Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1

Unit code: HPO6001 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
City Campus
St Albans
VU Online
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
Enquire

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:

  1. Articulate the relationship between epidemiology and biostatistics;
  2. Frame epidemiological questions;
  3. Evaluate the statistical methods used to analyse a range of epidemiological studies;
  4. Monitor and evaluate population health data or indicators amongst diverse settings and populations;
  5. Perform basic descriptive statistical analyses using analytic software; and
  6. 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: Review
|
Grade: 50%
Search strategy and evidence summary of peer-reviewed published articles (group) (2500 words)
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 (Hurdle)

Other locations

For students studying at VU Online
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 10%
Contribute to a discussion board on using biostatistics to understand epidemiological challenges (500 words)
Assessment type: Research Paper
|
Grade: 50%
Analytic paper using peer-reviewed published articles on a topic of own choice (2500 words)
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 40%
Statistical analysis and evaluation of an epidemiologic case study (2000 words).
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules (Hurdle)

Required reading

Selected readings will be made available via the unit VU Collaborate site.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Graduate Certificate in Global Health Leadership
HTGL | Graduate certificate | Duration: 8 months
Graduate Certificate in Global Public Health
HTGP | Graduate certificate | Duration: 0.5 years
Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion
HTHP | Graduate certificate | Duration: 8 months
Graduate Certificate in Public Health
HTPT | Graduate certificate | Duration: 8 months
Master of Global Public Health
HMGP | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years
Master of Public Health
HMPT | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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