Unit Code: EPI826

Unit Name: Field Epidemiology

Description: This course is based on the model of ‘learning at work, from work, for work’ aimed at staff employed by a health department. It is based on one part of the course implemented for work-based training in over 50 countries across the world, referred to as the Field Epidemiology Training Programs; they are all affiliated with, and accredited by, the global network of FETPs called TEPHINET (Training Programs in Public Health and Interventional Epidemiology Network). This course consists of 5 modules implemented across two semesters. Each module has a detailed set of learning outcomes and work-relevant outputs (the equivalent of individual reports or ‘assignments’). Each module is initiated with an intensive 5 day in-class teaching and learning session followed by an assessment of performance through a quiz and a written test for each student. This is followed for the rest of the semester by self-directed learning activities, and their effectiveness is assessed through the quality of the work-related output (‘the field project report’). The overall effectiveness of the targeted learning outcome is assessed through the quality of the communication brief (report or infographic) that reports on the results and interpretation of the analysis of the dataset from a selected HIS, and the recommendations to inform senior managers on a health policy, programme or practice (as detailed in Module 5)

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, the students will be able to: 1. Explain the concepts and methods used in Epidemiology and Field Epidemiology 2. Distinguish between the structure, the data and information flows, and management of Health Information Systems (HIS) 3. Explain and apply epidemiologic methods in outbreak investigations 4. Explain the standard operating procedures (SOP) for analysing data from a HIS using computer software 5. Generate a report based on the field epidemiology project to inform a health policy, programme or practice.

Prerequisite: N/A

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 120

Offered In: Semester 1,2