TM5515 - Epidemiology for Public Health

Credit points:	03
Year:	2013
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:	Sch Public Health,Trop Medicine&Rehabilitation Sc

Available to all postgraduate students in the health sciences.

Epidemiology is the "study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations and the application of this study to the control of health problems" (Last, 1988). This subject introduces students to the principles of epidemiology. Topics covered include: history, development and definition of epidemiology and its place in health research; identification of disease; measures of disease frequency; summary measures of population health; measures of association; study design; chance, bias and confounding; causation; data collection techniques; screening and surveillance; epidemiological disease concepts; and ethics.. Core theoretical material will be supplemented by guest lectures where possible. Theory is complemented by the use of applied examples and exercises to enhance understanding and facilitate development of practical skills. A variety of examples of published, epidemiological studies in scientific literature will be critically discussed during the subject to enhance the understanding of the introduced concepts and techniques. Being able to read and evaluate health literature is essential for health professionals, especially those in public health. Some computer literacy is assumed (e.g, Windows, Word and Excel).

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the principles of epidemiology;
• Recognise, describe and critically evaluate the major types of study designs used in epidemiological study, and competently apply this knowledge to a research situation;
• Critically evaluate health publications using epidemiological principles.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information.

Availabilities
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 28-Mar-2013
Coordinator:	Assoc. Professor Kerrianne Watt, Assoc. Professor Petra Buttner
Lecturers:	Assoc. Professor Kerrianne Watt, Assoc. Professor Petra Buttner.
Method of Delivery:	Printed materials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); assignments (50%).
Townsville, Block, Study Period 10
Census Date 13-Dec-2013
Non-standard start/end 28-Oct-2013 to 10-Jan-2014
Face to face teaching 28-Oct-2013 to 08-Nov-2013
Coord/Lect:	Assoc. Professor Kerrianne Watt.
Assessment:	other exams (40%); assignments (25%); critical appraisal of article (25%); workbook:(all material covered) (10%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	students must pass exam to pass subject

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.