Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health in populations and the application of this study to improve health. The course will cover basic epidemiological concepts including study design; measures of disease frequency and association; bias, confounding and effect modification; causality; screening; and disease surveillance. The course will also introduce the basic tools necessary for using and interpreting population health data.

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Recognise and define important population health questions
• Identify and choose appropriate study designs
• Calculate and interpret measures of disease frequency and association and confidence intervals around these measures
• Identify and assess the implications of bias and confounding in epidemiological research
• Identify key sources of population health data
• Critically appraise epidemiological literature
• Communicate epidemiological information to professional and other audiences
• Reflect on the role of epidemiology in informing scientific, political, ethical and economic discussion of health issues

Assignments (40%); Research project (40%); In-class assessment (20%)

Semester 1, 2012: Weekly sessions taught over 13 weeks on Tuesday mornings

Winter Session, 2012: An intensive program in the week commencing 2 July 2012, plus additional sessions on the following mornings (9:30am-12noon): 24 July; 21 August; 7 Sept; 11 Sept; 25 Sept.

An undergraduate degree in the health or medical sciences, science, the humanities or social sciences, of an acceptable standard.  Students who have a combination of education and relevant experience in the health sector or related area will also be considered - contact the Course Convener.

POPH8101 Biostatistics in Population Health

Webb P, Bain C, Pirozzo S. Essential Epidemiology: An Introduction for Students and Health Professionals. 2nd Ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011.