PUB HLTH 7106 - Epidemiological Research Methods

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2020

This course focuses on conceptual and practical issues in the design, interpretation and appraisal of epidemiological research. There is a particular emphasis on improving causal inference through design and analysis. The course content builds on the introductory courses in both epidemiology and biostatistics. Practical and tutorial sessions will provide hands-on experience with the concepts and techniques discussed in lectures.

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Course Details

Course Code	PUB HLTH 7106
Course	Epidemiological Research Methods
Coordinating Unit	Public Health
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	1 x 2 hour Lectures, 1 x 1 hour Tutorial
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	N
Prerequisites	PUB HLTH 7075, PUB HLTH 7075OL or PUB HLTH 7074, PUB HLTH 7074OL
Assumed Knowledge	Basic epidemiology and biostatistics
Restrictions	Available to Grad Cert, Grad Dip, MPH and MHEP
Assessment	Assignments, participation and exam.

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Professor John Lynch

Course Coordinator: Professor John Lynch
Phone: +61 8313 6541
Email: john.lynch@adelaide.edu.au
Location: Level 9, AHMS

Student & Program Support Services Hub
Email: askhealthsc@adelaide.edu.au
Phone: +61 8313 0273

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Timetable details are located on MyUni.

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Understand, describe and apply the potential outcomes model of causation.
2	Understand and use different epidemiological effect measures
3	Illustrate a causal model using Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAG).
4	Use DAGs to describe confounding, selection and measurement error as sources of bias, and draw a DAG describing their own research question.
5	Describe and apply appropriate methods to control confounding.
6	Interpret results of a multivariable epidemiological analysis.
7	Appraise various study designs for causal inference
8	Understand multiple imputation for missing data
9	Understand the difference between systematic and random error, and the correct interpretation of P values and their use in null hypothesis significance testing
10	Understand evidence hierarchies and processes of evidence triangulation

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Deep discipline knowledge informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1 accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)	1-10
Critical thinking and problem solving steeped in research methods and rigor based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment	5-10
Teamwork and communication skills developed from, with, and via the SGDE honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning	1-6
Career and leadership readiness technology savvy professional and, where relevant, fully accredited forward thinking and well informed tested and validated by work based experiences	1-10
Intercultural and ethical competency adept at operating in other cultures comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges	1, 6, 7, 10
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate	1-10

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Each week there will be assigned journal articles to provide background to and complement the lectures and practical/tutorial sessions. You will be expected to have read this material before class. Required readings are available via a reading list on MyUni.

Recommended Resources

These texts are NOT required, but we think they would be valuable additions to your professional library.

Szklo M, Nieto FJ. Epidemiology: Beyond the Basics. Jones and Bartlett, Burlington, 2014 (3rd edition).

Rothman K. Epidemiology. An Introduction. Oxford 2002. A short introduction to epidemiology that is consistent with his larger classic textbook Modern Epidemiology 3rd edition.

Saracci R. Epidemiology. A Very Short Introduction. Oxford Uni Press, Oxford, 2010.

Online Learning

All presentations will be available on-line through MyUni after the lecture.

MyUni is the primary entry point to online learning at the University of Adelaide. Through MyUni you will have access to course materials, discussion forums, announcements, and the submission of assignments. You can connect to MyUni on or off campus via the internet. Access my uni at: www.myuni.adelaide.edu.au/
For enquiries about online education services, what’s available and access to MyUni, contact the Online Education Helpdesk at 8313 3000 or by email at servicedesk@adelaide.edu.au
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

Lectures - Practicals - Tutorials - Small Group Workshops

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

To successfully complete the course students will be required to spend time out of contact hours on reading, class preparation, assignments and study. That time commitment will vary from student to student but in general a full-time student with 24 units per year would normally spend 48 hours per week on their studies during teaching periods.

Learning Activities Summary

Potential outcomes
Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs)
Systematic error: Confounding, Selection, Measurement Error
Random error
Triangulating evidence

Specific Course Requirements

N/A

Small Group Discovery Experience

N/A

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Assessment Type	Weighting	Learning Outcome(s) being addressed
DAG	Summative	25%	1-5
Analysis report	Summative	25%	1-7
Participation	Summative	10%	1-10
Take-home exam	Summative	40%	6-10

Assessment Related Requirements

N/A

Assessment Detail

Details will be available on MyUni.

Submission

No information currently available.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
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Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator