PUB HLTH 7106 - Epidemiological Research Methods

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

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.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PUB HLTH 7106
    Course Epidemiological Research Methods
    Coordinating Unit Public Health
    Term Semester 2
    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: RMP Level 4

    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.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Understand differences between descriptive, predictive and causal epidemiology
    2 Be able to pose a sufficiently well-defined descriptive, predictive or causal question
    3 Understand different types of causal thinking in epidemiology and application of “triangulation” of epidemiological evidence to assess causation
    4 Understand the potential outcomes approach (POA) to causation
    5 Capture a theoretical causal model using Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAG)
    6 Understand the role and basic principles of high quality predictive epidemiology
    7 Appreciate the importance and basic principles of high quality descriptive epidemiology
    8 Understand and identify potential sources of systematic error (bias) arising from confounding, selection and information biases
    9 Understand potential methods to reduce confounding, selection and information bias
    10 Understand random error and apply correct interpretations of P values, and confidence intervals as measures of “uncertainty”
    11 Understand different types of effect estimates from Randomised Control Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-experimental study designs
    12 Understand “Target Trial Emulation” in using observational data to estimate causal effects
    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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-12

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    5-12

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1-6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1-12

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1, 6, 7, 10

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    N/A

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    N/A

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1-12
  • 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 - Seminar - 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
    Topic Lecture
    Epidemiology What are the different types of epidemiology?
    Causation What is a cause?
    Potential Outcomes Potential Outcomes and causation
    DAGs Directed acyclic graphs
    Predicition Predictive epidemiology
    Description Descriptive epidemiology
    Bias Confounding
    Selection
    Information
    Random error Statistical significance
    RCTs to Target Trials Moving from RCTs to Target trials in observaitonal data
    Specific Course Requirements
    N/A
  • Assessment

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

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

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Learning Outcome(s) being addressed
    DAG Summative 30% 1-4
    On-line assessment Summative 30% 1-6
    Participation Summative 10% 1-11
    On-line assessment Summative 30% 1-11
    Assessment Related Requirements
    N/A
    Assessment Detail

    Assessment 1 (30%)  Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG)

    • Assesses learning objectives 1-4
    • Available:    Fri Aug 9
    • Due: 09.00 Fri Aug 23

     PART 1. DAG QUIZ (7 points)

    You will be given a DAG that has various paths. Your task is to describe the five named paths.

     One point for each correct path description.  e.g., Describe Path X1-C1-Y.      Answer: Confounding Path

     PART 2. Draw your DAG for a hypothetical longitudinal observational study (23 points)

    Draw a DAG to help explain your causal model.

     Strictly no more than 500 words.  Do not include references.

     You must answer each of the 7 questions. Number your answers in the same order as shown below:

    1. State your research question (as a question of causal effect) in one sentence (1 point)

    2. Describe the implied RCT that you would do if possible, and that this observational study is intended to approximate (3 points)

    3. Describe your exposure e.g., moderate to intense physical activity for 30 mins duration, 5 times per week (2 point)

    4. Describe your outcome e.g., systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg (2 point)

    5. Describe confounding of the causal effect - justify from substantive knowledge (5 points)

    6. Describe at least one potential mediator of the causal effect, so there is both a direct and indirect effect of the exposure. Justify this from substantive knowledge. Depending on how your DAG is conceptualised, that may mean you also need to consider collider bias involving the mediator. (5 points)

    7. Present your DAG using Daggity (http://www.dagitty.net/) (5 points)

      Assessment 2 (30%) Multiple choice on-line exam

    • Assesses learning objectives 1-6
    • Available: Week 7 Fri Sept 6th
    • Due: 09.00 Fri Sept 13
    • Covers material from Weeks 1 to 7

     Assessment 3 (30%) Multi-choice/short answer on-line exam

    • Assesses learning objective 1-11.
    • Available: Week 12 Fri Oct 25th
    • Due: 17.00 Fri Nov 1st 

    Assessment 4 Participation in face-to-face sessions and On-line Quizzes (10%) Assesses learning objectives 1-11.

    • Task: You will be scored on your intelligent and active class engagement in all aspects of the course including completing the 4 on-line quizzes. The quizzes must be completed by 09.00 Fri 25th Oct (Week 12 – the last class).
    Submission
    Extensions
    All extensions for assignments must be requested, at the latest, by the last working day before the due date of submission.   Extensions will generally be granted only on medical or genuine compassionate grounds.  Supporting documentation must be  provided at the time a student requests an extension.  Without documentation, extensions will not be granted. Late requests for extension will neither be accepted nor acknowledged.

    Only the Course Co-ordinator(s) may grant extensions.

    Supporting documentation will be required when requesting an extension. Examples of documents that are acceptable include: a  medical certificate that specifies dates of incapacity, a police report (in the case of lost computers, car & household theft etc.), a  letter from a Student Counsellor, Education and Welfare Officer (EWO) or Disability Liaison Officer that provides an assessment of  compassionate circumstances, or a letter from an independent external counsellor or appropriate professional able to verify the  student’s situation.  The length of any extension granted will take into account the period and severity of any incapacity or impact  on the student.  Extensions of more than 10 days will not be granted except in exceptional circumstances.

    Late submission
    Marks will be deducted when assignments for which no extension has been granted are handed in late.

    All assignments, including those handed in late, will be assessed on their merits.  In the case of late assignments where no  extension has been granted, 5 percentage points of the total marks possible per day will be deducted.  If an assignment that is 2  days late is awarded 65% on its merits, the mark will then be reduced by 10% (5% per day for 2 days) to 55%.  If that same  assignment is 4 days late, the mark will be reduced by 20% (5% per day for 4 days) to 45%, and so on.

    The School of Public Health reserves the right to refuse to accept an assignment that is more than 7 days late.

    Assignments submitted after the due date may not be graded in time to be returned on the listed return dates.

    Students submitting examinable written work who request (and receive) an extension that takes them beyond the examination period are advised that there is no guarantee that their grades will be processed in time to meet usual University deadlines.

    Resubmission
    If a student is dissatisfied with an assessment grade they should follow the Student Grievance Resolution Process  <https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/grievance/process/>.  Students who are not satisfied with a particular assessment result should raise their concerns with Course Co-ordinator(s) in the first instance.  This must be done within 10 business days of the  date of notification of the result.  Resubmission of any assignment is subject to the agreement of the Course Co-ordinator(s) and  will only be permitted for the most compelling of reasons.
    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
  • Fraud Awareness

    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.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.