Studying online

There are now 3 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus owing to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA

Click on an offering mode for more details.

View all online units

Unit Overview

Description
This unit covers the principles and methods of epidemiological research. It introduces the principles of epidemiology as well as higher-level coverage of the major study designs (intervention, cohort and case-control studies); the causes and control of bias, confounding, and effect modification; screening; and causation of disease. In addition, it provides an introduction to the newer study designs (e.g. n=1 and pragmatic trials). Emphasis is placed on the critical appraisal of published articles in order to enable the student to take an evidence-based approach to health policy and practice.
Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 2OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Semester 1OnlineOnline flexible
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) illustrate the characteristics of the key epidemiologic study designs; (2) explain the relative strengths and limitations of the various study designs; (3) calculate measures of disease frequency and measures of association; (4) interpret measures of disease frequency and measures of association; (5) explain bias, chance, effect modification and confounding in epidemiological research; (6) discuss methods to reduce or manage bias, chance, effect modification and confounding in epidemiological research; (7) differentiate between association and causation in disease models; and (8) evaluate the grade, strength and nature of possible causal relationships.
Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) mid-semester online quiz; (2) an assignment (consists of written short-answer questions and calculations); and (3) a final 2-hour examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Tom Briffa
Unit rules
Prerequisites:
Nil
Co-requisites:
Nil.
Incompatibility:
Nil.
Contact hours
lectures: 60-70 minutes recorded lectures per week; online tutorial worksheets: ~ 2-3 hours per week
Note
NOTE CAREFULLY. This unit is shared across a number of different courses, and is available face-to-face and online in Semester 1, and online only in Semester 2. Please take care when enrolling to choose both the correct mode and the correct location. Things will work more smoothly if you are co-located with your exam paper.
Text

Rothman K. J. Epidemiology: an Introduction, 2nd edn: OUP 2012

or

Gordis L. Epidemiology, 5th edn: WB Saunders 2014

 

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.

Face to face

Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.

Online flexible

100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.

Online timetabled

100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.

Online Restricted

Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.

NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.

External

No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.

Off-campus

Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.

Multi-mode

Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.