Unit Outline

This unit provides essential background on the different types of surveillance systems used in public health, and the strengths and limitations of the data held within those systems. Students will learn the skills and knowledge required to perform descriptive analyses of surveillance data and to interpret surveillance data appropriately. Students will gain an understanding of the diverse objectives of surveillance systems and how the data collected is used to inform public health action and policy. Students will also learn established methods of evaluating surveillance systems to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Perform descriptive analysis of surveillance data.
2	Explain the strengths and limitations of surveillance data and interpret surveillance data appropriately.
3	Describe the different types of surveillance systems in public health, their objectives, and how surveillance data is used for public health action.
4	Apply surveillance system attributes to evaluate a surveillance system in public health.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Students are encouraged to provide feedback via the University of Tasmania’s eVALUate process at the end of semester. This feedback has been used to continually improve the unit’s content and delivery.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Online Module Quizzes x 5	Week 4	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Assignment 1 - Surveillance Report	Week 8	35 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 3:	Assignment 2 - Evaluation of a Surveillance System	Week 13	45 %	LO1, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Online Module Quizzes x 5

Task Description:

Five on-line module quizzes/multiple choice questions/short answer questions due at the end of the relevant module.

Due in Weeks 4, 6, 9, 11 and 13

Task Length:

Up to 250 words each per short answer questions

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate and apply knowledge by correctly answering questions about public health surveillance systems and their operation.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 2: Assignment 1 - Surveillance Report

Task Description:

Using data provided, develop the weekly surveillance report for the Surveillance Unit.
The data will be provided in an Excel workbook with one worksheet for each disease. All diseases must be included in the report with one section per disease. Analysis of the data and your recommendations for further investigation or public health action based on the analysis is to be included.

Task Length:

1500 plus at least five tables/figures

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Appropriate analyses using figures, tables and text that are adequately presented.	LO1
2	Includes sections on all diseases.	LO1
3	Appropriate interpretation of data.	LO2

Assessment Task 3: Assignment 2 - Evaluation of a Surveillance System

Task Description:

Choose a surveillance system (either from your own workplace or from the list provided) and conduct an evaluation of the surveillance system. The evaluation must follow the CDC Updated guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

45 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe the surveillance system to be evaluated.	LO3
2	Assess the attributes of the surveillance system.	LO1, LO4
3	Evaluate the usefulness of the surveillance system.	LO3, LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.