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

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:	Short Answer Questions	Week 4	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Assignment 1 - Surveillance Data Analysis and Interactive Oral	Week 8	45 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Assignment 2 - Evaluation of a Surveillance System	Week 12	35 %	LO1, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Short Answer Questions

Task Description:

Short answer questions from activities completed during the unit modules. Topics covered include
the objectives, structure, strengths and weaknesses of the different types of surveillance systems; descriptive analysis of surveillance data; evaluating the key attributes of surveillance systems; and using surveillance for public health action. These tasks are scaffolded, problem-based assessment tasks that develop the skills required for Assessment 2 and 3. Guided use of generative AI is permitted to support task completion.

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	Describe the different types of surveillance systems used in public health	LO3
2	Conduct descriptive analyses of surveillance data and apply the output to public health action	LO1, LO2
3	Evaluate the attributes of surveillance systems, including their strengths and weaknesses	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Assignment 1 - Surveillance Data Analysis and Interactive Oral

Task Description:

In this scenario-based task, students conduct a data analysis in Excel using data provided from a public health surveillance system on four diseases. Students then attend a mock online surveillance meeting where they discuss their interpretation of each disease, and any recommendations for further investigation or public health action, reflecting authentic public health practice. The discussion during the online interactive oral comprises 70% of the total mark for this assessment, and this assessment is a hurdle task – you must pass this to pass the unit.

Task Length:

At least five tables/figures, 15 minute interactive oral

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

45 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Present descriptive analysis of surveillance data using appropriate figures and tables in Excel	LO1
2	Discuss and interpret descriptive analysis of surveillance data	LO1, LO2
3	Apply findings to public health action	LO2, LO3

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

Task Description:

In this scenario-based task, students conduct a desk-top evaluation of a public health surveillance system using provided guidelines and surveillance data. The evaluation follows the CDC Updated guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe the public health importance of the disease under surveillance	LO3
2	Describe the operation of surveillance system to be evaluated	LO3
3	Assess the attributes of the surveillance system	LO1, LO4
4	Evaluate the effectiveness 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.

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.