Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Epidemiology is the core scientific method of public health. It is the study of the distribution of health and disease in the population and includes research into causes of disease and the effectiveness of public health programs. Epidemiological methods are used to generate the evidence base for clinicians, health promotion specialists, health educators, occupational and environmental health officers and health service managers.

Aims

This unit provides an introduction to epidemiology, with an emphasis on central concepts, methods and skills. The overall aims include enhanced understanding of:

• the historical and conceptual foundations of epidemiology, including its place in public health;
  
• basic elements of epidemiologic study design and interpretation of data; and
  
• how to critically evaluate published epidemiologic studies.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. understand the fundamental principles of epidemiology;
   
2. appreciate the contributions of epidemiological principles to the design of health research;
   
3. correctly interpret descriptive epidemiological data in view of strengths and limitations of epidemiologic methods;
   
4. understand how epidemiology is useful for advancing knowledge of the causes of disease, and in evaluating the effectiveness of health care services; and
   
5. critically evaluate published epidemiological studies.

Content

Major topics addressed in this unit include: history, scope and uses of epidemiology; mechanism of disease transmission; logic of causal reasoning in public health research; measuring the frequency of disease including morbidity and mortality; common epidemiological research designs; sources of error in epidemiological studies; calculation of odds ratios and relative risks; sampling methods; and screening programs.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will involve lectures, tutorials, online resources, and self direct learning.

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: Critical Appraisal of Research Article
Summative Assessment
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Sunday 23:30 Week 11

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Mid Semester Exam
Relates to objectives: 1-2
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Final examination
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed Text(s):

Bonita, R., Beaglehole, R, & Kjellströ, T. (2006) Basic Epidemiology (2nd ed.). Geneva: World Health Organisation


Reference(s):

Gordis, L. (2009). Epidemiology (4th Edition). Philadelphia; WB Saunders.

Carneiro, I., Howard, N. (2011). Introduction to epidemiology (2nd Edition). Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Webb, P., Bain, C., & Pirozzo, S. (2005). Essential Epidemiology. An Introduction for Students and Health Professionals. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Other references as recommended by the lecturer.

Risk assessment statement

No risks beyond the ordinary would be anticipated in association with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 21-Feb-2013