Epidemiology and Principles of Research PG (9594.4)
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | Flexible |
Bruce, Canberra |
| 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) |
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. Evaluate and critically reflect on the fundamental principles and core techniques of
epidemiology;
2. Discriminate between the key research designs, ethical issues, and core data analysis techniques;
3. Evaluate health issues using the basic epidemiological tools;
4. Investigate a current health issue and its disparities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and other Australians, using the knowledge of health determinants;
5. Assess the quality of available evidence for a clinical or public health practice intervention using epidemiological tools for evidence-based practice; and
6. Articulate the fundamental principles and core techniques of clinical epidemiology.
Graduate attributes
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas1. 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 PGEquivalent units
6469 Epidemiology and Principles of Research PGAssumed knowledge
At least one semester of statistics at undergraduate or post graduate level.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 1 | 05 February 2024 | Flexible | Dr William Mude |
| 2024 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 29 July 2024 | Flexible | Dr William Mude |
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: bookshop, library and online as an e-book.
ISBN: 9781108766807
Liamputtong, P.(ed) 2022 Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice. 4th edn. Oxford University Press Australia & New Zealand. Melbourne.
ISBN: 9780190330378
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 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.
