PHCA9503 Research Methods for Social Epidemiology

2016

9

1 x 2-hour lecture fortnightly
1 x 2-hour tutorial fortnightly

1 Admission into MHID-Master of Health and International Development
1a Admission into GCPHCDC-Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care in Developing Countries
1b Admission into GCHP-Graduate Certificate in Health Promotion
1c Admission into GDPEHP-Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health Practice
1d Admission into MPH%
1e Admission into DPH-Doctor of Public Health
1f Admission into MPHCC-Master of Public Health (Chronic Condition Management)
1g Admission into MPHHS-Master of Public Health (Health Services Management)
1h Admission into MPHPC-Master of Public Health (Primary Health Care)
1i Admission into MPHPH-Master of Public Health (Public Health)
1j Admission into MPHPR-Master of Public Health (Public Health Research)
1k Admission into MPHPN-Master of Public Health (Public Health Nutrition)
1l Admission into MMHNCW-Master of Mental Health Nursing (Coursework)
1m Admission into MPHEP-Master of Public Health (Public Health Epidemiology)
1n Admission into GDPRM/MNHS-Graduate Diploma in Research Methods
1o Admission into GCPH-Graduate Certificate in Public Health
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e or 1f or 1g or 1h or 1i or 1j or 1k or 1l or 1m or 1n or 1o))

1 of PHCA8007, PHCA8503 has been successfully completed

This topic is available to students enrolled in other post graduate awards with the approval of the course coordinator MPH.

Assignments.

The topic introduces qualitative and quantitative research relevant to social epidemiology. Introduction to research and critical appraisal, begins by discussing research in general terms, then introduces epistemology (theory of knowledge), theoretical perspectives, methodology, and methods. Literature searching, analysis, and synthesis are discussed. There will be an introduction of a number of established methods in qualitative research. Quantitative research will include methods and basic concepts in social epidemiology. The topic will also involve structuring a research proposal that will include funding and ethics.

The aim of this topic is to provide students with opportunities to enhance their ability to understand research methods for social epidemiology, in relation to an evidence-based care approach. Encouraging students to critically think about research is a main aim

To satisfy requirements of this topic, students must demonstrate a capacity to:

• Describe quantitative/positivist and qualitative/constructionist methodological approaches and their methods

• Describe major value bases and theoretical perspectives underpinning approaches to health research

• Critically appraise and synthesise research literature

• Develop a research question/hypothesis in an area of interest

• Understand the principles of social epidemiology regarding design, and causation

• Describe appropriate data collection and analysis approaches for answering health research questions.