Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit introduces the topic of linked health data analysis at an introductory to intermediate level. It fills a gap in research training opportunities by combining the principles of healthcare epidemiology with hands-on practical exercises in the implementation of computing solutions. The modular structure of the unit provides students with a theoretical grounding in the classroom on each topic, followed by a training session on the corresponding computing solutions. Students use de-identified linked data files in the hands-on exercises. The computing component of the unit assumes a basic familiarity with computing syntax used in programs such as SPSS, SAS, STATA and R and methods of basic statistical analysis of fixed-format data files.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Non-standard teaching period Online Online timetabled - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) develop an overview of the theory of data linkage methods and features of comprehensive data linkage systems, sufficient to understand the sources and limitations of linked health data sets; (2) apply the principles of epidemiologic measurement and research methods for the conceptualisation and construction of numerators and denominators used in the analysis of disease trends and healthcare utilisation and outcomes; (3) identify sources of error in epidemiologic measurement; (4) perform statistical analyses on linked longitudinal health data; (5) perform the manipulation of large linked data files; (6) write syntax to prepare linked data files for analysis,; (7) identify exposure and outcome variables for the purposes of linked data analysis
; and (8) produce results from statistical procedures at an introductory to intermediate level.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) a reflective learning journal from laboratory sessions; (2) a take-home assignment exercise; and (3) online quiz. 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 David Preen
- Unit rules
- Advisable prior study
- Students should be familiar with basic algebraic equations and formulae and be familiar with computing in a Windows environment.
Students who have not previously completed an introductory course in epidemiology
or biostatistics may wish to familiarise themselves with the basic principles and terms used in the disciplines.
- Contact hours
- offered intensively (1 week full-time)
- Texts
-
Students are provided with comprehensive notes. There is no recommended text.
- 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.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
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.