cases in pregnant women.
- Local hospitals report bed shortages and limited diagnostic capacity.
- The Ministry of Health suspects an arthropod borne viral disease but lacks confirmatory testing.
- There are concerns about the impact of recent flooding, waste disposal issues, and limited vector control.
- Social media rumours fuel public anxiety and mistrust.
- International partners request an epidemiological assessment.
- Environmental conditions (standing water, waste management issues, heavy rainfall) suggest a vector borne viral pathogen.
- Diagnostic capacity is limited, resulting in many pending or uncollected specimens.
You have been commissioned as part of a rapid response team to analyse the data and produce a population health report. Additional information is provided in class.
You will receive a dataset (n=240) of individual cases from June–July 2024.
Structure and format of the essay
The essay must consist of the following sections. Use these section names as subheadings within your essay for each section:
Section 1: Introduction (10% of marks)
Introduce the disease (word count – around 300 words)
Provide a brief overview of the disease, including:
Definition of terms and key concepts, e.g. If you are looking at acute febrile illness, what is it and what does the treatment coverage mean *remember to reference your information sources in this section and throughout the essay using in-text referencing.
- Describe the incidence and prevalence
- Describe Morbidity and mortality rates
- This section requires some additional research with sources cited.
Section 2: Population Characteristics
Describe the population that is most at risk or more likely to be affected.
- Explain why this population is at a greater risk than others.
- Explain why this population is the most vulnerable or susceptible to the disease.
- Describe the demographics of the population
- This section requires some additional research with sources cited.
Section 3: Risk Factors and Modes of Transmission
- Identify and describe the risk factors associated with the disease
- State and explain any potential risks and behaviours/practices that may contribute to the infection
- Describe the illness and clinical symptoms associated with the infection
- Describe the agents or conditions that are most likely to cause individuals to become infected.
- Describe the agents or conditions that make people the most vulnerable or susceptible to the disease.
- There is usually more than one risk factor. Think in terms of the social determinants of health and any possible risk factors that increase the risk of infection.
- Describe how the disease/illness is transmitted. This includes all possible routes of transmission.
- This section requires some additional research with sources cited.
Section 4: Epidemiological Data
Use Epi Info to complete the epidemiological analysis
Use the information provided in the data set to complete this section. Using the dataset provided to you, you are required to include the
following in this section of your report:
- You must complete the section 4 data sheet that contains the following:
- Construct an epidemic curve and state the following:
- Identify the peak
- Average Incubation period
- Minimum incubation period
- Maximum incubation period
- Most likely period of exposure
- Calculations and interpretations of epidemiological measures that must include
- Incidence Cumulative incidence
- Incidence by district
- Attack rate
- Overall attack rate
- Attack rate by district
2. Describe the distribution of cases by person, place, and time.
3. You must show all formulas used and calculations conducted
4. You must also upload your Microsoft excel file
Section 5: Discussion (around 500-600 words)
- Provide a summary of the demographic information and clinical information from your patient sample based on your epidemiological analyses completed in section 4
- Discuss and interpret the data as a whole and consider the implications of the data to the population.
- What does this data tell us?
- If you have observed disease trends, consider why these changes may have occurred.
- Describe the timing of the outbreak. When did it peak, and what environmental or biological factors might explain this pattern?
- Identify two environmental factors in the dataset that likely contributed to transmission. Explain how they increase risk.
- Which district has the highest attack rate? Provide two possible reasons for this.
- Explain why working age adults are disproportionately represented in this outbreak.
- District level differences were observed. Give one environmental and one health system explanation for why attack rates differ by district.
Section 6: Recommendations and Prevention
- Discuss and describe preventive and control measures you’d take to prevent future outbreaks and infections.
- What recommendations would you make based on this data?
- For example, how can it be used to inform policy?
- Does the data indicate that the disease should be a public health priority for certain populations?
Sections 7: Referencing & Presentation
Reference list
- Correct ARU Harvard Style referencing
- Diverse use of appropriate evidence sources
In-text citations
- Correct ARU Harvard Style referencing. Use of evidence sources and correct in-text citations
Presentation & Writing
- academic writing style used (e.g. third person)
- Grammatically correct
- UK correct spelling
- Appropriate use and explanation of any figures, tables or graphs used
- Clear labelling/titles for any figures, tables or graphs used
Section 8: Appendix
Use this section to add all pdf documents and extra epi analyses results that are not used and reported in your paper.
Important Information
Because of the nature of this assessment, the word count within each subheading/section should be used strictly as a guideline. However, you should not exceed the 3000-word limit. In-text citations, data, tables, figures, diagrams, and reference lists are excluded from the word count.
This assignment requires referencing from appropriate academic sources, such as books and journal articles. Websites can be used, providing they are appropriate sources of information, such as CDC, WHO, and NHS pages. ARU Harvard referencing should be used. If you need support with referencing and finding appropriate sources, please make use of the resources available.
The essay must be word-processed. Double line spacing must be used and a font size of 12 pt. The total word count you have used should be typed at the beginning of the paper.
The SID number, module code AND module name should appear on every page of the essay in a header/footer. Page numbers should be included in a footer.
The essay is submitted via CANVAS.
MOD005883 Element 010 Assessment Marking Rubric
| CRITERIA |
LEARNING OUTCOME |
Good |
Satisfactory |
Needs Improvement |
POINTS |
| Introduction |
LO 1 Demonstrate an understanding of historical changes in the global burden of disease
LO 2: Demonstrate knowledge of how communicable and non-communicable diseases affect individuals and communities
|
- Brief overview of communicable OR noncommunicable disease selected, including:
- Clear definition of terms and key concepts used, citing appropriate supporting resources/references.
- General description and overview of the incidence and prevalence as well as morbidity and mortality rates associated with the infection
|
- Limited information provided on the overview of communicable OR noncommunicable diseases selected, including:
- definition of terms and key concepts used, citing appropriate supporting resources/references but additional clarity is needed.
- Some but not all information reported on the description and overview of the incidence and prevalence as well as morbidity and mortality rates associated with the infection
|
- No relevant information provided on the overview of communicable OR noncommunicable diseases selected, including:
- No definition of terms and key concepts used, citing appropriate supporting resources/references or additional clarity is needed.
- Did not report information on the description and overview of the incidence and prevalence as well as morbidity and mortality rates associated with the infection
|
5 |
| Population Characteristics |
LO 2 Demonstrate knowledge of how communicable and non-communicable diseases affect individuals and communities
LO 4 Identify the methods and epidemiological information used to describe the health of a population
|
- Described the population that is most at risk or more likely to be affected.
- Explained why this population is at a greater risk than others.
- Described the demographics of the population and its connection with social determinants of health and communicable diseases
|
- Only briefly described the population that is most at risk or more likely to be affected.
- Limited explanation on why this population is at a greater risk than others.
- Described the demographics of the population and its connection with social determinants of health and communicable diseases
|
- No description of the population that is most at risk or more likely to be affected provided
- No explanation on why this population is at a greater risk than others.
- No description of the demographics of the population and its connection with social determinants of health and communicable diseases
|
5 |
| Risk Factors and Modes of Transmission |
LO 2: Demonstrate knowledge of how communicable and non-communicable diseases affect individuals and communities
LO 3. Identify public health priorities in different regions of the world. Analyse factors that affect how countries respond to the threat of disease
|
- Identified and described the risk factors associated with the infection
- Stated and explained any potential risks and practices that may contribute to the infection
- Described the illness and clinical symptoms associated with the infection
- Describe the agents or conditions that are most likely to cause individuals to become infected.
- Described how the disease/illness is transmitted. This includes all possible routes of transmission.
|
- Identified and described very few risk factors associated with the infection
- Little to no potential risks and practices that may contribute to the infection stated or described
- Limited information provided on clinical symptoms, the agents or conditions that are most likely to cause individuals to become infected, or how the disease/illness is transmitted. This includes all possible routes of transmission.
|
- No information provided on potential risks and practices that may contribute to the infection
- No information provided on clinical symptoms, the agents or conditions that are most likely to cause individuals to become infected, or how the disease/illness is transmitted. This includes all possible routes of transmission
|
5 |
| Epidemiological Data Sheet |
LO 3. Identify public health priorities in different regions of the world. Analyse factors that affect how countries respond to the threat of disease
LO 4 Identify the methods and epidemiological information used to describe the health of a population
|
- All epidemiological calculations are complete and accurate, including case counts (confirmed, probable, suspected), district‑level case counts, attack rates, cumulative incidence rate, attack rates by district, and all incubation‑period‑related measures (average, minimum, maximum, range, earliest and latest case).
- Calculations are correctly applied, clearly shown, and logically consistent.
- The student accurately identifies the most likely period of exposure using correct interpretation of incubation periods, onset dates, and epidemic patterns.
- The reasoning is clear, well‑supported, and demonstrates strong epidemiological understanding.
- Epi curve provided
|
- Most required calculations are completed and generally accurate, with minor errors in formulas or interpretation.
- All major components are attempted. Shows general understanding of epidemiological measures, though some steps may lack clarity or precision.
- The most likely period of exposure is identified with reasonable logic but may contain small calculation or reasoning errors, or the explanation is incomplete.
- Epi curve provided
|
- Multiple calculations are missing, incomplete, or contain major errors. Key epidemiological formulas (attack rate, incidence, incubation period calculations) are incorrectly applied or misunderstood.
- The most likely period of exposure is inaccurate, missing, or not supported by the outbreak data.
- Explanations are unclear or absent, demonstrating limited understanding of epidemiological analysis.
- No epidemic curve provided
- No descriptive analysis results provided
|
25 |
| Data Organisation |
LO 3. Identify public health priorities in different regions of the world. Analyse factors that affect how countries respond to the threat of disease
LO 4 Identify the methods and epidemiological information used to describe the health of a population
|
- Data is fully and correctly organised by onset date in ascending order (earliest to latest).
- No sorting errors.
- Student shows clear evidence of deliberate and accurate data management.
|
- Data is mostly organised by onset date, but minor inconsistencies are present (e.g., 1–2 dates out of order).
- Sorting steps are generally demonstrated but may lack clarity.
|
- Data is not sorted by onset date, or sorting is incomplete/incorrect.
- Several dates are out of order.
- Little to no evidence of appropriate sorting steps. OR
- No Microsoft Excel file submitted
|
10 |
| Construction of Supporting Columns |
LO 3. Identify public health priorities in different regions of the world. Analyse factors that affect how countries respond to the threat of disease
LO 4 Identify the methods and epidemiological information used to describe the health of a population
|
- Two appropriate new columns are correctly created: one verifying onset dates are in chronological order and one tallying number of cases per date.
- Formulas or methods used are accurate, clearly displayed, and error‑free.
|
- Both columns are present, but minor formula or logic errors appear, OR calculations are correct but not clearly shown.
- Student demonstrates general understanding but with gaps in execution or clarity.
|
- One or both columns missing OR incorrectly constructed.
- Formulas are absent, incorrect, or do not demonstrate an understanding of how to verify order or tally cases. OR
- No Microsoft Excel file submitted
|
10 |
| Epidemiological Curve |
LO 3. Identify public health priorities in different regions of the world. Analyse factors that affect how countries respond to the threat of disease
LO 4 Identify the methods and epidemiological information used to describe the health of a population
|
- Epidemiological curve is correctly constructed using appropriate chart type (e.g., clustered chart then histogram).
- Axes are correctly labelled (date on x‑axis, case count on y‑axis).
- The curve is clear, accurate, and reflects correct tally data.
|
- Curve is created and generally correct, but may include minor issues (e.g., mislabelled axes, incorrect chart type, errors in bar spacing, or small inaccuracies in case counts).
|
- Curve is missing OR substantially incorrect (wrong chart type, incorrect data range, mislabelled axes, inaccurate case counts).
- Little evidence of understanding how to construct an epidemiological curve in Excel.
- No Microsoft Excel file submitted
|
15 |
| Discussion |
LO 2: Demonstrate knowledge of how communicable and non-communicable diseases affect individuals and communities
LO 3. Identify public health priorities in different regions of the world. Analyse factors that affect how countries respond to the threat of disease
|
- Discussed and interpreted the data presented as a whole, with implications to the characteristics of the population
- Key points raised in the analysis were explained, such as data trends.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the data, and what this data means for those affected are those most vulnerable
|
- Limited discussion and interpretation of the data presented as a whole, with implications for the characteristics of the population
- Missed explanation of some key points in the analysis, such as data trends but clarity is needed.
- Demonstrates some understanding of the data, and what this data means for those affected are those most vulnerable
|
- No discussion and interpretation of the data presented as a whole, with implications for the characteristics of the population
- No key points raised in the analysis, such as data trends
- Does not understand the data, and what this data means for those affected are those most vulnerable
|
10 |
| Prevention and Recommendations |
LO 3 Identify public health priorities in different regions of the world. Analyse factors that affect how countries respond to the threat of disease.
LO 4 Identify the methods and epidemiological information used to describe the health of a population
|
- Discussed and described preventive and control measures to prevent future outbreaks and infections.
- Made at least 3 appropriate recommendations based on results from data analysis.
|
- Briefly Discussed and described preventive and control measures to prevent future outbreaks and infections.
- Limited or less than 3 appropriate recommendations made based on results from data analysis.
|
- Did not discuss or describe preventive and control measures to prevent future outbreaks and infections.
- No recommendations made based on results from data analysis.
|
10 |
| Referencing & Presentation |
|
- Paper formatted correctly
- Correct ARU Harvard Style referencing in-text and reference page
- Diverse use of appropriate evidence sources
- No errors in Presentation & Writing
- academic writing style used (e.g. third person)
- Grammatically correct
- UK correct spelling
- Appropriate use and explanation of any figures, tables or graphs used
- Clear labelling/titles for any figures, tables or graphs used
|
- Paper format is incorrect
- Some correct ARU Harvard Style referencing in-text and reference page
- Diverse use of appropriate evidence sources
- Some errors cited in Presentation & Writing
- academic writing style used (e.g. third person)
- Grammatically correct
- UK correct spelling
- Appropriate use and explanation of any figures, tables or graphs used
- Minor Errors with labelling/titles for any figures, tables or graphs used
|
- Incorrect ARU Harvard Style referencing in-text and reference page
- Did no use diverse or appropriate evidence sources
- Many errors in Presentation & Writing
- academic writing style used (e.g. third person)
- Grammatically correct
- UK correct spelling
- Appropriate use and explanation of any figures, tables or graphs used
- Unclear or incorrect labelling/titles for any figures, tables or graphs used
|
5 |
