HLN709 Advanced Epidemiology and Biostatistics
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | HLN709 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | HLQ703 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | This is an advanced unit which should be undertaken in your final year. It is assumed that you have knowledge of research approaches and design relevant to your discipline |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $2,976 |
| International unit fee | $4,236 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | HLN709 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | HLN710 |
| Pre-requisite: | PUN105 |
| Equivalent: | PUN103 |
| Equivalent: | HLN706 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | An introductory knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics is assumed. |
| Coordinators: | Kaeleen Dingle | k.dingle@qut.edu.au Darren Wraith | d.wraith@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Strong quantitative and epidemiological skills are fundamental for many careers in public health, as is critical and adaptive thinking. This unit further develops your knowledge, skills and application of the methods used both in epidemiology and biostatistics using problem-based learning. The unit will use detailed case studies that require integration of epidemiological and statistical thinking to solve complex problems. Many health problems require advanced levels of analysis to create and implement innovative solutions. This unit builds upon work previously undertaken in introductory epidemiology and biostatistics units, and prepares you for a career in research, epidemiology or biostatistics.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe how to select the most appropriate quantitative designs and tools to address a variety of complex health problems
- Critically analyse sources of bias and confounding, and techniques to assess and reduce their impact
- Identify and apply appropriate statistical methodologies to use in specified health contexts
- Critically analyse epidemiological and statistical evidence at an advanced level
- Apply advanced written and technical communication skills to report epidemiological and statistical findings in a format relevant to professional practice
Content
This unit will cover topics including assessing causality using contemporary approaches, identifying and managing risks of bias in study design, measurement of disease burden, and modelling data using generalised linear models such as logistic and Poisson regression, survival analysis and approaches for high dimensional data.
Learning Approaches
This unit engages you in your learning through a problem-based learning approach where real-word case examples are used to demonstrate how epidemiological and biostatistical techniques can be integrated to solve complex problems. A blended learning approach is adopted which allows you to develop critical knowledge through a combination of weekly presentations of core concepts and group discussion. In some weeks you will develop your statistical skills by undertaking data analysis using statistical software. Online learning support will be provided in addition to the structured learning activities.
The unit contains modules, each focused on different epidemiological approaches and statistical methods, with formative learning activities in each module to allow you to assess your progress toward achieving the unit learning outcomes.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in this unit through a range of formative exercises and class discussions and formative online quizzes. Detailed feedback will be provided on summative assessment, along with criteria grading sheets.
Assessment
Overview
The summative assessment will comprise of one online quiz and two written tasks. The written items will require problem identification and definition, application of the appropriate epidemiological principles, and the design, undertaking and interpretation of statistical analysis. This unit has no verified identity assessment and can be completed fully online.
Formative assessment includes in-class discussions and online quizzes designed to test knowledge as well as develop the critical thinking skills necessary to apply the methodologies taught to summative assessment tasks, and real-world health problems.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Online quiz
Online quiz demonstrating your knowledge of the methods and principles applied in the first module
Assessment: Workbook
You will complete a workbook related to the epidemiological and statistical concepts learnt in Module 2. The workbook will provide a structured approach to guide you through the problem-solving task.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extension.
Assessment: Problem solving task
You are required to demonstrate your knowledge and application of key concepts and learnings from Module 3. You will assume the role of data analyst/epidemiological consultant to answer a real research question using previously collected longitudinal data. This will require you to analyse supplied data and interpret the results. You will also need to identify key epidemiological aspects including sources of bias and confounding. During this activity you will need to read, collate and present your thoughts in a professional report that could be used as the basis for a publication by the lead investigators on the research team. This will require critical thinking, and professional reporting.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no required textbook for this unit. A suggested reading list will be provided to support self-directed learning. Students will require access to a specified standard statistical software package such as Jamovi. The software is provided within student computing laboratories on Kelvin Grove campus, and is available for free download.
Risk Assessment Statement
This unit has minimal risk. However, extensive computer work is required so students should avoid prolonged sitting at the computer by taking breaks as required.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PU60 Graduate Diploma in Public Health
- Apply knowledge of public health principles to current public health issues in diverse local and international contexts
Relates to: Online quiz - Critically analyse and synthesise the specialised knowledge, theories and frameworks of public health practice
Relates to: Online quiz, Workbook, Problem solving task - Apply advanced oral, written and technical communication and academic skills to professional practice
Relates to: Workbook, Problem solving task - Promote efficient and equitable gains in population health through culturally-safe, evidence-based practice.
Relates to: Problem solving task
PU86 Master of Public Health
- Apply advanced knowledge of public health principles to complex, current public health issues in diverse local and international contexts
Relates to: Online quiz - Critically analyse, synthesise and apply the specialised knowledge,theories and frameworks of public health practice
Relates to: Workbook, Problem solving task - Apply advanced oral,written and technical communication and research literacy skills to professional practice in interprofessional teams
Relates to: Workbook, Problem solving task - Engage professionally to advance efficient and equitable gains in population health through leadership and culturally-safe, evidence-based practice.
Relates to: Problem solving task
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Online
| Unit code: | HLN709 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | HLN710 |
| Pre-requisite: | PUN105 |
| Equivalent: | PUN103 |
| Equivalent: | HLN706 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | An introductory knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics is assumed. |
Overview
Strong quantitative and epidemiological skills are fundamental for many careers in public health, as is critical and adaptive thinking. This unit further develops your knowledge, skills and application of the methods used both in epidemiology and biostatistics using problem-based learning. The unit will use detailed case studies that require integration of epidemiological and statistical thinking to solve complex problems. Many health problems require advanced levels of analysis to create and implement innovative solutions. This unit builds upon work previously undertaken in introductory epidemiology and biostatistics units, and prepares you for a career in research, epidemiology or biostatistics.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Describe how to select the most appropriate quantitative designs and tools to address a variety of complex health problems
- Critically analyse sources of bias and confounding, and techniques to assess and reduce their impact
- Identify and apply appropriate statistical methodologies to use in specified health contexts
- Critically analyse epidemiological and statistical evidence at an advanced level
- Apply advanced written and technical communication skills to report epidemiological and statistical findings in a format relevant to professional practice
Content
This unit will cover topics including assessing causality using contemporary approaches, identifying and managing risks of bias in study design, measurement of disease burden, and modelling data using generalised linear models such as logistic and Poisson regression, survival analysis and approaches for high dimensional data.
Learning Approaches
This unit engages you in your learning through a problem-based learning approach where real-word case examples are used to demonstrate how epidemiological and biostatistical techniques can be integrated to solve complex problems. A blended learning approach is adopted which allows you to develop critical knowledge through a combination of weekly presentations of core concepts and group discussion. In some weeks you will develop your statistical skills by undertaking data analysis using statistical software. Online learning support will be provided in addition to the structured learning activities.
The unit contains modules, each focused on different epidemiological approaches and statistical methods, with formative learning activities in each module to allow you to assess your progress toward achieving the unit learning outcomes.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback in this unit through a range of formative exercises and class discussions and formative online quizzes. Detailed feedback will be provided on summative assessment, along with criteria grading sheets.
Assessment
Overview
The summative assessment will comprise of one online quiz and two written tasks. The written items will require problem identification and definition, application of the appropriate epidemiological principles, and the design, undertaking and interpretation of statistical analysis. This unit has no verified identity assessment and can be completed fully online.
Formative assessment includes in-class discussions and online quizzes designed to test knowledge as well as develop the critical thinking skills necessary to apply the methodologies taught to summative assessment tasks, and real-world health problems.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Online quiz
Online quiz demonstrating your knowledge of the methods and principles applied in the first module
Assessment: Workbook
You will complete a workbook related to the epidemiological and statistical concepts learnt in Module 2. The workbook will provide a structured approach to guide you through the problem-solving task.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extension.
Assessment: Problem solving task
You are required to demonstrate your knowledge and application of key concepts and learnings from Module 3. You will assume the role of data analyst/epidemiological consultant to answer a real research question using previously collected longitudinal data. This will require you to analyse supplied data and interpret the results. You will also need to identify key epidemiological aspects including sources of bias and confounding. During this activity you will need to read, collate and present your thoughts in a professional report that could be used as the basis for a publication by the lead investigators on the research team. This will require critical thinking, and professional reporting.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extension.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There is no required textbook for this unit. A suggested reading list will be provided to support self-directed learning. Students will require access to a specified standard statistical software package such as Jamovi. The software is provided within student computing laboratories on Kelvin Grove campus, and is available for free download.
Risk Assessment Statement
This unit has minimal risk. However, extensive computer work is required so students should avoid prolonged sitting at the computer by taking breaks as required.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PU60 Graduate Diploma in Public Health
- Apply knowledge of public health principles to current public health issues in diverse local and international contexts
Relates to: Online quiz - Critically analyse and synthesise the specialised knowledge, theories and frameworks of public health practice
Relates to: Online quiz, Workbook, Problem solving task - Apply advanced oral, written and technical communication and academic skills to professional practice
Relates to: Workbook, Problem solving task - Promote efficient and equitable gains in population health through culturally-safe, evidence-based practice.
Relates to: Problem solving task
PU86 Master of Public Health
- Apply advanced knowledge of public health principles to complex, current public health issues in diverse local and international contexts
Relates to: Online quiz - Critically analyse, synthesise and apply the specialised knowledge,theories and frameworks of public health practice
Relates to: Workbook, Problem solving task - Apply advanced oral,written and technical communication and research literacy skills to professional practice in interprofessional teams
Relates to: Workbook, Problem solving task - Engage professionally to advance efficient and equitable gains in population health through leadership and culturally-safe, evidence-based practice.
Relates to: Problem solving task