PUB HLTH 2100 - Investigating Health and Disease in Populations II

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This course introduces four research designs used in epidemiology to assess the health of populations, to identify possible causes of disease, and to investigate the effectiveness of clinical interventions. Concurrently, the biostatistical concepts that underpin analyses of results from these studies are introduced culminating in application of the chi-square test and the Student's t-test. The computer package Stata will be used to undertake basic manipulation of data and analyses. Threats to reliable interpretation of results from each type of study are considered. By the end of the course students will be equipped to read published epidemiological research, to understand the content of the published abstracts, and to think critically about the strenghts and limitations of different research designs.

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Course Details

Course Code	PUB HLTH 2100
Course	Investigating Health and Disease in Populations II
Coordinating Unit	Public Health
Term	Semester 2
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Assumed Knowledge	PUB HLTH 1001, PUB HLTH 1002, PUB HLTH 2005
Assessment	Quizzes, assignments and exams

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Professor Vivienne Moore

Course Coordinator: Professor Vivienne Moore
Phone: +61 8313 4605
Email: vivienne.moore@adelaide.edu.au
Location: Level 8, Hughes Building

Course Coordinator: Dr Amy Salter
Phone: +61 8313 4619
Email: amy.salter@adelaide.edu.au
Location: Level 8, Hughes Building

Learning and Teaching Team
Phone: +61 8313 2128
Email: undergrad_enq@adelaide.edu.au
Location: Level 7, 178 North Terrace

Course Timetable

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

Course Learning Outcomes

1	Describe four study designs frequently used in epidemiology;
2	Explain the rationale for random sampling, describe different types of random sampling, and identify commonly used sampling frames;
3	Explain how bias and confounding arise and anticipate sources in novel scenarios;
4	Apply knowledge of study designs to critique aspects of published studies;
5	Explain the principles and process of hypothesis testing and the role of probability distributions;
6	Analyse data and interpret results from the four study designs using either the chi-square test or Student's t-test, as appropriate;
7	Calculate other summary measures appropriate to the study designs and interpret confidence intervals;
8	Undertake data manipulation and apply basic statistical techniques in the statistical package Stata;
9	Interpret studies summarised in published abstracts, including the statistical results presented;
10	Appraise the suitability of each epidemiological study design to address questions that typically arise in public health, present persuasive arguments for the need for biostatistics in analysing and interpreting data, and elicit the strengths and limitations of quantitative research in public health.

最新糖心Vlog Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	4, 9
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	3, 9, 10
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	8
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	1-10
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	10

Learning & Teaching Modes

In this course there are a number of teaching and learning modes.

Lectures are intended to introduce concepts and illustrate their use. Tutorials and Computing Practicals provide an interactive forum to apply concepts from lectures and clarify understanding. In the series of computer practicals a statistical package (Stata) will be used to analyse data. A Quiz facilitates understanding of fundamental concepts and allow for identification of areas requiring further study prior to undertaking other assessments. Assignments provide an opportunity for independent application and exploration of key concepts, for wider reading and for synthesis of concepts and literature. The exam provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learnt, drawing together concepts and showing that they understand the inter-related nature of epidemiology and biostatistics.

Workload

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

Teaching in Investigating Health and Disease in Populations II begins with the assumption that students are active participants in the learning process, rather than passive recipients of information. We assume that you are willing and able to prepare fully for classes, to participate in discussions and to carry your share of the workload.

As a general rule, in any university course you will need to allow a minimum of three independent study hours for every hour undertaken in formal class work contact. This means that you will have to set aside at least a further twelve hours per week for reading around topics, preparation for class activities, and work on assignments.

You are urged to bear this in mind when planning your university timetable, particularly if you are also engaged in paid employment. In our experience, students may not be able to demonstrate their full capacity if they are working full-time and studying full-time.

Learning Activities Summary

The course will cover the following aspects of epidemiology and biostatistics, in an integrated format.

Epidemiology
uses of survey data in public health practice
key elements of survey design
the rationale for random sampling, different forms of sampling, and available sampling frames
interpreting results of surveys, attending to possible sources of bias or confounding
other observational study designs: the cohort study and the case-control study
interpreting results of cohort and case-control studies, attending to possible sources of bias or confounding
an experimental study design: randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
interpreting results of randomized controlled trials, attending to possible sources of bias or confounding
feasibility, strengths and weaknesses of the different study designs

Biostatistics
descriptive statistics and summary measures
probability and probability distributions
principles of hypothesis testing
categorical data and the chi-square test
continuous data and Student’s t-test
calculation of relative risks and odds ratios and interpretation of confidence intervals
basic analysis and interpretation of results of a survey, cohort study, case-control study and RCT
use of the statistical package Stata to analyse simplified examples of data arising from epidemiological studies

Week	Lecture	Tutorial/Computing Practical
Week 1	Column cell	Tutorial: Sampling
Week 2	Column cell	Tutorial: Developing a questionnaire
Week 3	Column cell	Tutorial: Demonstration of non-response bias and descriptive statistics
Week 4	Hypothesis testing and categorical data: the chi-square test (part 1)	Tutorial: The chi-squre test in action
Week 5	Hypothesis testing and categorical data: the chi-square test (part 2)	Tutorial: DIY hypothesis testing
Week 6	Interpretation of associations	Computing Practical: Introduction to Stata; the chi-squre test in Stata
Week 7	Randomised controlled trials (RCTs)	Tutorial: Sources of bias in RCTs
Week 8	Hypothesis testing and continuous data: Introducing Student's t-test	Quiz (material from weeks 4-7) Tutorial: Student's t-test in action
Week 9	Prevalance estimates and confidence intervals	Computing Practical: Student's t-test in Stata
Week 10	Cohort studies; Relative risks and confidence intervals	Computing Practical: Analysing cohort studies in Stata
Week 11	Case-control studies; Odds rations and confidence intervals	Computing Practical: Analysing case-control studies in Stata
Week 12	Causation, hierachies of evidence Review of hypothesis testing	Tutorial: Sample exam questions

Specific Course Requirements

In this course we will be performing calculations using formulae, considering probability distributions, consulting statistical tables, writing computer code to perform basic statistical analysis and interpreting computer-generated results. Thus, students need a solid background in maths, usually to year 11 secondary level, in combination with a good grasp of the material covered in Essentials of Epidemiology II. Students with strong mathematical skills (e.g. year 12 secondary level) may have appropriate background for this course without Essentials of Epidemiology II but this should be discussed with the course co-ordinators prior to enrolment.

The 最新糖心Vlog'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

It is expected that students complete each assessment task independently with the exception of tutorial and practical preparation and participation which may be collaborative.

Assessment Task	Assessment Type	Weighting	Learning Outcome(s) being addressed
Tutorial and Practical preparation, attendance and participation	Summative	5%	1-10
Quiz	Summative	5%	5, 6, 9
Written Assignment 1	Summative	20%	2-4
Written Assignment 2	Summative	20%	4-6
Exam	Summative	50%	1-7, 9-10

Assessment Related Requirements

1. Students are expected prepare for tutorials by attempting the tutorial questions before the scheduled
session.
2. Students are expected to actively participate in tutorial and practicals.
3. Students must submit both written assignments and sit the exam in order to pass the course.

Assessment Detail

Tutorial and Practical preparation, attendance and participation will be scored as follows:
2 marks will be allocated for attending and actively participating in each tutorial/practical.
If a student is absent, he/she will receive 0 for that tutorial/practical.
Attendance only, without preparation and participation, may receive 1 mark for that tutorial/practical.
A tutorial/practical which is not attended but for which the student submits a medical certificate will not be counted for marking.
A final score will be scaled to represent 5% of a student’s overall mark.

There will be a Quiz in week 8 covering material from weeks 4-7 (excluding knowledge of Stata). The questions will be multiple choice and short answers.

The Quiz will be held in class on the date indicated in the Course Timetable. Alternative quiz times will only be arranged where students cannot attend for medical or genuine compassionate grounds and have documentary supporting evidence (such as a medical certificate).

There will be two written assignments.
Assignment 1 will focus on survey design and sampling.
Assignment 2 will emphasise biostatistical understanding, in the context of epidemiology, and will require students to undertake analyses manually and using a computer package (Stata).

There will be a 2 hour (closed book) Exam at the end of the course comprising a mix of short answer questions, extended sets of questions around specific scenarios, statistical calculations, and interpreting excerpts from published studies and abstracts.

Submission

Hardcopy assignments must be placed through the slot in the locked box at Reception, Discipline of Public Health, Level 7, 178 North Terrace.
No assignment will be accepted by e-mail or fax without prior written agreement from a Course Co-ordinator.
The appropriate cover sheet must be attached to each assignment (available on MyUni).
Each student submitting an assignment must also sign and date the designated class list (for this specific course and assignment) which will be sited at Reception.
5Assignments must be submitted by 4 pm on the due date. The locked box will be emptied every day at this time.

Note: You should retain a copy of the assignment submitted.

Assignments that are received by the due date will be marked and returned within 2 weeks. Written feedback will be provided on assignments. Re-submission will not normally be considered.

Late submission
Marks will be deducted when an assignment for which no extension has been granted is handed in late. The procedure is as follows: All assignments, including those handed in late, will be assessed on their merits; For late assignments, marks will then be deducted from the mark awarded, at the rate of 5 percentage points of the total possible per day.
The Discipline reserves the right to refuse to accept an assignment that is more than 7 days late.

Extensions
Extension must be requested no later than the last working day before an assignment is due.
Only a Course Co-ordinator may grant an extension.
Extensions will only be granted on medical or genuine compassionate grounds. Documentary supporting evidence such as a medical certificate will be required.

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 .

Student Feedback

The 最新糖心Vlog 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 最新糖心Vlog 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
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
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鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

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

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

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