Epidemiology and Principles of Research PG (9594.4)

Please note these are the 2026 details for this unit
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Epidemiology and Principles of Research PG
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods On-campus
Online real-time
 Bruce, Canberra
UC Sydney Hills, Castle Hill, NSW
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. 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 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.
Availability for enrolment in 2026 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 03 February 2025 On-campus Dr Zelalem Mengesha
2025 UC Sydney Hills, Castle Hill, NSW Semester 1 03 February 2025 On-campus Dr Zelalem Mengesha
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 03 February 2025 Online real-time Dr Zelalem Mengesha
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 28 July 2025 Online real-time Prof Rachel Davey
2025 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 28 July 2025 On-campus Prof Rachel Davey
2026 UC Sydney Hills, Castle Hill, NSW Semester 1 16 February 2026 On-campus Dr Zelalem Mengesha
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 16 February 2026 On-campus Dr Zelalem Mengesha
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 1 16 February 2026 Online real-time Dr Zelalem Mengesha
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 10 August 2026 Online real-time Prof Rachel Davey
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 10 August 2026 On-campus Prof Rachel Davey
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

Core texts

Webb, P., Bain, C., & Page, A. (2024). Essential epidemiology: an introduction for students and health professionals. 5thd Edition. Cambridge University Press.

Available: 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.

Available: Online through the UC library 

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

 Where late submissions are permited, mark allocated will be reduced by 10 % of maximum available marks per day (or part thereof) up to and including three calendar days following the due date/approved extension/ reasonable adjustment.

• Late submissions may result in reduced feedback being provided.

• Students will be allocated a mark of zero if submittng more than three calendar days late (without approved extension or reasonable adjustment), with no feedback provided. • A student who does not undertake, submit or participate in a summative assessment, or who does not atend a timetabled exam without an approved deferral, will be allocated a mark of zero.

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.

  • 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.

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

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.

Next step

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