Data analysis is a central activity in applied epidemiology providing underlying evidence for public health policy formulation and action. Data may come from studies with survey, cohort or case control designs, or from health system surveillance or monitoring. The different types of data require different analytic methods appropriate to the form of the data and to the research question. This course aims to introduce students to some different types of quantitative public health data, with a focus on secondary dataset analysis, and to give students the opportunity for hands-on learning of epidemiological data analysis skills. The course is relevant to any student interested in a career in public health or health research, or to those wishing to extend their statistical skills to analysis of public health data.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Define questions of public health significance appropriate to secondary dataset analysis
- Design an analysis plan
- Perform a descriptive analysis
- Identify and use appropriate statistical analytic approaches and methods
- Identify limitations of data analyses
- Communicate findings for public health action
Other Information
Students enrolled in this course should have completed an undergraduate degree and Masters level courses on Epidemiology and/or Biostatistics from a recognised School of Public Health (either in Australia or internationally), or completion of Fundamentals of Epidemiology and Fundamentals of Biostatistics short courses held at the ANU, or equivalent experience. Students wishing to do this subject, but do not have these prerequisites should contact the convener.Indicative Assessment
- Online exam (40) [LO 3,4]
- Written assignment (statistical analysis plan) (20) [LO 1,2]
- Written assignment (statistical analysis report) (40) [LO 3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The course is available both in person and online. Students who choose to take this course in person are expected to attend lectures (2-3 hours per week face-to-face sessions) including self-study which will include preparation for assignments. Online students will engage with the material throughout the semester and will receive the same level of support via email and online mechanisms.
Prior to the start of Semester all students must complete an introductory online non-assessable quiz.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Research School of Population Health to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Betty Kirkwood & Jonathon Stern. Essential Medical Statistics. 3rd Edition. Blackwell Science, Oxford 2012. ISBN: 1405158964
Assumed Knowledge
Understanding of basic epidemiology and biostatistics.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $4260 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $6060 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.