Introduction to Epidemiology unit (CAM528)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit explores the principles, theories and practice of epidemiology. Students are provided with a comprehensive introduction to the collection and interpretation of epidemiological data within the framework of health, health care delivery and human services. The unit content covers the broad areas of disease distribution, study design, basic quantitative measures, causality, interpretation of data and critical appraisal of the literature. These concepts are explored in the context of contemporary health and health care issues such as non-communicable diseases, cancer screening, mental health, domestic violence, disability and drug and alcohol addiction. The unit focuses on the development of essential skills for logical and scientific assessment and evaluation of the literature. Critical thinking, scientific and analytical competencies are emphasized throughout this unit which builds core skills essential to health and health services research, planning and evaluation of programs and policy formulation.

The aim of the unit is to introduce core epidemiological principles, theories and practice. These concepts are explored through contemporary population level health issues.  Skills developed will enable students to describe patterns of health in populations, critically evaluate different epidemiological study designs, calculate measures of association, identify and minimise sources of error, bias and confounding and interpret research results using epidemiological principles. Students will also learn to critically appraise studies and apply epidemiological reasoning to inform population-level decision making. 

Summary

Unit name	Introduction to Epidemiology
Unit code	CAM528
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Health School of Medicine
Discipline	Medicine
Coordinator	Doctor Getahun Kebede Beyera
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	4/7/2027	26/7/2027	29/8/2027	23/10/2027
Semester 1	21/2/2027	15/3/2027	18/4/2027	12/6/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different epidemiological study designs, including innovative and emerging approaches
• Explain strategies to minimise common sources of error, bias and confounding in epidemiological research
• Analyse public health intelligence and justify public health decisions by applying epidemiological concepts and tools
• Communicate epidemiological findings effectively
• Identify, calculate and interpret key epidemiological measures of disease frequency and association

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus Enrolment: Independent Learning 7 hours weekly; Tutorial 2 hours weekly Online Enrolment: Independent Learning 8 hours weekly; Tutorial (Online) 1 hour fortnightly
Assessment	Exercises (Multiple Choice Questions) x 5 (15%)|Critical Analysis Interactive Oral Report (40%)|Written Assignments: Scenario Analysis x 3 (45%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings and other resources will be provided through MyLO.
Recommended	You can access the reading list for this unit from the link in MyLO or by going directly to the reading lists page on the University Library website.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.