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 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) 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.

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• an undergraduate degree in a discipline appropriate to the stream of the Master of Science into which entry is sought, with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) in the best 50 points in appropriate discipline studies at third year; and

• appropriate prerequisite studies for the stream into which entry is sought

For stream specific requirements please click here.

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Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider prior academic performance.

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

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Notes:

• Quotas may be applied to the degree as a whole, or to an individual stream, and preference may be given to applicants with evidence of appropriate preparation or potential to undertake research.

• Entry into a stream of the Master of Science is subject to the capacity of the department(s) or schools(s) offering the program stream to provide adequate supervision in 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.

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

The Master of Science offers a pathway to a PhD.

A) Knowledge
Graduates of the Master of Science (Epidemiology) Degree will have acquired:
1. a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in the discipline of Epidemiology
2. knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of Epidemiology

B) Skills
Graduates of the Master of Science (Epidemiology) will have developed:
1. cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and scholarship
2. cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
3. cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
4. communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and scientific professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise about developments that contribute to scientific professional practice or scholarship

C) Application of knowledge and skills
Graduates of the Master of Science (Epidemiology) will demonstrate the application of knowledge & skills:
1. with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional scientific practice and/or for further learning
2. with high level personal autonomy and accountability
3. to plan and execute a substantial research-based project