Unit Outline

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.

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

Alterations as a result of student feedback

In response to the feedback from previous student cohort, changes may have been made which may include adjustments to assessments and alignment of some of the timelines. As always, the teaching team will greatly appreciate your feedback both informally during the delivery of the unit in 2026, and formally through the University of Tasmania’s Unit Survey following your completion of the unit.

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:	Exercises (Multiple Choice Questions) x 5	Week 2	15 %	LO1, LO2, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Written Assignments: Scenario Analysis x 3	Week 4	45 %	LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Critical Analysis Interactive Oral Report	Week 12	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Exercises (Multiple Choice Questions) x 5

Task Description:

Five scaffolded exercises designed to practice the application of epidemiolocal concepts introduced in the Unit Modules.
Guided use of generative AI is permitted to support task completion.

Exercises due in weeks 2, 5, 7, 9 and 12

Task Length:

25 questions

Due Date:

Week 2

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identifies appropriate epidemiological approaches and/or measures	LO1, LO2, LO5
2	Applies appropriate epidemiological approaches and/or measures	LO5
3	Accuracy of results with explanation of how GenAI was used to assist with activity	LO5

Assessment Task 2: Written Assignments: Scenario Analysis x 3

Task Description:

Students will analyse three scenarios to identify problems and recommend actions, linking theory and practice. Each scenario will reflect authentic epidemiology practice and may include interpreting data and sourcing information from authoritative sites such as World Health Organization or Government portals.

Assessments are to be submitted via the discussion board platform to enable collaborative learning and discussion. Guided use of generative AI is permitted to support task completion, provided academic integrity principles are maintained.

Written Assignments will be due in weeks 4, 7 & 10

Task Length:

1000 words x 3

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

45 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Interpret and integrate public health intelligence and epidemiological measures to describe a current public health issue.	LO1, LO5
2	Apply epidemiological reasoning to justify a decision in public health practice, policy, and actions.	LO3
3	Develop and present public health information clearly in formats tailored to the intended audience.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Critical Analysis Interactive Oral Report

Task Description:

This task requires you to critique an epidemiological study. The critical analysis will be presented as an interactive oral report (15 mins) where you will present your analysis and respond to questions on the strengths and limitations of the study, strategies used (or not used) to address bias, confounding, and error and whether the conclusions are justified by the epidemiology presented.

Task Length:

15 minute Interactive oral report

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Critically assesses the appropriateness of the study design and the strengths and limitations of the study.	LO1, LO5
2	Accurately identifies strategies used (or not used) to address bias, confounding, and error.	LO2
3	Demonstrates epidemiological reasoning.	LO3
4	Communicate epidemiological findings effectively.	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.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.