Calendar 2005–06

342 Part 5 • Department Profiles and Programmes of Studies to pose threats to the health of Hong Kong population and the population of the world at large. Evidences required for effective control and prevention of infectious diseases include those on disease etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, costs and benefits of treatment and public health intervention. This two-year part-time programme is a continuation of the Postgraduate Diploma in Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases. It aims to develop expertise in the application of epidemiological techniques for infectious disease investigation, control and surveillance. It combines in-class training with practical epidemiology and field training, where competencies are trained through epidemiological investigations, field projects, analysis and evaluation of public health surveillance systems. MSc Programme in Clinical Gerontology (Part-time) Courses Offered 1. Demography, Sociology, Social Work and Health Economics 2. Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Research Methodology 3. Biology of Ageing and Concept of Successful Ageing 4. Services for the Older Population 5. Clinical Topics 6. Research Project 7. Practical Experience MSc Programme in Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Part-time) Fields of Specialization Evidence-based medicine or health care emphasizes the need to base decision- making on evidence. Evidences required for health care practices include those on disease etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, benefits and harms of treatment and those for health care provision. The best evidence is from organized scientific research. The discipline of epidemiology is concerned with the methodology of scientific investigations into these issues in humans; and how to collect the best evidence for decision making. Biostatistics is concerned with understanding the data obtained from these investigations. Besides conventional epidemiological and biostatistical topics, the programme places a strong emphasis on clinical epidemiology. This two-year part-time MSc programme will provide an unique opportunity to learn the concepts, principles, skills and applications of both epidemiology, clinical epidemiology and biostatistics. The programme is a continuation of the one-year part-time Postgraduate Diploma Programme in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. It will expand the basic training with broader and in-depth perspectives. Courses Offered 1. Epidemiology I 2. Biostatistics I 3. Epidemiology II 4. Biostatistics II 5. Epidemiology III 6. Biostatistics III