Epidemiology 3

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

POPH90146 Study Design in Epidemiology

POPH90147 Epidemiology in Practice

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

This subject is a core subject within the Master of Epidemiology and the Master of Science (Epidemiology) and an elective within the Master of Public Health and Master of Environment.

This subject includes advanced, practical and emerging methods in epidemiology and follows on from Epidemiology 1 and 2. Within this subject there will be four themes:

• Screening and Diagnostic tests. Within this theme the design of studies to investigate the validity and reliability of diagnostic and screening tests will be discussed. Practical computer labs on the analysis of real epidemiological data evaluating such tests will be conducted.
• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and observational studies. Within this theme the critical appraisal, and practical aspects and steps in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses will be covered. STATA computer practicals will be included.
• Epidemiology in Practice. Within this theme the practical aspects of working as an epidemiologist will be included. Such activities include writing epidemiological papers, considering the ethical implications of research, developing and project protocols, and developing budgets will be covered.
• Emerging activities and issues in Epidemiology. Within this theme emerging methods and issues will be discussed.

On completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to:

• Design studies to investigate the validity and reliability of diagnostic and screening tests and analyse data to assess the validity and reliability of the tests.
• Critically appraise and undertake systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and observational studies
• Write a research project grant application.
• Consider ethical issues, budgetary issues and methodological issues in research project development.
• Discuss emerging methods and issues in Epidemiology.

• One 1,000 word written assignment, due in the 5th week of teaching (20%)
• One 20-minute group oral presentation, held on the 5th day of teaching (15%)
• Written critique of a group's presentation (250 words), due during the 5th day of teaching (5%)
• One 2,500 word written assignment, due six weeks after the final day of teaching (60%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.