Module manager: Dr Kate Absolom
Email: k.l.absolom@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
As per programme entry requirements
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module introduces students to the core areas of health data science and informatics in terms of how these fields can be defined where they may overlap. Through the module students are presented with examples of how different health datasets (particularly routinely collected clinical/health care data and data collected through cohort studies and trials) may be generated and methodological approaches for their use in research and evaluation. Students are provided with practical guidance and experience for both searching for published literature/evidence and critical appraisal (with a focus on understanding bias, generalisability, robustness of health data including issues with underrepresentation groups).
The purpose of this module is to provide students with:
- an understanding of health data science and informatics
- knowledge of different health datasets and methodological approaches to the value of using these data for research and evaluation
- knowledge and experience of approaches to search for and critically evidence where health datasets are used
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the interwoven fields of informatics and health data science.
2- Demonstrate critical understanding of different methodological approaches to using health data in research and evaluation activities.
3- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different health datasets and use appropriate critical appraisal tools to aid identification of issues with bias, generalisability and representation.
4- Plan and conduct a well-defined literature search to identify published evidence within a specific area of health data science.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1- Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate approaches to research methods and evaluation
2- Use appropriate online resources and digital tools to support work
3- Plan and deliver robust approaches to literature searching
4- Appraise sources of information, weigh up different ideas/perspectives and demonstrate the use of supporting evidence to form arguments
- Introductions to:
- health informatics and health data science
- clinical processes and record keeping
- health datasets
- health economics
- In addition, sessions on developing active reading, critical appraisal and literature searching skills are delivered with a focus on identifying and evaluating published work within health data science.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Practical | 2 | 1.5 | 3 |
| Seminar | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 119 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 31 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Throughout the module, sessions will be interactive and involve group discussion with practical and problem-based exercises provided. These will give students the chance to ask questions, and for session leads the gauge students’ comprehension and the need for further clarity or the further expansion of some areas as needed.
Group presentations will be prepared through the week and delivered by students on the last day as a learning task. This will be based on very similar core components aligned with the summative report and provides an opportunity for verbal feedback from staff and peers.
A draft outline of the written coursework (500 words) will be submitted for formative assessment, so students will gain individual feedback directly applicable to their preparation for the summative work.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Formative - Oral group presentation | 0 |
| Coursework | Formative - Outline plan for summative report (500 words) | 0 |
| Coursework | Summative - Summative report – critical appraisal of an example of published research evidence utilising large observational health datasets, and a structured literature search for additional research using alternative health datasets (3000 words) | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Students who fail the first attempt at the summative coursework will be offered an opportunity to resubmit. The resubmission will take the same format as the first attempt.
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 08/05/2025
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