MPH5303 - Epidemiology of infectious diseases - 2019

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Sarah McGuinness

Coordinator(s)

Professor Karin Leder
Dr Sarah McGuinness

Not offered in 2019

Co-requisites

Must be enrolled in one of the following course codes: 4529, M6021

Synopsis

This unit is an introduction to Infectious Disease Epidemiology. Topics include the dynamic nature of infections, the principles of infectious diseases, identification and management of outbreaks and principles of surveillance. The importance of understanding host, environmental, pathogen and transmission factors will be highlighted. Practical examples will be given to highlight major concepts. Online activities, suggested readings and discussion forums aim to enhance students' understanding of the teaching material.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Assess the importance and dynamic nature of infectious diseases;
  2. Identify the unique aspects of infectious disease epidemiology and their practical relevance;
  3. Apply evidence based strategies in the prediction, detection and control of infectious disease outbreaks;
  4. Critically valuate the epidemiologic principles underlying disease surveillance programs;
  5. Critically evaluate the epidemiologic principles underlying disease control and prevention strategies;
  6. Apply and evaluate the potential role of mathematical modelling in relation to infectious diseases.

Assessment

  • Contribution to weekly web-based tasks / discussions (45%) (hurdle)
  • Assignment (2,400 words) and/or online presentation (40%) (hurdle)
  • Online quiz / exercise (15%)

Workload requirements

Off-campus: 20 hours per week for 6 weeks.

See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study