Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

2311 - Master of Clinical Epidemiology

This course entry should be read in conjunction with information provided in the 'Faculty information' section of this Handbook by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Managing faculty	Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Abbreviated title	MClinEpi
CRICOS code	028956F
Total credit points required	72
Standard duration of study (years)	1.5 years FT, 3 years PT
Study mode and location	On-campus (Alfred Hospital) Off-campus (Alfred Hospital)
Contact details	Postgraduate office: telephone +61 3 9903 0563; email pgradenq@med.monash.edu.au or visit http://www.med.monash.edu.au/epidemiology/prad/
Course coordinator	Dr Allen Cheng

Notes

A number of units are offered in off-campus mode plus compulsory block day attendance which students must attend.

Description

This course, offered by the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, assists health professionals make rational evidence-based decisions in clinical practice and undertake small clinical research projects. Clinical epidemiology draws on epidemiological methods to answer clinical questions relevant to the daily practice of health care and to improve patient care. It focuses on individuals or groups of patients in clinical settings.

Objectives

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

demonstrate a detailed understanding of clinical epidemiology and biostatistics
become familiar with clinical research methodology, including randomised controlled trials
demonstrate an ability to critically appraise the quantitative epidemiological literature
appreciate the contribution of systematic reviews to evidence based practice
demonstrate an ability to apply the principles of clinical epidemiology to clinical practice
display a working knowledge of other applications of epidemiology
develop a research protocol and undertake an epidemiological research project with a clinical focus.

Assessment

Assessment includes written assignments, examinations, class participation, web based tasks, and optional supervised research project.

Structure

The course consists of ten core units, plus either two electives or a minor research project.

Requirements

Core units

MPH1040 Introductory epidemiology
MPH1041 Introductory biostatistics
MPH2000 Regression methods for epidemiology
MPH2002 Clinical epidemiology
MPH2013 Research methods
MPH2036 Clinical trials
MPH2037 Clinical measurement
MPH2039 Meta analysis and systematics reviews
MPH2077 Data management and computing
MPH2083 Ethics, good research practice and practical research skills

Elective options

minor research project (8,000 - 10,000 words)

Elective units

MPH2018 Infectious diseases: Epidemiology and prevention
MPH2056 Injury epidemiology and prevention
MPH2060 Policy and strategy for disease prevention and health promotion
MPH2070 Advanced statistical methods for clinical research

Progression to further studies

Students who complete this course and achieve a distinction (70 per cent) average may qualify for admission into higher degrees by research (HDR) including course 3438 Master of Philosophy and 0047 Doctor of Philosophy, among others.

Alternative exit(s)

Students may exit this course with a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Methods or Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research Methods providing all requirements of that award have been met.

Award(s)

Master of Clinical Epidemiology