13149 (v.2) Epidemiology 683

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Area:	School of Public Health
Credits:	25.0
Contact Hours:	4.0
Lecture:	1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Tutorial:	1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Prerequisite(s):	13152 (v.2) Health Research Methods 681 or any previous version
Syllabus:	Review of epidemiological study designs. Sources of bias. Quantification of bias. Minimising selection, information and confounding bias. Methods of sampling and data collection. Application of multivariate methods of data analysis. Practical and logistical aspects of epidemiological studies, validity and reliability considerations, rewards and pitfalls of interpretation. Creativity in epidemiology. Ethical issues.
Unit Outcomes:	On successful completion of this unit students will be able to - Understand the major types of research design used in epidemiology and appreciate their applications and relative merits. Understand the major sources of bias in epidemiological research, and the methods available to avoid them, reduce their influence, or quantify their effect. Demonstrate knowledge of the most common methods used for the selection of subjects, collection of data, its analysis and interpretation. Understand the role of epidemiology in the health sciences, its contributions, and also the limitations of epidemiological methods.
Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.
Unit References:	Rothman K.J. and Greenland S., (1998), Modern Epidemiology, 2nd ed., Philadelphia, Lippincott-Raven. Elwood J.M., (1998), Critical Appraisal of Epidemiological Studies and Clinical Trials, 2nd ed., NY, Oxford University Press. Gordis L., (1996), Epidemiology, Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders. Szklo M. and Nieto F.J., (2000), Epidemiology - Beyond the Basics, Aspen, Gaithersberg. Last J.M., (Ed.), (2001), A Dictionary of Epidemiology, 4th ed., Oxford University Press. Armitage P. and Berry G., (1987), Statistical Methods in Medical Research, 2nd ed., Oxford, Blackwell Scientific Publications. Petitti D.B., (1994), Meta-Analysis, Decision Analysis and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, NY, Oxford University Press. National Health and Medical Research Council, (1996),National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans. NH and MRC, Canberra.
Unit Texts:	No prescribed texts.
Unit Assessment Breakdown:	Assignments 100%. This is by grade/mark assessment.
Year Location Period Internal Area External Central External 2004 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y