CQUniversity Unit Profile
HLTH13031 Population Health Epidemiology
Population Health Epidemiology
All details in this unit profile for HLTH13031 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit explores the importance and role of epidemiology as an approach to both public health and clinical practice. You will be able to use evidence from epidemiological investigations, to understand the distribution of health outcomes in populations and understand the influence of factors that determine this distribution. The critical function of epidemiology will be reviewed including areas of anticipated needs, identified risk conditions, definition of priorities and the use of available resources for planning and administering health care services.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prereq: 72 credit points (any tertiary level units)

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2018

Distance
Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Presentation
Weighting: 25%
2. Group Discussion
Weighting: 25%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student feedback

Feedback

Some students struggle with identifying the relevance to them as clinical practitioners.

Recommendation

Review the learning materials to identify ways to increase relevance for clinical practitioners.

Feedback from Student feedback.

Feedback

Some students struggle with the amount of autonomy and critical thinking required by the unit.

Recommendation

Consider offering on campus tutorials for students and increasing the number of public health units in other courses.

Feedback from Health Promotion Teaching Team

Feedback

Adjust unit for health promotion accreditation

Recommendation

Review how the unit learning outcomes will need to be revised to align with Health Promotion Accreditation requirements.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Calculate and communicate epidemiological statistics relating to the measurement of health, wellness and disease.
  2. Interpret epidemiological data within theories and frameworks of social justice and cultural diversity for effective knowledge transfer and exchange.
  3. Evaluate epidemiological investigations and sources of epidemiological data to identify inequities, enable change and advocate for health.
  4. Argue for a population health outcome using relevant research methods and approaches.
  5. Explain principles of data confidentiality and disclosure, and apply the ethical use of data.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Presentation - 25%
2 - Group Discussion - 25%
3 - Written Assessment - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Presentation - 25%
2 - Group Discussion - 25%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Introduction to Epidemiology

Edition: 2nd (2011)
Authors: Ilona Carneiro and Natasha Howard
Open University Press
Maidenhead Maidenhead , Berkshire , England
ISBN: 13:978-0-33-524461-4
Binding: Other

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Erika Langham Unit Coordinator
e.langham@cqu.edu.au
Lisa Bricknell Unit Coordinator
l.bricknell@cqu.edu.au
Wendy Madsen Unit Coordinator
w.madsen@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 05 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Frameworks for determinants of population health    

Chapter

Chapter 1 of Carneiro and Howard    

Events and Submissions/Topic

Attendance and completion of weekly tutorial activity (ies)

Week 2 Begin Date: 12 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Measuring the occurrence of disease

Chapter

Chapter 2 of Carneiro and Howard

Events and Submissions/Topic

Attendance and completion of weekly tutorial activity (ies)

Week 3 Begin Date: 19 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Measures of other health outcomes and diagnostic and screening tests    

Chapter

CRO Buttner and Muller

Events and Submissions/Topic

Attendance and completion of weekly tutorial activity (ies)

Week 4 Begin Date: 26 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

  Sources of health data

Chapter

Chapter 5 and 12 of Carneiro and Howard

Events and Submissions/Topic

Attendance and completion of weekly tutorial activity (ies)

Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Estimating risk and measures of association

Chapter

Chapter 3 of Carneiro and Howard


Events and Submissions/Topic

Attendance and completion of weekly tutorial activity (ies)

Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Submit Worksbook Monday 9 Apr 2018 at 9am

Week 6 Begin Date: 16 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Ethical considerations and linking determinants of health and health outcomes

Chapter

Chapter 4 of Carneiro and Howard

Events and Submissions/Topic

Attendance and completion of weekly tutorial activity (ies)



Individual Presentation Due: Week 6 Monday (16 Apr 2018) 9:00 am AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 23 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Ecological and cross sectional studies

Chapter

Chapter 6 and 7 of Carneiro and Howard

Events and Submissions/Topic

Attendance and completion of weekly tutorial activity (ies)

Week 8 Begin Date: 30 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Cohort and case control studies

Chapter

Chapter 8 and 9 of Carneiro and Howard

Events and Submissions/Topic

Attendance and completion of weekly tutorial activity (ies)

Week 9 Begin Date: 07 May 2018

Module/Topic

Randomised control trials and intervention studies    

Chapter

Chapter 10 and 11 of Carneiro and Howard

Events and Submissions/Topic

Attendance and completion of weekly tutorial activity (ies)

Week 10 Begin Date: 14 May 2018

Module/Topic

Summary measures of population health and evidence reviews

Chapter

Selected readings and course materials

Events and Submissions/Topic

Attendance and completion of weekly tutorial activity (ies)

Week 11 Begin Date: 21 May 2018

Module/Topic

Qualitative studies

Chapter

Selected readings and course materials

Events and Submissions/Topic

Attendance and completion of weekly tutorial activity (ies)

Week 12 Begin Date: 28 May 2018

Module/Topic

Evidence and public health policy

Chapter

Selected readings and course materials

Events and Submissions/Topic

Submit Worksbook Monday 28 May 2018 at 9am


Tutorial Participation and Workbook Due: Week 12 Monday (28 May 2018) 9:00 am AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 04 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Hand in written assessment Monday 4 Jun 2018 at 9am


Written Assessment Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (4 June 2018) 9:00 am AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Presentation

Assessment Title
Individual Presentation

Task Description

You are to create and record a 15 minute presentation that describes the population level impact a given health issue for the Australian population.  You will need to source, interpret, and communicate current evidence using appropriate epidemiological measures.  The presentation will need to be recorded and uploaded to Moodle with a copy of the slides and notes by the due date.


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Monday (16 Apr 2018) 9:00 am AEST

Students should note that the assignment must be submitted by 9am on the due date.


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Monday (30 Apr 2018)

Students' marks and feedback will be returned through moodle.


Weighting
25%

Assessment Criteria

You will be assessed on:

  • presentation skills
  • organisation of content
  • use of visual aids
  • understanding and use of epidemiological data
  • reasoning and support of claims or arguments
  • referencing of source of evidence

A full marking rubric is available on the unit moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Students are to upload two files to the course moodle site. One will be the recording of the presentation, the other will be the slides and notes.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Calculate and communicate epidemiological statistics relating to the measurement of health, wellness and disease.
  • Interpret epidemiological data within theories and frameworks of social justice and cultural diversity for effective knowledge transfer and exchange.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Group Discussion

Assessment Title
Tutorial Participation and Workbook

Task Description

Each week as part of the course learning materials, students are required to contribute to tutorial activities where they complete a workbook. Students' contributions and interactions with their colleagues will be assessed. A tutorial will be held each week from week 1 to 11. Students can choose to attend in person at the Rockhampton campus, online via zoom, or asynchronously through a closed forum.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Monday (28 May 2018) 9:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Monday (11 June 2018)

Students' individual marks and feedback will be returned through moodle. General feedback will be provided in the tutorials.


Weighting
25%

Minimum mark or grade
Students must pass this assessment to pass the unit.

Assessment Criteria

Students will be assessed on the quality of their workbook solutions as well as a peer assessment of their contribution and participation. Contributions will be assessed on the following criteria:

1. Comprehension and understanding of the topic

2. Relevance

3. Critical thinking and depth

4. Quality of expression

5. Contribution and participation





Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Students are to upload a copy of their workbook to moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate epidemiological investigations and sources of epidemiological data to identify inequities, enable change and advocate for health.
  • Argue for a population health outcome using relevant research methods and approaches.
  • Explain principles of data confidentiality and disclosure, and apply the ethical use of data.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment

Task Description

You are to complete an application requesting funding to conduct a population level intervention to improve public health.  The application requires you to use an evaluation of the literature to propose an evidence based approach that addresses the health issue.  A template for the application is provided, with guidelines for each section and wordlimits. 



Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Monday (4 June 2018) 9:00 am AEST

Students should note that the assignment must be submitted by 9am on the due date.


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Monday (11 June 2018)

Students' marks and feedback will be returned through moodle.


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

Students will be assessed on:

  • the communication of ideas
  • the breadth of reading and knowledge of the topic
  • the quality of their analysis
  • the appropriate and effective use of referencing

A full marking rubric is available on the unit moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Calculate and communicate epidemiological statistics relating to the measurement of health, wellness and disease.
  • Interpret epidemiological data within theories and frameworks of social justice and cultural diversity for effective knowledge transfer and exchange.
  • Evaluate epidemiological investigations and sources of epidemiological data to identify inequities, enable change and advocate for health.
  • Argue for a population health outcome using relevant research methods and approaches.
  • Explain principles of data confidentiality and disclosure, and apply the ethical use of data.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?