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5427 (v.6) Occupational Epidemiology and Biostatistics 581


 

Area:

School of Public Health

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

4.0

Laboratory:

1 x 4 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

Study designs, sample selection, measurement selection, sources of bias, interpretation of results, statistics, injury and disease statistics, morbidity and mortality statistics.
 

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to - Use simple graphics and summary statistics to describe data. Be familiar with the use of confidence intervals. Apply basic inferential statistics such as t tests and one-way analysis of variance. Obtain cross-tabulations, calculate relevant percentages and interpret chi-squared tests. Interpret scatterplots and correlation coefficients. Use the computer package to obtain all the above analyses. Evaluate statistical analyses in the occupational health research literature. Calculate the most common measures of disease occurrence and risk. Identify the range of epidemiologic study designs commonly used in an occupational setting. Identify the major sources of error in epidemiologic studies. Describe methods for avoiding or overcoming the effects of bias and random error in epidemiological studies. Conduct a critical appraisal of published epidemiological studies. Review critically the body of epidemiological knowledge in relation to a specifichazard or disease.

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:

Hernberg S., (1991), Introduction to Occupational Epidemiology,Michigan, Lewis. Olsen J., Merletti F., Snashall D. and Vuylsteek K., (1991), Searching for Causes of Work-Related Diseases, Oxford, Oxford University Press. Christie D.A., (1988), Guide to Occupational Epidemiology, North Ryde, CCH International. Checkoway H., Pearce N.E. and Crawford-Brown D.J., (1989), Research Methods in Occupational Epidemiology, Oxford, Oxford University Press. Steenland K., (Ed.), (1993), Case Studies in Occupational Epidemiology, NY, Oxford University Press.

Unit Texts:

Dawson B.and Trapp R.G., (2001), Basic and Clinical Biostatistics, 3rd ed., Connecticut, Appleton and Lange. Coakes S.J. and Steed L.G., (2001), SPSS - Analysis Without Anguish, Version 10.0 for Windows, Brisbane, John Wiley and Sons. A copy of the SPSS software (the Student version is sufficient)
 

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Assignments 50%. Final Examination 50%. This is by grade/mark assessment.

Field of Education:

 61301 Occupational Health and Safety

HECS Band (if applicable):

2  

Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information:

 Informational  

Result Type:

 Grade/Mark


Availability

YearLocationPeriodInternalArea ExternalCentral External
2004Bentley CampusSemester 1  Y
2004Bentley CampusSemester 2  Y
2004BPI Intern'l Group S'poreSemester 1 Y 

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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