Epidemiology

Unit code: HMG7110 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
St Albans
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit examines the epidemiological approaches that are used to understand the health of populations and to inform disease control measures, with a focus on global nutrition and active living. Students learn the principles and concepts of descriptive epidemiology used to study the distribution of disease in a population. They also develop skills in analytical epidemiology to investigate the determinants and effects of disease and other health conditions.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Conceptually map the scope and purpose of epidemiology (particularly in the context of global nutrition and active living) and argue its potential and limitations,
  2. Access, critique and apply health information from a variety of sources to inform evidence-based responses to public health problem solving scenarios;
  3. Distinguish and evaluate different types of study design;
  4. Identify problems in the interpretation and application of epidemiological data and propose solutions; and
  5. Report and critique the findings of epidemiological studies in a format accessible to both technical and lay audiences.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
Quizzes throughout unit (3 x 30 minutes)
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 30%
Group written assignment (2000 words)
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 50%
Research study protocol (2000 words)

Required reading

Essential Epidemiology: An Introduction for Students and Health Professionals
Webb, P. (2011)| Cambridge University Press

As part of a course

This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.

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