Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1

Unit code:HPO6001Study level:Postgraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

City Campus
St Albans
VU Online

Prerequisites

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

The disciplines of Epidemiology and Biostatistics provide the foundation for designing studies to better understand the distribution of exposures and outcomes among specific population groups. In this unit, students are introduced to the basic principles, concepts of descriptive epidemiology and related biostatistics and how to use software to perform analytical research. Students will learn and practice how observational data is collected and analysed using statistical methods and communicated to a variety of audiences. These skills will enable students to evaluate existing epidemiological studies, and undertake basic epidemiological analysis using biostatistical approaches.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Articulate the relationship between epidemiology and biostatistics;
Devise epidemiological questions;
Evaluate the statistical methods used to analyse a range of epidemiological studies;
Monitor and evaluate population health data or indicators amongst diverse settings and populations;
Compute and interpret basic descriptive statistical analyses using analytic software; and
Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Other | Grade: 10%

Contribute to a discussion on using biostatistics to understand epidemiological challenges (500 words)

Assessment type: Presentation | Grade: 50%

Search strategy and evidence summary of peer-reviewed published articles (group) (20mins)

Assessment type: Case Study | Grade: 40%

Statistical analysis and evaluation of an epidemiologic case study (2000 words equivalent).

Assessment type: Other | Grade: 0%

Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules

Group presentation will be a live in-class presentation that includes unpredictable Q&A for each individual student worth 20% of grade for that assessment.