Units
Advanced Epidemiology
Unit code: PUN103
Contact hours: 3
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit's aim is the mastery of key principles and concepts of research design. There has been an increasing demand for evidence based health research, and an increasing trend towards research that considers complex biological, environmental and societal inter-relationships. Recent developments in epidemiology have contributed novel research designs and statistical methods to complement these needs. Throughout this unit, students are exposed to these more sophisticated designs and analytical methods. Such knowledge is mandatory for critical evaluation of the current research literature, for design of efficient research studies, and to inform appropriate interpretation of research results at a 'best practice' level.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Epidemiology is an important scientific discipline in health research, clinical practice and public health decision-making. Currently, there is an increasing demand for scientific evidence-based health research and public health policies, and an increasing trend towards health research that considers complex biological, environmental and societal inter-relationships and/or evaluates the effectiveness of population-based interventions. Recent developments in epidemiology have contributed innovative research designs and analytical methods to complement these needs. Postgraduate research students involved in health research should understand these more sophisticated designs and analytical methods. Such knowledge and skills are critical for evaluation of current epidemiological literature, design of health research, and interpretation of research results.
Aims
To provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in critique of epidemiological literature, design of research projects, and interpretation of research findings.
Objectives
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. critically discuss the relative merits of a range of advanced epidemiological study designs
2. critically evaluate sources of bias and confounding in a given research study design
3. demonstrate knowledge of advanced epidemiologic and biostatistical concepts, eg, effect modification, longitudinal analysis
4. demonstrate an in-depth, practical understanding of how to apply epidemiologic methods to a research project
5. apply knowledge and skills learned in this unit to critical review of the epidemiological literature
6. critically discuss the place of advanced epidemiological methods and study design in health research.
Content
The unit will engage you in active and critical discourse on a variety of key concepts and principles in epidemiological research, including selection of appropriate study design; bias, confounding and effect modification; major issues in interpretation of observational and experimental research; causal thinking within epidemiology; and epidemiology and public health decision-making.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit will be delivered on-campus, and will consist of 3 contact hours per week for 13 weeks, comprising a variety of teaching and learning approaches, including assigned readings and discussions, workshops, self-directed learning, and student presentations and critiques. Primary learning will be through tutorial discussion groups, which are designed to promote critical discussion of health research literature.
Assessment
There are two assessments to be completed by the end of the semester.Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will be provided with feedback on all your assessments as you progress through the unit.
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
Description: You will be required to complete a written, timed, open book invigilated theory examination.
Relates to objectives:
1-6
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Lecture time Week 10
Assessment name:
Research proposal (Oral)
Description:
Description: You will be required to present an individual presentation to the class based on the research proposal that you are required to develop to demonstrate your in-depth understanding of advanced epidemiology concepts and their applications.
Relates to objectives:
1-6
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 13
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
None required, recommended texts to be suggested in class.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated 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.
Last modified: 15-Nov-2012
