HSC2031 - Epidemiology and public health

Leader(s): Ms Tsharni Zazryn

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit embraces a population view of health. Students are introduced to the basic concepts in epidemiology, the role of epidemiology in surveillance of health status, patterns of health, disease and service utilisation. It also provides an overview of the application of epidemiology at international, national and local levels. The unit prepares students for problem solving and guides the way toward a more innovative and reflective practice in public health. Interprofessional education is incorporated into this unit through group work with other second year level health disciplines from the Peninsula campus.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit, it is expected that the student will be able to:

1. define the scope, limitations and significance of biostatistics and epidemiology in the theory and practice of population health;
2. perform simple statistical exercises to summarise and analyse population data;
3. interpret and use epidemiologic data appropriately to portray the health status of populations;
4. apply appropriate epidemiologic research designs to the study of public health problems in the community;
5. begin critically appraising epidemiologic literature with respect to major sources of bias and errors;
6. demonstrate a basic understanding of epidemiological applications to health problems; and
7. demonstrate knowledge of the various multidisciplinary and interprofessional aspects related to the management of health issues.

Assessment

Computer lab report: 25%
Inter-professional Education (IPE) tasks: 15%
Critical appraisal task: 20%
Examination: 40%. Hurdle requirements: 80% tutorial attendance and 80% attendance at scheduled IPE activities

Contact hours

12 hours per week including contact time (lectures, tutorials, fieldwork or small group classes 2 x 2 hrs per week) and self directed study for 8 hrs.