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13149 (v.2) Epidemiology 683


 

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.

Texts and references listed below are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Some units taught offshore are modified at selected locations. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information and approved offshore variations to unit information before finalising study and textbook purchases.

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.

Field of Education:

 60100 Medical Studies (Narrow Grouping)

HECS Band (if applicable):

3  

Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information:

 Not Online  

Result Type:

 Grade/Mark


Availability

YearLocationPeriodInternalArea ExternalCentral External
2004Bentley CampusSemester 2Y  

Area
External
refers to external course/units run by the School or Department, offered online or through Web CT, or offered by research.
Central
External
refers to external course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area

 
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