Unit rationale, description and aim
Understanding, using and interpreting biostatistical and epidemiological data is crucial to public health research and evidence-based practice. It is particularly important for monitoring population health outcomes and interpreting the effectiveness of public health interventions. This unit will introduce students to fundamental statistical concepts such as descriptive and inferential statistics, measures of central tendency and variability, probability distributions and common statistical tests used in public health actions. It will illustrate the importance of the translation of research findings into policy and practice, for example, in the investigation and control of an infectious disease outbreak and the evaluation of vaccination or screening programs. It will also introduce fundamental epidemiological concepts and methods to understand, measure and analyse the causes and distribution of disease within populations. Throughout the unit, students will acquire knowledge and consolidate their understanding of statistical and epidemiological theory through its application to practice. This unit aims to develop students’ understanding of introductory concepts in biostatistics and epidemiology and the interpretation of basic biostatistical and epidemiological data used in public health research.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Critique specialised knowledge of introductory st...
Learning Outcome 01
Identify and calculate statistical and epidemiolog...
Learning Outcome 02
Investigate a disease outbreak.
Learning Outcome 03
Interpret statistical analyses and epidemiological...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
Introductory statistical concepts and methods
- Types of measurement of quantitative data and measures of central tendency and variability
- Probability distributions
- Descriptive statistics
- Statistical confidence: confidence intervals, p-values, statistical vs practical significance
- Common statistical tests: comparison of means (between two or more dependent or independent groups), proportions
- Variability and statistical inference; bias, confounding
Principles of epidemiology
- Fundamental epidemiological concepts, data sources and methods/study designs
- Measurement of exposure, disease/outcome/effect and risk of disease
- Epidemiological measures: including rates, attributable risk, lifetime risk (and others), health and well being indicators
- Critical appraisal of epidemiological research
- Evaluation of a screening program
- Investigation of a disease outbreak
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessment in this unit will comprise three assessment tasks, combining written and interactive oral activities. The assessment strategy allows students to progressively develop their knowledge and skills by first understanding introductory statistical concepts and methods that underpin data analysis methods used in public health research.
The first assessment task is a series of short answer questions on statistical concepts used in a researc Feedback Due 11/2/26** - 18/02/2026 6:23 pmh article. This will cover concepts covered in the first three weeks of the unit such as measures of central tendency and variability, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, descriptive statistics.
The second assessment task, building on the first, requires students to investigate a disease outbreak. This will require students to use established protocols and concepts including establishing the existence of an outbreak, verifying the diagnosis, constructing a working case definition through to communicating findings.
The third assessment task consolidates the learning of the previous two assignments, requiring students to make an interactive oral presentation (with Q&A) of a critical appraisal of an epidemiological research paper including the statistical analysis used.
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome and obtain a minimum mark of 50% in this unit.
Overview of assessments
Assessment 1: Written assessment- Short answer ...
Assessment 1: Written assessment-
Short answer questions on statistical concepts used in a research article (800 words)
20%
Assessment 2: Written assessment Report on an in...
Assessment 2: Written assessment
Report on an investigation of a disease outbreak
(1,500 words)
40%
Assessment 3: Interactive oral presentation Make...
Assessment 3: Interactive oral presentation
Make an interactive oral presentation (with Q&A) of a critical appraisal of an epidemiological research paper. This will enable students to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of epidemiology
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Teaching and learning strategies addressing basic concepts and frameworks incorporate multiple means of engagement, representation and expression. These will include lectures, tutorials, and small group discussions and Q&A to consolidate learning and share perspectives. LMS specialised topics will rely on videos, discussions with experts in various settings, use of case studies and asynchronous content, as well as reflective applications tailored to public healthcare settings.
The design of this unit is based on the constructivist approach, which supports active learning that encourages students to engage in a range of learning activities to facilitate the construction of new knowledge. Constructive alignment is achieved between learning outcomes, content and assessment tasks.