Clinical Epidemiology

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Epidemiology

Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology

Master of Medicine (Clinical Epidemiology)

Master of Science in Medicine (Clinical Epidemiology)

*only available Semester 1

Overview

Clinical epidemiology extends the principles of epidemiology to clinical practice. It incorporates the location, evaluation and application of the best evidence to patient care by clinicians as well as the generation of high quality research evidence by clinical researchers.

The Master of Medicine (Clinical Epidemiology) and the Master of Science in Medicine (Clinical Epidemiology) are essentially the same program with different admission requirements. Only medical graduates (ie those with an MBBS or MD) may be admitted to the Master of Medicine while non-medical graduates may be admitted to the Master of Science in Medicine. Students follow the same program of study, with the only distinction between them being the title of the course they are awarded on completion.

Course outcomes

Upon completion of a clinical epidemiology degree all students will be able to:

• Formulate clinical questions, locate the highest quality evidence for a given question, appraise and interpret the clinical research evidence, and apply the evidence to specific clinical situations.
• Understand the strengths and weaknesses of important clinical study types, including randomised controlled trials, diagnostic tests studies, observational studies and systematic reviews.
• Have an understanding of biostatistical methods relevant to clinical research and practice.

Students will also obtain knowledge and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Have developed practical skills in clinical epidemiology including: designing a research study, writing a scientific paper or grant proposal, or teaching clinical epidemiology to colleagues or other students.
• Have an understanding of more advanced biostatistical methods and develop practical skills in conducting quantitative research analyses, such as multiple linear regression, categorical data analysis and survival analysis.
• Understand qualitative research techniques from an introductory to advanced level.
• Understand ethical issues in healthcare and clinical research.

Course information

The program is delivered by academics and clinicians from the University and outside organisations. The wide-ranging experience and knowledge of teaching staff ensures an up-to-date coverage of topics and issues related to clinical epidemiology and evidence-based medicine. The tutorials, online discussion forums and small group sessions provide the opportunity for discussion of key concepts and learning material, and a critical review of the literature.

The units of study are offered in several delivery modes, including online, blended, traditional face-to-face and block mode workshop. All students are required to complete at least some units of study online and it is now also possible to complete all of our degrees by distance learning.

Assessment for some units such as 'Introductory Biostatistics' includes an end of semester written examination whereas other units are assessed by an oral presentation and/or written assignment.

Face-to-face classes and synchronous webinars (online tutorials) are generally offered late afternoons and evenings to accommodate our busy working students. There are some exceptions, such as units that are offered as day-long workshops.

Further enquiries

Course Program Administrator
Phone: +61 2 9351 5994
Fax: +61 2 9351 7420
Email: