Unit Outline

In this Unit, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to respond to communicable disease outbreaks and other public health incidents. You will follow the ten steps of outbreak investigation using real-life outbreak examples and complete authentic assessment tasks that mirror those undertaken by public health professionals during outbreak investigations. This includes analysing public health intelligence and applying risk assessment frameworks to identify and confirm potential outbreaks, and integrating epidemiological, environmental, and laboratory evidence to determine the source of an outbreak and to guide control measures. You will also learn to apply risk communication principles to effectively engage with relevant stakeholders during outbreak investigations.

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	Utilise a risk assessment framework to verify the existence of an outbreak.
2	Plan an outbreak investigation.
3	Apply appropriate methods for the epidemiological, environmental and laboratory components of an outbreak investigation.
4	Synthesize all evidence gathered during an outbreak investigation to determine the source of the outbreak.
5	Communicate to relevant stakeholders using risk communication principles and appropriate documentation.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

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:	Outbreak Investigation Tasks	See the MyLO site for the due date	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Outbreak scenario 1	Week 8	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Outbreak scenario 2	Week 12	40 %	LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Outbreak Investigation Tasks

Task Description:

Five scaffolded activities that align to complex tasks within an outbreak investigation, supported by the lecturer during tutorials. Guided use of generative AI is permitted to support task completion.

Task Length:

Up to 250 words each

Due Date:

See the MyLO site for the due date

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrates ability to complete the relevant steps of outbreak investigation within task responses	LO1, LO3, LO5
2	Applies the appropriate epidemiological and environmental methods to the provided scenario activities	LO2, LO3
3	Presents findings clearly and logically, using appropriate formats and language	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Outbreak scenario 1

Task Description:

In this scenario-based task, students apply the first five steps of an outbreak investigation, producing outputs that align with unit module content and reflect authentic public health practice; guided use of generative AI is permitted to support task completion. Oral confirmation of learning may be required.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Assess surveillance data and public health intelligence to determine whether an outbreak is occurring	LO1
2	Conduct a risk assessment to verify an outbreak investigation is warranted	LO1
3	Develop an outbreak investigation plan	LO2
4	Compile an initial outbreak report	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Outbreak scenario 2

Task Description:

Students continue with the scenario-based task from Assessment 2, by applying the final five steps of an outbreak investigation. Outputs are again produced that align with unit module content and reflect authentic public health practice; guided use of generative AI is permitted to support task completion. Oral confirmation of learning may be required.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Design an analytical study	LO3
2	Draft a situational report for the Outbreak Investigation Team	LO4
3	Develop a risk communication for the public that incorporates risk communication principles	LO5

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.