39112 - DEMOGRAPHY, STATISTICS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY

Subject type: Basic

Coordinator: Jordi Sarola Gassiot

Trimester: First term

Credits: 6

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 1

• Catalan

Oral face-to-face classes will be taught in Catalan. There are documents in Spanish and English, as well as audiovisual materials in Spanish and English.

The subject of Demography, Statistics and Epidemiology belongs to module 1 of Basic Training of the Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. This subject will give students an introductory knowledge of the main biostatistical research techniques used in the analysis of biological data.

Demography analyzes populations, demographic sources, growth, mortality, fertility, nuptials, migrations, etc. It aims to acquire basic knowledge related to the analysis of the population, its change, structure and phenomena that affect it. It will be necessary to calculate and interpret basic indicators, know and use the main demographic sources and have knowledge of the main population theories.

Statistics is the discipline that allows you to analyze and interpret numerical data, look for relationships and make comparisons in order to make decisions. The course aims to introduce the statistical method through basic statistical concepts.

Epidemiology is a scientific discipline that studies the distribution, frequency and determining factors of existing diseases in defined human populations. Aid in disease surveillance and control, to create programs to aid in health promotion and education, health management and others.

The gender perspective will be an aspect that the teaching staff will take into account by making an inclusive and non-sexist use of language and promoting the equal participation of everyone in a respectful and inclusive environment both in lectures and in seminar sessions. The different nutritional and dietary responses in both women and men will become visible. Female bibliographic references will be provided in the classroom to the extent that the subject allows it and the full first name of the authors will be used. Regarding the images of the content in the teaching material, the non-perpetuation of stereotypes will be encouraged.

The classroom (physical or virtual) is a safe space, free of sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes, either towards students or teachers. We trust that together we can create a safe space where we can make mistakes and learn without having to suffer the prejudices of others.

Module 1. Demography

Topic 1. Introduction to the study of the population. Basic concepts.

Topic 2. Static demography

Topic 3. Dynamic demography

Topic 4. Health demography.

Module 2. Statistics

Subject 1. Introduction to applied statistics in health sciences

Topic 2. Descriptive statistics

Topic 3. Probability and probability distribution functions

Module 3. Epidemiology

Topic 1. The scientific method

Topic 2. Types of studies. design

Topic 3. Measures of disease frequency

Topic 4. Measures of association of diseases with risk factors

SEMINARS

Seminars 1 and 2. The seminar sessions will explain different concepts needed to use them in a practical way and related to topics covered during the course.

The assessment system for the skills and learning outcomes of this subject includes different assessment activities for Subject 1 - Basic Training:

Evaluation system Minimum weighting Maximum weighting

EP1. Exam 20% 40%

EP2. Group work 15% 60%

EV3. Online questionnaires 10% 25%

A system of quantitative (from 0 to 10) and qualitative (suspended, approved, notable, excellent, honorary registration) is used according to RD 1125/2003.

In order for the exam grade to be averaged with the rest of the grades obtained during the course of the subject, it will be necessary to obtain a grade equal to or greater than 5 points out of a total of 10 points.

According to UPF regulations, students who have the option to make up the subject are those who have obtained a grade of "fail". If the subject is not passed, the only part that can be retaken is the exam, with an extraordinary exam (retake) within the same academic year.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in this subject is regulated in the Learning Plan. It should be consulted to find out the specific conditions of use. 

The evaluation system and recovery period are detailed in the Learning Plan available in the virtual classroom at the beginning of the subject.

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the center's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship.

Christopher Duncan and Susan Scott. Demography and Nutrition: Evidence from Historical and Contemporary Populations. Wiley-Blackwell, 2002.

Josep Maria Argimon Pallàs, Josep Jiménez Villa. Clinical and Epidemiological Research Methods (5th ed.). Elsevier. Madrid, 2019.

Juan del Rey Calero, Ángel Gil de Miguel, Rafael Herruzo Cabrera, Fernando Rodríguez Artalejo. Fundamentals of Epidemiology for health professionals. Ramón Areces University Foundation. Madrid, 2007.

Leon Gordis Epidemiology. 3rd edition. Ediciones Hancourt SA, 2005.

Moyses Szklo, Javier Nieto. Intermediate Epidemiology: Concepts and Applications. Díaz de Santos, 2003.