CQUniversity Unit Profile
PBHL20003 Epidemiology and Statistics
Epidemiology and Statistics
All details in this unit profile for PBHL20003 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 foundation subject introduces you to essential knowledge required in your career as clinician, community health worker, health service administrator or public health practitioner. It introduces epidemiology and statistics concepts and skills that are the cornerstone of public health and evidence-based policy. Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations, and the application of this study to control of health conditions. It addresses the 5Ws: what, who, where, when and why of of health-related states (not just diseases!) in populations. We examine health states/events (what), people (who), place/s (where), time (when), and causes, risk factors, and modes of transmission (why/how). The unit provides a foundation for the analysis and interpretation of public health quantitative data and literature. You will learn essential statistical procedures to help understand the nature of disease incidence and prevalence, which forms the basis for public health practice and policy. Data and statistics related to the social determinants of health will be examined, with a focus on ethical principles related to Indigenous Data Sovereignty. You will be introduced to knowledge translation frameworks, and consider their utility in guiding the effective dissemination of epidemiological findings to guide policy and improve health outcomes. Developing these skills will support your future work, whether in clinical, public health, community or policy settings.

Details

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

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

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 - 2023

Melbourne
Online
Sydney

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 Postgraduate 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. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%

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 Unit coordinator reflection

Feedback

(T1 2022) Separate tutorials for on-campus and off-shore/distance students

Recommendation

It is recommended to implement separate tutorials for on-campus and (Zoom-hosted) off-shore/distance students to better support student engagement and individual support.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

(T1 2022) Use more examples or elaboration

Recommendation

It is recommended to incorporate more real world public health-specific examples into the course content.

Feedback from SUTE

Feedback

(T1 2022) Useful feedback

Recommendation

In addition to existing feedback process, add drop-in sessions for students to review asssessment.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate a foundation level knowledge of epidemiology and statistics and their application in public health.
  2. Explain and apply the range of basic statistics essential in epidemiology to understand the patterns of the occurrence of disease, including prevalence and incidence and their use in public health contexts.
  3. Critically appraise epidemiological studies at a foundational level, demonstrating an ability to critique study designs, interpret study methods, results and conclusions.
  4. Distinguish social epidemiology from traditional epidemiology to understand and explain its contribution to public health practice by focusing on social determinants of health.
  5. Apply ethical principles related to Indigenous Data Sovereignty that reflects an awareness of the rights and different ways of knowing of First Nations Peoples when using, collecting, analysing and interpreting epidemiological data.
  6. Evaluate and interpret routinely used data in epidemiology and their relevance in the context of public health policy and practice.

Not applicable

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 6
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Basic Epidemiology

Edition: 2nd (2006)
Authors: Bonita, R., Beaglehole, R., & Kjellstrom, T.
World Health Organisation
Binding: eBook
Prescribed

The New Public Health 4th

Edition: 4th (2015)
Authors: Fran Baun
Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780195588088
Binding: eBook

Additional Textbook Information

See Study Guide for supplementary materials and weekly readings.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Wordprocessing, spreadsheeting and powerpoint software
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Geraldine Vaughan Unit Coordinator
g.a.vaughan@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Introduction. Why epidemiology and statistics?

  • Teaching, learning and assessment structure
  • Epidemiology and statistics intro and concepts
  • Differentiating social epi from traditional epidemiology

Chapter

See weekly Learning Activities and e-Reading list in Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Epidemiology basics 1

  • Measures of frequency. Prevalence and incidence.
  • Surveillance: types and application
  • Why social determinants matter in epidemiology and statistics

Chapter

See weekly Learning Activities and e-Reading list in Moodle.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2023

Module/Topic

Epidemiology basics 2

    • Measures of mortality and morbidity
    • Measures of association. Risk.

    Chapter

    See weekly Learning Activities and e-Reading list in Moodle.

    Events and Submissions/Topic

    Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2023

    Module/Topic

    Introduction to Statistics

    • Key statistical concepts and terms
    • Types of statistical methods and their application
    • Measures of frequency and spread
    • Probability distributions and sampling
    • Visual data - bar charts, histograms and boxplots

    Chapter

    See weekly Learning Activities and e-Reading list in Moodle.

    Events and Submissions/Topic

    Quiz 1

    Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2023

    Module/Topic

    Epidemiology: introduction to study types

    • Understanding the research process
    • Study types: descriptive vs analytic, observational vs intervention
    • Research questions
    • Error, bias and confounding in epidemiological research – intro

    Chapter

    See weekly Learning Activities and e-Reading list in Moodle.

    Events and Submissions/Topic

    Quiz 2


    Assessment 1: Quizzes 1 and 2 Due: Week 5 Friday (7 Apr 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
    Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2023

    Module/Topic

    Chapter

    Events and Submissions/Topic

    Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2023

    Module/Topic

    Applying your knowledge to the literature review 1

    • Types of evidence synthesis reviews
    • Developing your research question
    • Searching the literature
    • Synthesising and presenting your findings

    Chapter

    See weekly Learning Activities and e-Reading list in Moodle.

    Events and Submissions/Topic

    Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2023

    Module/Topic

    Epidemiology - Screening

    • Screening
    • Sensitivity and specificity
    • Predictive values

    Chapter

    See weekly Learning Activities and e-Reading list in Moodle.

    Events and Submissions/Topic

    Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2023

    Module/Topic

    Assessment 2 [Short answer questions] in class

    Chapter

    See Assessment details in Moodle.

    Events and Submissions/Topic

    Assessment 3 short answer questions in class (unit coordinator will contact offshore and distance students regarding assessment format)


    Assessment 2: Short answer questions Due: Week 8 Friday (5 May 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
    Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2023

    Module/Topic

    Applying your knowledge to the literature review 2

    • Synthesising and presenting your findings
    • Writing your review
    • Literature review examples

    Chapter

    See weekly Learning Activities and e-Reading list in Moodle.

    Events and Submissions/Topic

    Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2023

    Module/Topic

    Literature review 3

    • Workshop exercise – critiquing reviews

    Chapter

    See weekly Learning Activities and e-Reading list in Moodle.

    Events and Submissions/Topic

    Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2023

    Module/Topic

    Collecting and interpreting data in social epidemiology.
    Data sovereignty in Indigenous health

    • Challenges of measurement and analysis particular to social epidemiology
    • Importance of data sovereignty in relation to First Nation peoples

    Chapter

    See weekly Learning Activities and e-Reading list in Moodle.

    Events and Submissions/Topic

    Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2023

    Module/Topic

    Epidemiology in practice: informing policy

    • Examples of healthy public policy
    • Significance of the Health in All Policies approach
    • Unit review

    Chapter

    See weekly Learning Activities and e-Reading list in Moodle.

    Events and Submissions/Topic

    Assessment 3 Literature review


    Assessment 3: Literature Review Due: Week 12 Friday (2 June 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
    Assessment Tasks

    1 Online Quiz(zes)

    Assessment Title
    Assessment 1: Quizzes 1 and 2

    Task Description

    Tests your epidemiology and statistics knowledge and skills from Weeks 1-3 (Quiz 1) and Weeks 1-4 (Quiz 2).


    Number of Quizzes

    2


    Frequency of Quizzes

    Other


    Assessment Due Date

    Week 5 Friday (7 Apr 2023) 11:59 pm AEST


    Return Date to Students

    Week 6 Friday (21 Apr 2023)


    Weighting
    20%

    Minimum mark or grade
    50%

    Assessment Criteria

    This assessment comprises questions related to your epidemiology and statistics course material covered in weeks 1-3 (Quiz 1) and 1-4 (Quiz 2). The two multiple choice Quizzes are completed online individually in Moodle. The assessment tests your ability to:

    • Given relevant data, interpret measures of disease frequency and association and other population health data, and their relevance in epidemiological contexts (40%)
    • Given relevant data, interpret types of statistical methods and their application (40%)
    • Select appropriate study designs to investigate public health events (10%)
    • Adhere to conventions related to academic integrity (10%)

    Download and refer to the Assessment marking criteria rubric for more detail.


    Referencing Style

    Submission
    Online

    Submission Instructions
    Online Quiz - submission in Moodle

    Learning Outcomes Assessed
    • Demonstrate a foundation level knowledge of epidemiology and statistics and their application in public health.
    • Explain and apply the range of basic statistics essential in epidemiology to understand the patterns of the occurrence of disease, including prevalence and incidence and their use in public health contexts.
    • Critically appraise epidemiological studies at a foundational level, demonstrating an ability to critique study designs, interpret study methods, results and conclusions.

    2 Written Assessment

    Assessment Title
    Assessment 2: Short answer questions

    Task Description

    Determines how well you understand epidemiology and statistics concepts and their application in public health.


    Assessment Due Date

    Week 8 Friday (5 May 2023) 11:59 pm AEST


    Return Date to Students

    Week 9 Friday (12 May 2023)


    Weighting
    40%

    Minimum mark or grade
    50%

    Assessment Criteria

    This assessment comprises questions related to your epidemiology and statistics course material weeks 1-7. It is a short answer, open book format. You will complete the Assessment in class (off-shore and distance students will be contacted by the unit coordinator).

    The assessment tests your ability to:

    • Use Microsoft Excel to summarise features of data graphically and numerically and interpret summaries: (30%)
    • Given the relevant data, interpret measures of disease frequency and association and other population health data, and their relevance in epidemiological contexts: (30%)
    • Describe appropriate study designs to investigate causal factors for health events (20%)
    • Adhere to conventions related to referencing, writing structure and presentation, and academic integrity (20%)

    Download and refer to the Assessment marking criteria rubric for more detail.


    Referencing Style

    Submission
    Online

    Learning Outcomes Assessed
    • Demonstrate a foundation level knowledge of epidemiology and statistics and their application in public health.
    • Explain and apply the range of basic statistics essential in epidemiology to understand the patterns of the occurrence of disease, including prevalence and incidence and their use in public health contexts.
    • Critically appraise epidemiological studies at a foundational level, demonstrating an ability to critique study designs, interpret study methods, results and conclusions.
    • Evaluate and interpret routinely used data in epidemiology and their relevance in the context of public health policy and practice.

    3 Written Assessment

    Assessment Title
    Assessment 3: Literature Review

    Task Description

    The literature review explores the topic that you have chosen from the list available in Moodle for this term, summarising broad trends in the literature and their application from a public health perspective.

    The review task includes:

    1. Outlining the relevant social, environmental and economic contexts that relate to your condition and discuss the factors that influence those contexts.
    2. Critiquing previous national and international epidemiological data and research with a particular emphasis on the gaps that may exist in our understanding of the impact of social factors on your condition.
    3. Considering the relevance of the reported statistics and findings to advocating for health promotion and disease prevention in public health practice.

    This is an INDIVIDUAL assignment: you may not work together with your classmates to write the review.

    The Literature Review is due in the last week of Term. However, your preparation should commence at Week 1 to choose your topic, familiarize yourself with the Library and its academic databases, how to conduct literature searches, select material and structure your Review. The University library and CQU Student Learning Support provide online guides and individual sessions (see, for example https://libguides.library.cqu.edu.au/training) ; and workshops on academic writing, academic integrity and referencing. You also have access to resources such as Studiosity.


    Assessment Due Date

    Week 12 Friday (2 June 2023) 11:59 pm AEST


    Return Date to Students

    Exam Week Friday (16 June 2023)


    Weighting
    40%

    Minimum mark or grade
    50%

    Assessment Criteria

    The assessment tests your ability to demonstrate an ability to:

    • Select relevant, current and appropriate items from the scholarly literature (20%)
    • Provide a thorough and accurate summary and critique of the selected literature (20%)
    • Discuss social, economic, and environmental contexts and the factors that influence them, including (where relevant) a consideration of the rights and different ways of knowing of First Nations Peoples when collecting, analysing and interpreting epidemiological data (20%)
    • Present various views represented in the literature and discussion of their strengths and weaknesses 20%
    • Adhere to conventions related to literature review protocol, referencing, writing structure and presentation, and academic integrity (20%)

    Download and refer to the Assessment marking criteria rubric for more detail.


    Referencing Style

    Submission
    Online

    Learning Outcomes Assessed
    • Critically appraise epidemiological studies at a foundational level, demonstrating an ability to critique study designs, interpret study methods, results and conclusions.
    • Distinguish social epidemiology from traditional epidemiology to understand and explain its contribution to public health practice by focusing on social determinants of health.
    • Apply ethical principles related to Indigenous Data Sovereignty that reflects an awareness of the rights and different ways of knowing of First Nations Peoples when using, collecting, analysing and interpreting epidemiological data.
    • Evaluate and interpret routinely used data in epidemiology and their relevance in the context of public health policy and practice.

    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?