PhD Programme Epidemiology

Transcription

1 PhD Programme Epidemiology Utrecht University, Graduate School of Life sciences April Name of the PhD programme Epidemiology 2. Focus area The PhD Programme is organised by the research groups of the focus area Epidemiology. Coordinators of the Focus Area Epidemiology: Prof. JAP Heesterbeek, PhD (Faculty of Veterinary Sciences) and Prof. KGM Moons, PhD (University Medical Center Utrecht). Epidemiology is the science that studies patterns in space and time in the origin, diagnostics, prognostics, treatment and prevention of diseases in populations, and identifies factors that contribute to or influence these phenomena. The word population is key to this. In populations one can find descriptive or causal patterns between factors on the one hand and disease occurrence and dynamics on the other. These patterns are essential for understanding and controlling these diseases. Unlike most groups of epidemiologists at Utrecht University this is approached from a multidisciplinary perspective, combining clinical, veterinary, pharmacological/pharmaceutical, environmental and theoretical epidemiology, and biostatistics, in close interaction with medical, veterinary and pharmaceutical specialists. Based on real and clinically relevant problems, we contribute through research, knowledge dissemination and education to an improved understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention of disease. These diseases notably include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, allergy, and infectious diseases, occurring both in humans and animals. 3. Mission statement and objectives The PhD programme Epidemiology is aimed at optimal preparation of PhD fellows to become independent researchers, research consultants, or continue their career at an academic level in (non)governmental institutions or the pharmaceutical industry. The core of the educational programme consists of formal epidemiological training, with research methodology as its core knowledge area, offered by the participating research groups of the UU focus area Epidemiology. Sharing and distribution of knowledge takes a central part in the aims of this focus area. Collaborative educational activities are primarily aimed at providing PhD fellows with the required knowledge base and skills to conduct their current research and design future research. Simultaneously these interfaculty educational activities aid in the development of a shared view on concepts and terminology, and stimulate research collaboration. Next to training in research methodology the PhD programme is aimed at the development of more generic skills like teaching and communication. By selection of elective courses, the programme allows PhD fellows to tailor their educational programme to their individual needs and interests. 1

2 At the start of the project the PhD fellow discusses the educational programme with the (co)promoters and describes the plans in the Training and Supervision Agreement (TSA). Revision of the plans along the trajectory is possible to optimize the individual benefits of the PhD training. Yearly, the PhD fellow reports on proceedings and future (renewed) plans. After completion of the programme a graduate school certificate is issued upon request. 4. Name of the programme director and programme coordinator Programme Director: Programme Coordinator: Prof. D.E. Grobbee, MD, PhD (in case of absence to be replaced by Prof. A.W. Hoes, MD, PhD) M. Kluijtmans, PhD 5. Programme Committee Prof. DE Grobbee, MD, PhD Prof. AW Hoes, MD, PhD Prof. MJM Bonten, MD, PhD Prof. JAP Heesterbeek, PhD Prof. HGM Leufkens, PharmD, PhD Prof. DJJ Heederik, PhD Prof. KGM Moons, PhD SG Uijl, PhD GJMG van der Heijden, PhD G Hoek, PhD M Kluijtmans, PhD OA Klungel, PharmD, PhD MEE Kretzschmar, PhD M Nielen, DVM, PhD Prof YT van der Schouw, PhD Chair Specialisation Program Director (SPD) Clinical Epidemiology SPD Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases SPD Veterinary Epidemiology SPD Pharmacoepidemiology SPD Environmental and Occupational Health Coordinator Seminars and Capita Selecta MSc programme coordinator 6. Relation PhD- and MSc programme Epidemiology At Utrecht University, three master programmes are being offered in the field op epidemiology. The MSc programmes are being managed by the same programme committee as the PhD programme. The three programmes are: Programme Degree EC Epidemiology (EPIM) MSc in Biomedical Sciences 120 Epidemiology Postgraduate (EPIPG) MSc in Health Sciences 90 Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics (VEE) MSc in Veterinary Sciences 90 The two year EPIM programme (120 EC) is aimed at biomedical BSc students. The shorter EPIPG programme (90 EC) is aimed at health professionals and researchers in health care, including PhD 2

3 fellows. Entrance criteria are an MSc, MD, PharmD, or equivalent degree. The VEE programme (90 EC) is similar to the EPIPG programme but aimed specifically at veterinarians. Entrance criteria are a DVM degree, and preferably professional experience. The principals of epidemiology are being thought in half a year of theoretical courses, also referred to as the core courses. These core courses are attended by students of the three programmes together. Additional to the core courses students choose a direction of specialisation, and attend elective courses. More details about the programme s can be found in appendix 1. In the preferred form attendance to the EPIPG or VEE programme is an integral part of the PhD programme. Alternatively, a selection of courses from this programme is being attended. For more details see paragraph Admission criteria PhD fellows are accepted for the PhD programme Epidemiology by the programme director if the nature of their research is epidemiological and the Training and Supervision Agreement (TSA) adheres to the guidelines outlined in this document. All PhD fellows must have an appointed tutor from one of the participating research groups of the focus and mass area Epidemiology. Required prior knowledge for the PhD programme is a (bio)medical academic study, including knowledge of basic medical terminology, and proficiency in written and spoken English. If deficiencies exist, the TSA should clearly specify how these will be repaired. For lack of medical terminology this can be met by selfstudy or attendance of dedicated courses, to be decided upon and guided by the tutor. When doubt exists about English proficiency a formal exam (TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge EFL, similar criteria for MSc students as specified by Utrecht University) may be asked for by the programme director. 8. Implementation and monitoring (TSA & Graduate School Certificate) Within two months after the start of their PhD project, PhD fellows fill in the Training and Supervision Agreement (TSA) of the Graduate School of Life Sciences. The signed TSA is sent to the programme director for approval. After approval a signed copy is returned to the PhD fellow and the supervisor. The original form is sent to the dean. Monitoring is performed according to the procedures proposed by the Graduate School of Life Sciences. The PhD fellow receives guidance on a regular base by the (co)supervisors. On a yearly basis the supervisor evaluates the progress of both the research project and training programme. This yearly evaluation is documented in a written report. The yearly report is sent to the programme director. Upon completion of the PhD programme, preferably upon sending the manuscript to the PhD committee, a final training programme report is handed in with the programme director, together with proof of all components of the training programme (course certificates, journal club certificates, proof of conference attendance) and a request for the graduate school certificate. The request for the certificate should be made at least 6 weeks before the PhD defence date. 3

4 Information regarding the PhD track, including a downloadable TSA form to request the GS-LS certificate application can be found at the UU website: track/45307main.html Immediately upon approval of the training programme, the PhD fellow has to request Exemption and Admission to Doctoral Studies (in Dutch: Verzoek tot ontheffing en toelating tot de promotie ). The request can be made via the following UU website. ain.html Table 2. Monitoring scheme PhD programme (Note: The request for admission to Utrecht University PhD studies is not part of the training programme but is the obvious starting point of the project and is therefore included in the scheme) Time Form/document By whom To whom At start PhD studies (within 2 months) Immediately after approval TSA (within 6 months after start) TSA Request for admission to Utrecht University PhD studies 1 year Year report (incl. possible revisions TSA) 2 (and subsequent) year At least 6 weeks before PhD defence Year report (incl. possible revisions TSA) Application form GS-LS certificate PhD fellow (signed by supervisors) Promotor / PhD fellow PhD fellow (signed by supervisors) PhD fellow (signed by supervisors) PhD fellow (signed by supervisors) Programme director Diederick E. Grobbee (STR.7.136) UU Board of Directors (in Dutch College van Bestuur) through the METIS module Programme director Diederick E. Grobbee (STR.7.136) Programme director Diederick E. Grobbee (STR.7.136) Programme director Diederick E. Grobbee (STR.7.136) 9. Number of PhD fellows Yearly, PhD fellows are expected to start the PhD programme Epidemiology. Contract length differs between three and four years, the majority of PhD-fellows having a three year contact. Therefore the programme will comprise of in total fellows. January 1, 2009, 67 fellows were registered for the programme with a completed TSA form. This number is expected to increase slightly in 2009 when the Utrecht University policy of all PhD fellows joining one of the PhD programmes will be fully implemented. 4

5 10. Contents of the PhD programme The PhD programme Epidemiology consists of several elements: Epidemiology courses which can be subdivided into mandatory core courses and elective specialisation courses, Generic courses such as statistical courses, and attendance of seminars, at least one visit to an international conference, participation in teaching activities, and optionally also participation in journal or book clubs. All these activities contribute to the development of competencies of the PhD fellow and are therefore part of the educational programme. In the preferred form of the PhD training programme, the epidemiological and generic courses are being covered by participation in the Health Sciences - Epidemiology Postgraduate MSc programme. PhD fellows are expected to attend the full programme unless they have already attended the two-year regular MSc programme in Epidemiology before the start of their PhD studies. For the latter fellows a minimally required variant is available as specified in Table 1. In this variant the PhD fellow broadens and deepens the prior obtained epidemiological knowledge by attending a selection of specialisation courses not yet attended during the master phase (only one of the five available specialisations is attended during the MSc programme, therefore the PhD fellow may now choose courses from one of the other specialisation directions or the generic advanced courses). Next to seven core courses attended by all MSc students, over twenty specialisation courses are offered at Utrecht University (see appendix 1) of which on average 4 to 6 are being attended during the master s programme, leaving ample opportunity to select additional relevant courses during the PhD fase. In addition to specialisation courses offered at Utrecht University, courses may be also attended at one of the collaborating partner institutes (e.g. the MSc programme s in epidemiology at Mainz University, or University of Groningen). The minimal variant may also be attended by fellows with other compelling reasons not to attend the full masters programme (to be judged by the programme director), in which case they may opt for 8 EC in epidemiological core courses as well as specialisation courses. Table 1. Overview preferred and minimal variant PhD programme epidemiology (to be specified at TSA form) Component Epidemiological Courses (Core courses & Elective specialisation courses) Preferred PhD-programme Epidemiology MSc Health Sciences Epidemiology Postgraduate Theoretical courses 34 EC Minimally required PhD-Programme Epidemiology Minimally 8 EC Generic Courses 4 EC as part of MSc Minimally 4 CE Seminars 1 EC per year, maximum 3 EC (Inter)national Congress visit 1 EC 1 EC 1 EC per year, maximum 3 EC Journal club Maximum 1EC Maximum 1EC Participation educational activities No study points, integral part of PhD fellowship No study points, integral part of PhD fellowship TOTAL > 20 EC (typically 38 EC or more) Minimally 20 EC 5

6 Epidemiological training PhD fellows enter the Epidemiology Postgraduate programme which after completion presents them with a postgraduate MSc degree and qualifies them for registration as Epidemiologist A (in Dutch: Epidemioloog A ) by the Netherlands Epidemiological Society. Attendance of individual courses is also possible, provided the participant complies with the prerequisites of the course and the course is not fully booked. In principles, both for individual courses and the full MSc programme a course fee is due. An exception is the first course of the programme, Introduction to Epidemiology, which is offered without costs to all Graduate School of Life Sciences participants. For details on the MSc programme or individual courses see The programme consists of 7 core courses (21.5 EC), in which epidemiological principles and generic statistical knowledge are being addressed and which are being attended by all PhD fellows. - Introduction to Epidemiology - Introduction to Statistics - Study Design - Classical Methods in Data Analysis - Modern Methods in Data Analysis - Research Ethics and Society - Presentation and Writing Research Proposal Additionally PhD fellows attend advanced courses by choosing one of the five specialisation programme s (12.5 EC) being offered: - Clinical epidemiology - Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases - Veterinary Epidemiology / Epidemiology of Animal Diseases - Pharmacoepidemiology - Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology The specialization programmes consist partly of advanced courses obligatory for that specific specialisation, and partly of elective courses. The elective courses can be chosen from the variety of advanced courses being offered at Utrecht University (can be courses from any of the specialization directions, for a list of courses see appendix 1), or courses at one of our partner institutes within or outside the Netherlands. E.g. student may select a course at Erasmus University offered by the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences, or courses of the Research Master programme Psychiatric Epidemiology at Groningen University. Opportunities also exist to attend courses in Germany (Mainz University). The elective courses allow fellows to design their own individual programme, optimally tailored to their personal needs or research project. Preferably PhD fellows attend the full EPG programme as described. Exceptions are allowed if the specific background or situations requires so. In those cases the PhD fellow together with the supervisors designs an individual programme which covers at least 20 EC. The programme should ensure a sufficient knowledge level of epidemiology for the PhD fellow as is to be judged by the concerning programme director for the area, who will have to agree with the proposed training plan by signing the Training and Supervision agreement. 6

7 All courses of the Epidemiology Postgraduate programme are in principle open for other PhD fellows. Prerequisites are fulfilment of the prior knowledge requirements that exists for the course, as well as course capacity. For the attendance of courses a course fee should be paid. The postgraduate masters programme has been accredited by the NVAO in July 2008 and has in January 2009 been registered by law with CROHO code The accreditation warrants quality assurance of the epidemiological training component of the PhD programme Epidemiology. Seminar series Each department has its own cycle of seminars. Attendance by the PhD fellows of these seminars is mandatory and PhD-fellows are expected to regularly present their work at these seminars. The seminars typically are being held once a week. With a lower frequency also interfacultary seminars are being offered, with international renowned speakers, such as life sciences seminars, and focus area/ PhD programme seminars and capita selecta. (Inter)national congress visit PhD fellows are expected to at least once present work (in progress) at a national or international congress. At national level there is the annual WEON meeting for epidemiological research. The congress may be either in the field of epidemiology or in the application field of the PhD fellow s research. Generic courses PhD fellows have to attend at least 4 EC generic courses which are not subject oriented but rather support their personal development and competences. Currently, the decision which courses will be part of the generic programme is pending. The statistical courses from the postgraduate master s programme may be part of the generic courses. Even though courses in statistics are being offered already, students have frequently indicated the need for a wider variety of generic courses than currently available and/or affordable. These courses are not, and can not, be delivered by the epidemiological research groups, and it is a great asset that these will be provided by the graduate school Life Sciences. Currently several courses are being offered by institutions such as the Boswell Institute, NWO, and others. There is need for courses in: - Scientific English - Advanced English (leading to Cambridge certificate for Proficiency in English) - Science writing - Oral presentation - Career development - Grant writing - Teaching in small groups - Press contact - Management and organization 7

8 The UMC Directorate Teaching and Training (in Dutch: Directoraat Onderwijs en Opleidingen; DOO) will offer generic courses on behalf of the graduate School of Life Sciences. Once these will be available PhD fellows will be stimulated to attend a selection of the offered courses. Teaching activities PhD fellows should participate in the teaching activities of their research group, typically supervise practicals or guide a student workgroup. The teaching activities never exceed 5% of the PhD s appointment, and usually only exists of contributing to one or two courses during the full PhD Period. No study points are awarded for these activities, teaching is considered to be part of the participation in an academic research group. Journal club (optional) These meetings aim at the critical appraisal of (top) publications, and/or the discussion of (chapters of) epidemiological standard books. The initiative for the organization of the meetings is primarily with the PhD fellows. The staff supports the initiatives by providing supervision. Not all departments have journal clubs but PhD fellows of all epidemiological research groups are welcome to join the initiatives that are present. 8

9 Appendix 1. Course information Course information of the education offered by the PhD programme Epidemiology. A prostgraduate MSc programme is being offered of which also single courses can be attended. More detail on content of the courses and course fees is available at Epidemiology Postgraduate Master Programme Introduction to Epidemiology 3.0 ECTS Introduction to Statistics 1.5 ECTS Study design 4.5 ECTS Classical Methods in Data analysis 6.0 ECTS Modern Methods in Data analysis 4.5 ECTS Presentation and Writing Research Proposal 1.0 ECTS Research Ethics and Society 1.0 ECTS + Total Core curriculum Research project Specialization programme Total 21.5 ECTS 56.0 ECTS 12.5 ECTS ECTS Within the Master programme five specialisation tracks are available: - Clinical Epidemiology - Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases - Epidemiology of Animal Diseases - Pharmacoepidemiology - Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology. De specialisatierichting dient inhoudelijk aan te sluiten bij het promotieonderzoek Mandatory courses and electives for the five specialisation tracks Clinical Epidemiology, programme director Prof AW Hoes Clinical Epidemiology, 3wk Advanced Diagnostic Research, 1 wk Prognostic Research, 1wk Clinical Trials and Drug Risk assessment, 1wk At least one of the next two courses: Meta-analysis 1 wk, Etiologic Research: confounding and effectmodification And 10 additional days to be selected from the elective programmes of other specialisation tracks Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, programme director Prof MJM Bonten Clinical Epidemiology, 3wk 9

10 Basics of mathematical modelling of infectious diseases, 4days Advanced mathematical modelling of infectious diseases, 1 wk Meta-analysis 1 wk And 15 additional days to be selected from the elective programmes of other specialisation tracks Epidemiology of Animal Diseases, programme director Prof JAP Heesterbeek Clinical Epidemiology, 3wk Animal health economics I + II, 5 days Veterinary epidemiology 4wk Introduction to GIS and spatial epidemiological data analysis 1 wk Introduction to Bayesian Analysis 4 days Estimating R0 from data, 1 day Pharmacoepidemiology, programme director Prof HGM Leufkens Clinical Epidemiology, 3wk Clinical Trials and Drug Risk assessment, 1wk Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety, 1wk Pharmaceutical Policy Analysis, 1wk And 15 additional days to be selected from the elective programmes of other specialisation tracks Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology (OE), programme director Prof D Heederik Assessment of exposure to chemical & biological agents, 2 wk Health effects of chemical and biological agents, 4 wk Risk assessment and risk management, 2wk Environmental and occupational epidemiology, 2 wk General specialisation courses Molecular Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, 1 wk Nutritional Epidemiology, 1 wk 10

11 Schematische samenhang onderwijsprogramma en eindkwalificaties (Dutch) Doelstellingen en kwalificaties Introduction to Epidemiology Study Design Statistical Courses Writing & Presentation Research Proposal 1 Kennis gezondheid en ziekte 2 Ontwikkelingen Health Sciences 3 Onderzoeksvraag formuleren 4 Studieopzet 5 Data-analyse 6 Presenteren en integreren theorie 7 Kan functioneren in een multidisciplinair team Research Project Research Ethics and Society Specialisation Programme 8 Inzicht interactie maatschappij 9 Resultaatgerichte instelling 10 Zelfstandige verdere studie Werkbesprekingen, seminars, eindpresentatie 11

12 Appendix 2 Participants Focus Area Epidemiology Five research groups participate in the research focus area Epidemiology, covering three faculties of Utrecht University: Faculty of Medicine - UMC Utrecht, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care (JC) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Farm Animal Health, Epidemiology (FVM-EPI) - Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) Faculty of Science - Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacotherapy (PHARM) - Department of Mathematics, Mathematical Institute (MATH) UMC Utrecht - Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care Prof. A Algra, MD, PhD Prof. MJM Bonten, MD, PhD Prof. Y van der Graaf, MD, PhD Prof. DE Grobbee, MD, PhD Prof. AW Hoes, MD, PhD Prof. YT van der Schouw, PhD Prof. KGM Moons, PhD Prof. PHM Peeters, MD, PhD Epidemiology of thrombosis treatment & prevention Molecular epidemiology Clinical epidemiology of diagnostic imaging Clinical epidemiology Clinical epidemiology in general practice Epidemiology of chronic diseases Clinical epidemiology, with a focus on methodology Cancer epidemiology UMC Utrecht DP&S Prof. C. Kalkman Aneasthesiology, Epidemiology & Patient Safety Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Dept. of Farm Animal Health Prof. JAP Heesterbeek, PhD Prof. JA Stegeman, PhD Theoretical epid. & modelling infectious diseases Epidemiology of infectious diseases Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences Prof.ir. B Brunekreef, PhD Prof.ir. DJJ Heederik, PhD Prof.ir. H Kromhout, PhD Environmental Epidemiology Occupational epidemiology / Health risk analysis Occupational Hygiene and Exposure Assessment Faculty of Science - Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacotherapy Prof. A de Boer, MD, PhD Prof. ACG Egberts, PharmD, PhD Prof. HGM Leufkens, PharmD, PhD Pharmacotherapy Clinical pharmacoepidemiology Pharmacoepidemiology Department of Mathematics, Mathematical Institute Prof. O. Diekman, PhD Mathematical modelling 12