Faculty of Health and Medicine

School of Medicine and Public Health

EPID6420: Epidemiology A - Basic Methods
Callaghan, Sydney Elizabeth Street and WebLearn GradSchool
Semester 1 - 2016

OVERVIEW
Course Description

Introduces students to the basic concepts of epidemiology.

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of
disease in specific populations and the application of this
knowledge to the evaluation and control of health problems in the
community.

Contact Hours

Callaghan
Tutorial
Face to Face On Campus
2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Sydney Elizabeth Street
Workshop
Face to Face On Campus
7 hour(s) per Day for 1 Weeks
This Course will be delivered as a week long intensive workshop
for students enrolled at the University of Newcastle Sydney
Campus.
Lectures will commence on Monday the 22nd February and
conclude on Friday the 26th February.
WebLearn GradSchool
Online Activity
Online
2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Contact hours are an indication only.

Unit Weighting
Workload

10
Students are required to spend on average 120-140 hours of
effort (contact and non-contact) including assessments per 10
unit course.

CRICOS Provider 00109J

EPID6420: Epidemiology A - Basic Methods

Callaghan, Sydney Elizabeth Street and WebLearn GradSchool Semester 1 - 2016

CONTACTS
Course Coordinator

Callaghan, WebLearn GradSchool and Sydney Elizabeth Street

Dr Mohammad Hasnat
Milton.Hasnat@newcastle.edu.au
(02) 40420525

Teaching Staff

Other teaching staff will be advised on the course Blackboard site.

School Office

School of Medicine and Public Health

CCEB
smph-pg@newcastle.edu.au
GradSchool
Services Building
The University of Newcastle
University Drive
Callaghan
postgradstudy@newcastle.edu.au
(+61) 2 4921 8856

SYLLABUS
Course Content

Learning modules covered in this course include:

Module 1: Causation and bias
Module 2: Health indicators
Module 3: Study Designs
Module 4: Critical Appraisal
Module 5: Epidemic investigation

Course Learning
Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. to understand how epidemiologists judge cause and effect, and the potential biases that can
affect this process. To understand the difference between confounders and effect modifiers
2. to understand the measures used to describe the health of populations and the pitfalls
associated with these. Includes prevalence, incidence, crude and specific rates, ratios, odds,
and direct and indirect standardisation.
3. to understand the design of case-control, cohort and randomised controlled studies and their
analyses, including relative risks, odds ratios, attributable risk, number needed to treat,
aetiologic fraction, population attributable risk and population attributable risk percent.
4. to become familiar with different frameworks for critical appraisal of an article.
5. to understand the steps in investigating an epidemic, including attack rates.

Course Materials

See Blackboard for course materials

Page 2 of 4

EPID6420: Epidemiology A - Basic Methods

Callaghan, Sydney Elizabeth Street and WebLearn GradSchool Semester 1 - 2016

ASSESSMENTS
This course has 2 assessments. Each assessment is described in more detail in the sections below.

1
2

Assessment Name

Due Date

Involvement

Weighting

Written Assignments
(x3)
Take home examination

See Blackboard

Individual

60%

Learning
Outcomes
1, 2, 3, 4, 5

See Blackboard

Individual

40%

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Late Submissions

The mark for an assessment item submitted after the designated time on the due date, without
an approved extension of time, will be reduced by 10% of the possible maximum mark for
that assessment item for each day or part day that the assessment item is late. Note: this
applies equally to week and weekend days.

Assessment 1 - Written Assignments (x3)

Assessment Type
Description
Weighting
Due Date
Submission Method
Assessment Criteria
Return Method
Feedback Provided

Written Assignment
For Assignment details see Blackboard
60%
See Blackboard

Assessment 2 - Take home examination

Assessment Type
Description
Weighting
Due Date
Submission Method
Assessment Criteria
Return Method
Feedback Provided

In Term Test
For Online Exam details see Blackboard
40%
See Blackboard

Page 3 of 4

EPID6420: Epidemiology A - Basic Methods

Callaghan, Sydney Elizabeth Street and WebLearn GradSchool Semester 1 - 2016

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Grading Scheme
This course is graded as follows:
Range of Grade
Description
Marks
85-100
High
Outstanding standard indicating comprehensive knowledge
Distinction
and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of
(HD)
an outstanding level of academic ability; mastery of skills*; and
achievement of all assessment objectives.
75-84
Distinction
Excellent standard indicating a very high level of knowledge
(D)
and understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of
a very high level of academic ability; sound development of
skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives.
65-74
Credit
Very Good standard indicating a high level of knowledge and
(C)
understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of a
high level of academic ability; reasonable development of
skills*; and achievement of all assessment objectives.
50-64
Pass
Satisfactory standard indicating an adequate knowledge and
(P)
understanding of the relevant materials; demonstration of an
adequate level of academic ability; satisfactory development of
skills*; and achievement of most assessment objectives.
0-49
Fail
Failure to satisfactorily achieve assessment objectives or
(FF)
compulsory course requirements. A fail grade may also be
awarded following disciplinary action.
*Skills are those identified for the purposes of assessment task(s).
Communication
Methods

Communication methods used in this course include:

- Blackboard Course Site: Students will receive communications via the posting of
content or announcements on the Blackboard course site.

Course Evaluation

Each year feedback is sought from students and other stakeholders about the courses offered
in the University for the purposes of identifying areas of excellence and potential
improvement.

Academic Misconduct

All students are required to meet the academic integrity standards of the University. These
standards reinforce the importance of integrity and honesty in an academic environment.
Academic Integrity policies apply to all students of the University in all modes of study and in
all
locations.
For
the
Student
Academic
Integrity
policy,
refer
to
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000608.html.

Adverse
Circumstances

You are entitled to apply for special consideration because adverse circumstances have had
an impact on your performance in an assessment item. This includes applying for an
extension of time to complete an assessment item. Prior to applying you must refer to the
Adverse Circumstances Affecting Assessment Items Procedure, available at
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000940.html. All applications for Adverse Circumstances
must be lodged via the online Adverse Circumstances system, along with supporting
documentation.

Important Policy
Information

The 'HELP for Students' tab in UoNline contains important information that all students should
be familiar with, including various systems, policies and procedures.

This course outline was approved by the Head of School. No alteration of this course outline is permitted without Head of School
approval. If a change is approved, students will be notified and an amended course outline will be provided in the same manner as
the original.
2016 The University of Newcastle, Australia

Page 4 of 4