Master of Science (Epidemiology)

The Master of Science (Epidemiology) is a coursework masters degree incorporating a substantial research project.
The Master of Science gives students the opportunity to undertake a substantive research project in a field of choice as well as a broad range of coursework subjects including a professional skills component, as a pathway to PhD study or to the workforce.

On completion of this course, graduates are expected to have:

• a critical approach to the appraisal of research work;
• the skills to identify and prioritise issues in health research and practice;
• the capacity to apply epidemiological and biostatistical theory and methods in practice including the demonstrated ability to:
  - Identify health issues and formulate research questions
  - Locate, synthesise and critically appraise epidemiological data, systems and research
  - Design and appraise epidemiological studies
  - Summarise and report epidemiological data
  - Apply standard methods of statistical analysis used in epidemiology
  - Interpret and apply the findings of epidemiological studies
  - Prepare grant applications and manuscripts and deliver effective oral presentations, and
• developed business and communication skills that are relevant to the workplace.

Students undertaking the Master of Science - Epidemiology program will complete 200 points comprising:

• Discipline Core subjects (75 points);
• Discipline Elective subjects (25-50 points);
• Professional Skills subjects (25-50 points); and
• a Research Project (50 points).

Discipline Core subjects

Students must take:

Discipline Elective subjects

Students must complete two to four of the following subjects:

Other approved subjects.

Students may select approved subjects from those within the Master of Public Health https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2012/244CW which includes subjects on health economics, health program evaluation, international health, sexual health, social science and women's health.

Students without a background in biology may select up to two approved relevant biology subjects.

Professional Skills subjects

Students must take between two and four subjects from:

Business Skills

Communication Skills

Science skills

Epidemiology Research Project

Students will gain research experience in Epidemiology by completing a 50 point Research Project comprising:

• a research proposal and protocol;
• a scientific manuscript based on an analysis of an existing dataset or a meta analysis of existing studies; and
• two oral presentations.

The research project will be taken over two consecutive semesters and will begin on the Monday of the third semester of course enrolment (semesters 1 or 2) (indicative for 2012: Monday 27th February or Monday 23rd July) and continue until the end of the final semester of research project enrolment. The research project work continues over summer and winter breaks, minus recreation leave of 4 weeks per year

For how long and at what time within the enrolment the actual period of leave is to be taken needs to be negotiated with a student's supervisor.

The first oral presentation will occur at the end of the first semester of enrolment in the research project, with the first written component due at the end of the formal examination period of that semester. The second presentation will occur at the end of the final semester of research project enrolment (usually fourth semester), with the second written component due at the end of the formal examination period for that semester if an earlier date is not specified.

Students may enrol in a combination of research project subjects and coursework subjects as long as once the Research Project is commenced, the consecutive enrolment requirement is met and to ensure they have completed a total of 50 points for the research project by the end of their course.

Students may need to enrol in a subject of the same credit point value more than once which is why there are multiple Epidemiology Research Project subjects of the same points value.

A suggested enrolment example is available on the Melbourne Graduate School website - http://graduate.science.unimelb.edu.au/programs/msc/epidem.php. Students are encouraged to review these examples to inform their ISIS enrolment.

An undergraduate degree with a major in any science discipline, with at least an H3 (65%) in the major, or equivalent.

Quotas may be applied and preference may be given to applicants with evidence of appropriate preparation or potential to undertake research. Entry is subject to the capacity of a department to provide adequate supervision in, and resources for, a research project appropriate to the interests and preparation of the individual student and may be subject to the agreement of a member of academic staff to supervise the project module. Selection is not automatic and, in particular, is subject to competition.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a course are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant course coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

The Master of Science offers a pathway to a PhD.

Graduates will:

• have the ability to demonstrate advanced independent critical enquiry, analysis and reflection;
• have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship;
• have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s);
• reach a high level of achievement in writing, research or project activities, problem-solving and communication;
• be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning;
• be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines;
• have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment; and
• be able to initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces.