The Methods in Applied Epidemiological Research course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to undertake an applied epidemiological research study in the field.

Throughout the course the emphasis will be on understanding these concepts and skills by applying them to scenarios based on real-life field epidemiology projects lead by the course staff. Teaching will be through case studies, lectures and small group tutorials.

Topics will include:

    1. Getting started

• Developing and refining  your research question
• Searching the literature
• Introduction to reference management software
• Ethical issues

    2. Sampling and recruitment

• Sample size calculations
• Recruitment and retention of participants
• Project management for research

    3. Measurement and recording

• Issues in questionnaire design
• Minimising bias when quantifying outcomes and exposures

    4. Communicating and reporting

• Writing scientific articles
• Presenting at conferences
• Communicating to a lay audience

At the successful completion of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Formulate an answerable public health research question
2. Using a systematic approach, search the literature relevant to a public health problem
3. Interpret and summarise the literature relevant to a public health problem.
4. Describe suitable research methods for investigating  public health problems
5. Develop a feasible research plan including practical aspects
6. Recognise practical and theoretical issues related to epidemiological research
7. Effectively communicate research methods and findings to a range of stakeholders

1. Literature review: 30%
2. Peer critique: 10%
3. Research proposal:  60%

Attendance and participation at a four day intensive program (approx 28 hours) is required (3-6 September 2012), participation in online teaching sessions over the semester plus additional time spent on pre-reading, self-directed study and completing the assessment requirements as per a 6-unit course load.

Students enrolled in this course are required to have completed an undergraduate degree and Masters level courses on Epidemiology and/or Biostatistics from a recognised School of Public Health (either in Australia or internationally), or completion of Fundamentals of Epidemiology and Fundamentals of Biostatistics short courses held at the ANU. Students wishing to do these subjects, but do not have these prerequisites should contact the convener.

POPH8317 Public Health Surveillance

POPH8316 Outbreak Investigation

POPH8313 Analysis of public health data