Epidemiology

Subject 505-106 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Distance only
For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: None
Total Time Commitment: 8 - 12 hours total study time per week
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Dr Andrew Page, University of Queensland

Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia

School of Population Health, University of Melbourne

Subject Overview:

Topics include: historical developments in epidemiology; sources of data on mortality and morbidity; disease rates and standardisation; prevalence and incidence; life expectancy; linking exposure and disease (e.g. relative risk, attributable risk); main types of study designs – case series, ecological studies, cross-sectional surveys, case-control studies, cohort or follow-up studies, randomised controlled trials; sources of error (chance, bias, confounding); association and causality; evaluating published papers; epidemics and epidemic investigation; surveillance; prevention; screening; the role of epidemiology in health services research and policy.

Objectives: On completion of this subject students should be familiar with the major concepts and tools of epidemiology, the study of health in populations, and should be able to judge the quality of evidence in health-related research literature
Assessment: Three written assignments to be submitted during semester worth 20% (approx 8 hrs work) 25% (approx 8 hrs work) and 35% (approx 10 hrs work) respectively.
One end of semester online exam worth 20% (approx 8 hrs work).

Prescribed Texts: Resources Provided to Students: Printed course notes and assignment material by mail, email, and online interaction facilities.
Recommended Texts:

None

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Independent problem solving, critical appraisal of research literature, clarity of written expression

Links to further information: http://www.sph.unimelb.edu.au
Notes:

This subject is not available in the Master of Public Health.

Related Course(s): Master of Biostatistics
Postgraduate Certificate in Biostatistics
Postgraduate Diploma in Biostatistics

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