Research design is a plan to answer a research question and research method is a strategy used to implement that plan. The Research Design and Methods course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to undertake an applied epidemiological research study. The course will combine epidemiological theory and concepts with practical examples.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Develop and apply a systematic approach to search, critically apprise and synthesise literature relevant to research questions.
- Develop and implement epidemiological studies using appropriate epidemiological study designs to answer research questions.
- Recognise practical and theoretical issues related to epidemiological research.
- Effectively communicate research methods and findings to a range of stakeholders.
Indicative Assessment
- Participation in the sessions in course blocks related to the course (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Online quiz during course (30) [LO 2,3]
- Group work on development and presentation of a research protocol (60) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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 expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the session including:
- The face-to-face component will be delivered in intensive mode over one week, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm (total 35 hours).
- Approximately 95 hours of self-directed study, including self-directed learning modules, and pre-reading before the intensive week, and assessments.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None
Preliminary Reading
Webb P, Bain C, Page A. Essential epidemiology: an introduction for students and health professionals. Cambridge University Press; 2017.
Gordis L. Epidemiology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier; 2014.
Woodward M. Epidemiology: study design and data analysis. CRC Press; 2013.
Lash T, Modern Epidemiology. 4th Edition. LWW; 2021.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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
If you are a domestic student, information about course fees can be found at Fees.
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $7080 |
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.
Quarter 3
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6348 | 01 Jul 2025 | 01 Jul 2025 | 30 Sep 2025 | 30 Sep 2025 | In Person | N/A |