090022 Advanced Epidemiology
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 090013 Fundamentals of Epidemiology
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject covers critical knowledge that public health practitioners and health researchers need concerning epidemiology. It enables students to develop a detailed understanding of, and skills in, epidemiological study designs that are necessary for the conduct of public health research and critical appraisal of the public health literature. Topics covered in this subject include the major study designs of descriptive studies, cohort studies, case control studies, and randomised controlled trials. There is also a focus on the synthesis of research data, including systematic reviews and meta analyses. The subject helps students to build knowledge and skills in interpretation and application of research methods for policy and practice in public health contexts.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Appraise the main design features of case control studies, cohort studies, randomised controlled trials |
|---|---|
| B. | Identify and describe effect modification in epidemiological studies. |
| C. | Critically appraise research findings in epidemiology with respect to causal inference. |
| D. | Design epidemiological studies by applying theoretical perspectives in epidemiology |
| E. | Summarise current literature relevant to a research question using systematic reviews and meta-analysis. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Demonstrate reflective critical thinking to enable critical appraisal of current practice, policy and research with the aim to enhance health care and healthcare outcomes, and transform health (1.0)
- Critique, interpret and synthesise data and research findings to inform the surveillance, management, prevention of disease and illness and promotion of health for the complex issues inherent in public health (1.1)
- Apply research methods to a variety of public health problems (1.2)
- Contribute to policy-related dialogue and evaluation of public health strategies in the community (2.3)
- Establish a commitment to the development of knowledge and skills within public health in order to prioritise reducing disease, disability and illness (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attirubutes:
- Demonstrate reflective critical thinking to enable critical appraisal of current practice, policy and research with the aim to enhance health care and healthcare outcomes, and transform health (1.0)
- Critique, interpret and synthesise data and research findings to inform the surveillance, management, prevention of disease and illness and promotion of health for the complex issues inherent in public health (1.1)
- Apply research methods to a variety of public health problems (1.2)
- Contribute to policy-related dialogue and evaluation of public health strategies in the community (2.3)
- Establish a commitment to the development of knowledge and skills within public health in order to prioritise reducing disease, disability and illness (5.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is delivered through weekly online learning activities over a period of six weeks. There is an expectation that students complete all online activities to get the most out of the subject. Students will be provided with engaging learning activities to deepen their understanding of epidemiological reasoning and its application relevant to health care and public health. Online activities will offer students with the opportunity to appraise epidemiological studies and strengthen their skills in epidemiology. Students are expected to work independently and to engage with other students and teachers online through discussion forums and other interactive activities such as weekly Zoom meetings.
Assessments are designed to complement the learning by providing students with the opportunity to practically apply and track their understanding of advanced concepts and techniques relevant to epidemiology. Students will receive feedback from teaching staff in online discussion and activities and on assessment tasks.
Content (topics)
Topic 1: Effect modification and heterogeneity
- Revision of study design, bias and error in epidemiology.
- Effect modification and heterogeneity
Topic 2: Randomised controlled trials versus observational studies
- Meta-analysis
- Comparison of randomised trials and observational studies.
- Where do observational studies go wrong in epidemiology?
- Implications for study design
Topic 3: Modern causal inference in epidemiology
- Key concepts in modern causal inference
- Directed acyclic graphs
- Target trials
- Implications for study design
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Short Answers
| Intent: | This assessment is designed to test students' ability to identify the strengths and limitations of various epidemiological study designs. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0 and 1.1 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
Assessment task 2: Critical review
| Intent: | This assessment contributes to developing critical reasoning skills and facilitates understanding of the complexity of study design issues. This also contributes to student learning by developing written communication skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and 2.3 |
| Type: | Essay |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | 2,000 words |
Assessment task 3: Study design
| Intent: | This assessment is designed to provide students with a practical example of how to design an appropriate study to answer a typical public health research question. The activity facilitates an understanding of how different research approaches can be employed to explore issues in health. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): C, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 2.3 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 3,000 words |
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