Epidemiology and Principles of Research PG (9594.3)

Please note these are the 2021 details for this unit
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Epidemiology and Principles of Research PG
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Health
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Discipline Of Public Health Post Graduate Level Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit introduces students to the core principles of epidemiology, specifically the measurement of health status of populations and provides students with the ability to critically appraise epidemiological research literature.

The unit provides an overview of study designs, measures of disease frequency and association, measurement bias, and issues of confounding. A brief overview of statistical analysis is provided including basic parametric and non-parametric analyses, although basic statistical knowledge is assumed. The activities require a basic knowledge of relevant statistical programs (e.g. SPSS).

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Understand the research process including design, ethical issues and evidence-based practice;

2. Conduct a critical appraisal of a published paper;
3. Calculate and interpret measures of disease frequency and association;
4. Identify major forms of bias and confounding; and
5. Identify issues relating to the application of research methods and ethics.


Graduate attributes

3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas


Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

Students in this unit must be enrolled in a Masters or Honours program in the Faculty of Health, including but not limited to the following programs:
Master of Nutrition, 771AA,
Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, 772AA, or
Postgraduate Diploma in Human Nutrition, 776AA,
Master of Physiotherapy, 768AA,
Master of Occupational Therapy, 132JA,
Graduate Certificate in Health Research, 133JA,
Master of Speech Pathology, 371JA.

Students undertaking the Professional Doctorate in Nursing, 253JA will undertake this unit as well.

Incompatible units

6469 Epidemiology and Principles of Research PG.

Equivalent units

6469 Epidemiology and Principles of Research PG.

Assumed knowledge

At least one semester of statistics at undergraduate or post graduate level.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
Not available

Required texts

Core texts

Webb, P., Bain, C., & Page, A. (2019). Essential epidemiology: an introduction for students and health professionals. 4thd Edition. Cambridge University Press.

Available from: bookshop, library and online as an e-book.

ISBN : 9781108766807

Liamputtong,P.(ed) 2016 Research Methods in Health: Foundations for evidence based practice. 3rd edn. Oxford University Press. Melbourne.
 
A newer edition of Liamputtong text book is also available. 

Available from: bookshop, library 

On-Line Resources:

Vancouver Referencing system guides from the library at: https://canberra.libguides.com/c.php?g=599301&p=4149536

Riegelman, R, Studying a study and testing a test: How to read the medical evidence, 5th edn. Lippincott,Williams & Wilkins (online text through UC library).

Other useful materials

Sage Research Methods Online (SRMO) – a collection of 600+ online research methodology books which "are relevant to upper level undergraduates and to potentially all postgraduates and staff researchers" (see sample results below).  Access to the collection is via any of the Library's Subject Guides or the Library Home Page (via the Databases & Other Online Resources (DOOR) link)

Other recommended additional references are listed on the Canvas site for this unit.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

In order to secure a pass grade, students must:

  • Submit all assignment items

  • Obtain an aggregate overall mark of at least 50%
     

Requests for extension 

  • Requests for extensions to the due dates must be made in writing, via email, to the Unit Convener, Dr Indira Samarawickrema Indira.Samarawickrema@canberra.edu.au at least five working days before the work is due.
  • Requests for extension must adhere to the policy on extension and must contain the extension request form and the documentary evidence to support the extension request.
  • There will be no extension beyond the last day of semester, and only one extension will be considered for a single assessment.
  • If the extension is granted, the Unit Convener will specify the revised due date.

 

Penalties for late submission of assignments

Students will receive a reduction of 5 percent per day from the total mark available for that assessment item for each day the assessment is late ( up to 7 days), after which the assignment will not be accepted.

Special assessment requirements

All modes of assessment (i.e. written assignments, exams, presentations, fieldwork or practicums) are subject to moderation.

The primary assessor marks a piece of student work, assigning a mark and providing comments to justify the mark.

All assessments assigned a Fail are reviewed by a second assessor, who reviews the mark and comments in order to confirm (or not) the mark awarded by the first marker.

All reviews are documented and any changes agreed, by discussion, with the primary marker.

Assessment Policy is on the Canvas site for your reference.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

  • Announcements made on Canvas are deemed to be made to the whole group. Please check the  unit Canvas site regularly for Announcements and Discussion threads.
  • It is necessary that you submit written assignments via Canvas.
  • Your student ID and the assessment title should be clearly stated at the front of your assignment.

Learner engagement

Students are expected to commit to 10 hours per week minimum,  to cover the material in this online unit.

Inclusion and engagement

It is strongly recommended that students who need assistance in undertaking this unit because of a disability or an ongoing health condition register with Inclusion and Engagement Office as soon as possible so thar reasonable adjustments can be made.

Participation requirements

All students must engage with the online Canvas site.

Required IT skills

Students will need to be familiar with the techniques of searching scientific databases. A library tutorial will support this requirement. Students also need to have a basic  knowledge of relevant statistical programmes.

In-unit costs

There are no additional in-unit costs.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

Additional information

Drop in times for consultation will be posted on Canvas by the unit convenor.