The disciplines of Epidemiology and Biostatistics provide the foundation for designing studies to better understand the distribution of exposures and outcomes among specific population groups. In this unit, students are introduced to the basic principles, concepts of descriptive epidemiology and related biostatistics and how to use software to perform analytical research. Students will learn and practice how observational data is collected and analysed using statistical methods and communicated to a variety of audiences. These skills will enable students to evaluate existing epidemiological studies, and undertake basic epidemiological analysis using biostatistical approaches.
Unit details
Location:
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
HPO6001
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Learning Outcomes
| 1. | Articulate the relationship between epidemiology and biostatistics; | ||
| 2. | Frame epidemiological questions; | ||
| 3. | Evaluate the statistical methods used to analyse a range of epidemiological studies; | ||
| 4. | Monitor and evaluate population health data or indicators amongst diverse settings and populations; and | ||
| 5. | Perform basic descriptive statistical analyses using analytic software. |
Assessment
Melbourne campuses
Students studying under the VU Block Model.
| Assessment type | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Contribute to a discussion on using biostatistics to understand epidemiological challenges (500 words) | 10% |
| Review | Search strategy and evidence summary of peer-reviewed published articles (group) (2500 words) | 50% |
| Case Study | Statistical analysis and evaluation of an epidemiologic case study (2000 words equivalent). | 40% |
Other locations
| Assessment type | Description | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Contribute to a discussion board on using biostatistics to understand epidemiological challenges (500 words) | 10% |
| Research Paper | Analytic paper using peer-reviewed published articles on a topic of own choice (2500 words) | 50% |
| Case Study | Statistical analysis and evaluation of an epidemiologic case study (2000 words). | 40% |
Where to next?
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.
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