92298 Fundamentals of Epidemiology
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 96339 Epidemiology and Population Health
Description
This subject covers the essential knowledge that clinicians, project officers, health service managers and planners, and public health practitioners need concerning epidemiology and population health. It enables students to apply analytical strategies of epidemiology to the health service and public health environment, and to assess, interpret and critically appraise the quality of evidence of health service studies. Topics covered include epidemiological methods and concepts, understanding epidemiological evidence and its limitations, using population health data, and how findings are used to support public health and health services planning and management decisions. Students also have an opportunity to calculate and interpret measures of disease frequency, association and impact. An emphasis is placed on linking epidemiological theory to population health with application in public health and health services settings and decision making.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Evaluate and appropriately select major techniques in epidemiological and population health research, including study design, measures of disease frequency and measures of association and impact; |
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| B. | Recommend rigorous and appropriate approaches to the collection, storage, interpretation and use of epidemiological and other population health data; |
| C. | Discover the main sources of bias in epidemiological research and propose how these should be accounted for and addressed; |
| D. | Explain the roles, strengths and weaknesses of randomised controlled trials and the common observational designs |
| E. | Create a variety of ways in which complex epidemiological and population health data and issues can be effectively communicated for a variety of target audiences; |
| F. | Devise a basic critical appraisal of an epidemiological study |
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)
- Communicate effectively and appropriately in challenging, complex and diverse situations (4.0)
- Communicate and collaborate to provide optimal outcomes in public health practice and research (4.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
In this subject, students will participate in a range of teaching and learning activities, such as discussion boards and social polls, aimed at building the required skills and knowledge in epidemiology. Teaching and learning will take place entirely online. Students are expected to work independently and to engage with other students and teachers online through discussion forums and other interactive activities, such as Zoom meetings, for which they will have to prepare in advance. Activities will collaboratively engage students in the examination of real-world epidemiological case studies.
Assessments are designed to complement student learning by providing students with the opportunity to practically apply and track their understanding of concepts relevant to epidemiology. Students will receive written feedback from teachers and peers throughout the session and on assessment tasks.
Content (topics)
- Introduction to epidemiology and population health
- Measures of frequency and association
- Causation, confounding, effect modification
- Bias
- Epidemiological study design
- Using epidemiological data to inform policy decisions, in health services planning and public health
- Critical appraisal and systematic reviews
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online quizzes (Two)
| Intent: | The purpose of this assessment item is to determine how well students understand fundamental epidemiological and population health concepts, including study design, bias, measures of disease frequency and association, as well as demonstrate an ability to interpret epidemiological and other population health data. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, C and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0 and 1.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | Two online quizzes, each involving 10 multiple choice questions. Students will be given two attempts at each quiz, with a maximum of 20 minutes at each attempt to complete the quiz. The quizzes will be delivered in Canvas. The highest mark of the two attempts will be recorded. |
| Criteria: |
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Assessment task 2: Epidemiological Data Analysis
| Intent: | This assessment item focusses on how to conduct and present analyses of epidemiological datasets. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.1, 1.2 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | There will be a number of short answer questions that you will be required to complete. |
Assessment task 3: Critical Appraisal of a Journal Article
| Intent: | This assessment item focusses on critical appraisal of an epidemiological study published in a peer-reviewed journal article. The purpose of this assessment item is to give students a deeper understanding of the appraisal of epidemiological studies. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): C, D, E and F This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 4.0 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | No more than 3 A4 pages, using at least 11 point font, including references. |
Required texts
Webb, P., Bain, C., & Page, A. (2020). Essential Epidemiology: An Introduction for Students and Health Professionals (Fourth edition.). Cambridge University Press.
An electronic copy of the 3rd edition of the book is available as an e-book at UTS Library.
Recommended texts
Links to other books will be provided on Canvas.
References
There is a list of books and articles in the "Subject Documents" section of Canvas that may provide students with useful references to help in research for assignments. A list of journals, websites and other online references are also provided on Canvas.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and UTSOnline at: https://online.uts.edu.au/webapps/login/ or CANVAS at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.
HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.
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