Overview
An in-depth study of epidemiological ideas and methods used in conceptualisation, design, analysis and interpretation of studies of the distribution and determinants of disease in human populations.
This paper builds on the Principles of Epidemiology (PUBH711), to provide a deeper understanding of epidemiological ideas and methods for those who intend to carry out epidemiological studies in public health. Students will learn in more depth about epidemiological study design and a range of approaches for dealing with confounding and bias in the design and analysis of studies of risk factor-disease associations. Students will have the opportunity to explore a specific methodological issue in epidemiology. By the end of the paper students will be able to design, implement and analyse an epidemiological study with appropriate oversight (eg Master of Public Health thesis) or as part of a research team.
About this paper
| Paper title | Methods for Epidemiological Research |
|---|---|
| Subject | Public Health |
| EFTS | 0.125 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period | 1st Non standard period (15 September 2025 - 7 November 2025) (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,644.75 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- (HASC 413 or HUNT 454 or PUBH 725 or STAT 110 or STAT 115) and PUBH 711
- Limited to
- MA, MHealSc, MPH, MSc, DPH, PGDipArts, PGDipHealSc, PGDipPHC, PGCertPH (Endorsed), PGCertPHC
- Notes
- (i) An approved statistics paper may be substituted for HASC413 or STAT110 or STAT115. (ii) Students with an appropriate background who have not passed the usual prerequisites may be admitted with approval from the Postgraduate Public Health Board of Studies.
- Eligibility
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline or recognised equivalent.
- Contact
Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin campus:
publichealth.dunedin@otago.ac.nz- More information link
- View more information on postgraduate studies in Public Health
- Teaching staff
Convenor: Professor Patricia Priest
- Teaching Arrangements
This paper is taught by distance.
Participation in weekly videoconference (Thursday from 10.00am to 11.45am) and discussion board required.
- Textbooks
Text to be confirmed. Please contact the Department: publichealth.dunedin@otago.ac.nz
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will be able to:
- Explain the conceptual basis of epidemiological study design and the nature of causation in epidemiological research.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of methods for addressing confounding and bias in epidemiological research.
- Demonstrate the ability to explore and explain a specific methodological issue in epidemiology.