EPIDEMIOLOGY AND RESEARCH SKILLS FOR NUTRITION

DTN3EPO

2019

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

In this subject students will develop an understanding of the fundamentals of epidemiology and epidemiological study designs and research concepts. These will be of direct relevance to the role of food and nutrition in the prevention, causation and management of disease. Nutrition measurement techniques for the assessment of diet and body composition of individuals and populations will be covered in depth. This subject covers sources of data on mortality and morbidity, measures of disease prevalence, incidence and risk, chance, bias and confounding variables of relevance to nutritional epidemiology. Standard parametric and non-parametric statistical techniques will be reviewed and students will have the opportunity to use statistical software programs to analyse a population dataset.

School: School Allied Health,Human Serv & Sport

Credit points: 15

Subject Co-ordinator: George Moschonis

Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes

Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG

Exchange Students: Yes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites: Must be admitted in one of the following courses: HZHSDP, HZNDP, HBHN and must pass DTN2PNU and 120 credit points at year level 1; OR Must be admitted in one of the following courses: HMDP, HBHNHK and no other rule applies. All other students require subject coordinator approval.

Co-requisites: N/A

Incompatible subjects: DTN404, DTN4EPI

Equivalent subjects: DTN4EPI

Special conditions: N/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource Type	Title	Resource Requirement	Author and Year	Publisher
Readings	Essential epidemiology: an introduction for students and Health Professionals	Prescribed	Webb, P. Bain, C. & Pirozzo, S. 2011	2nd Edn, Cambridge University Press, UK,
Readings	Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences	Prescribed	Polgar S, Thomas SA (2014)	Elsevier
Readings	SPSS Survival Manual	Prescribed	Julie Pallant 2001	Allen and Unwin
Technologies	SPSS version 23.0 or 24.0	Recommended	IBM 2016/2017	IBM - computer software
Readings	Introduction to Epidemiology: Distribution	Prescribed	Macera C.A., Shaffer, R, Shaffer, P.M. (2013)	Cengage Learning

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Apply understanding of terms and definitions used in epidemiology, and concepts of measurements of disease.

Activities:: Interactive lectures, practical classes and workshops, online directed learnings
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Personal and Professional Skills(Study and Learning Skills)

02. Appraise different study designs used in nutritional epidemiology.

Activities:: Interactive lectures, practical classes and workshops, online directed learnings.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Creative Problem-solving); Personal and Professional Skills(Study and Learning Skills)

03. Apply appropriate skills and techniques to manage data related to dietary intake, anthropometry and body composition.

Activities:: Interactive lectures, practical classes and workshops, online directed learnings.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Creative Problem-solving); Personal and Professional Skills(Study and Learning Skills)

04. Analyse small population datasets using biostatistics and interpret results in accordance with the NHMRC ethical code of conduct.

Activities:: Interactive lectures, practical classes and workshops
Related graduate capabilities and elements:: Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy,Cultural Literacy); Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Creative Problem-solving); Personal and Professional Skills(Study and Learning Skills)

Hong Kong, 2019, Week 04-12, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: No

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Skye Marshall

Class requirements

SeminarWeek: 04 - 12
One 30.0 hours seminar per study period on weekdays during the day from week 04 to week 12 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment element	Comments	%	ILO*
Develop and present a research poster (1750 words equivalent)	Poster based on research presentation applicable to discipline	45	01, 03, 04
1 x 30 minute Module Multiple Choice Quizzes (500 words equivalent)		15	01, 02, 04
One 90 minute Final Exam Test (1500 words equivalent)	This exam will also include a critical appraisal part of different study designs.	40	01, 02

Melbourne, 2019, Summer 3, Day

Overview

Online enrolment: Yes

Maximum enrolment size: N/A

Enrolment information:

Subject Instance Co-ordinator: George Moschonis

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 06 - 07
Eight 3.0 hours lecture per study period on weekdays during the day from week 06 to week 07 and delivered via face-to-face.

WorkShopWeek: 06 - 07
Ten 2.0 hours workshop per study period on weekdays during the day from week 06 to week 07 and delivered via face-to-face.
"As part of this workshop, students will be based in computer labs"

Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 06 - 07
Eight 3.0 hours unscheduled online class per study period on any day including weekend during the day from week 06 to week 07 and delivered via online.

Assessments

Assessment element	Comments	%	ILO*
Develop and present a research poster (1750 words equivalent)	Poster based on research presentation applicable to discipline	45	01, 03, 04
1 x 30 minute Module Multiple Choice Quizzes (500 words equivalent)		15	01, 02, 04
One 90 minute Final Exam Test (1500 words equivalent)	This exam will also include a critical appraisal part of different study designs.	40	01, 02