Skip to main content
Unit of study_

CEPI5507: Clinical Epidemiology Project

Semester 1, 2024 [Supervision] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The aim of this student-driven capstone unit is either: 1. to conduct a clinical epidemiology research project (including a systematic review) and to write a research report on the project in the form of a paper suitable for publication or 2. to develop a grant proposal suitable for a peer-reviewed granting body. Research Project: A research project will involve: drafting and refining the project proposal; data collection; data analysis; and produce a report suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. This project unit is a capstone unit and student driven. It is the responsibility of the student to identify a suitable project and SPH supervisor, in consultation with a local clinical supervisor and the unit coordinator, based upon area of interest to the student. Feasibility is a critical criterion for selection of the topic given the tight time frame. Students who are unable to find a local research supervisor may contact the unit coordinator as a limited number of research projects may be offered and. methodological expertise can be provided for a systematic review. Grant proposal project: Each section of a grant proposal (Abstract, Aims, Background, Significance, Methods) will be discussed, with the student presenting and refining the corresponding section of his/her own proposal in a synchronous online workshop setting. This will be complemented by online presentations from experienced researchers on the practical aspects of clinical research. Topics include: observational studies, randomised controlled trials, diagnostic test evaluation, qualitative studies, economic evaluation, and process evaluation. The unit will conclude with a one-day, face-to-face, mandatory workshop where students will learn about budgeting, qualitative research, strategies and grant administration, research ethics and peer review of research grants. Students need to email the unit coordinator to discuss suitability of their project and they are encouraged to do so early.

Unit details and rules

Unit code CEPI5507
Academic unit Public Health
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
CEPI5206 or CEPI5300
Prerequisites
? 
(CEPI5100 or PUBH5010) and (PUBH5018 or FMHU5002)
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Siah Kim, siah.kim@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Project report
Written assessment
0% Formal exam period
Due date: 03 Jun 2024 at 23:59
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Research proposal (research grant proposal)
Written submission
0% Formal exam period
Due date: 03 Jun 2024 at 23:59
approx 3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Presentation Online Presentation (research grant projects)
Quality and quantity of online participation and presentation during sessio
0% Ongoing 15 mins per student per week
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Participation Workshop participation (research grant projects)
Quality and quantity of workshop participation
0% Ongoing N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Placement Project management assessment
Written assessment
0% STUVAC Unit coordinator to arrange
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Assignment Research proposal and presentation
Written assessment
0% Week 05
Due date: 24 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Assignment Research protocol and presentation
Written assessment and presentation with marked discussion
0% Week 05
Due date: 24 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2

Assessment summary

There are two streams of assessment based on whether students are undertaking a research project or a grant writing project.

Research Project

Assessment 1 – Project management

 5%       

Assessment 2 – Research proposal and presentation 20%
Assessment 3 – Video presentation and marked discussion 10%
Assessment 4 – Project report 65%

Research grant Project

Assessment 1 – Presentation in class 30%
Assessment 2 – Participation 10%
Assessment 3 – Research grant proposal 60%

 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes

Attendance and class requirements

Class requirements: It is compulsory for students to attend a minimum of 5 meetings with the local supervisor and/or University of Sydney supervisor.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Integrate learning from other units relevant to the development of research project and report (research projects and research grant projects)
  • LO2. Understand the practical and ethical issues involved in the conduct of clinical studies (research projects and research grant projects)
  • LO3. Develop a research proposal and report in a structured, concise, and scientifically robust manner (research projects and research grant projects)
  • LO4. Understand the ethical approval, grant application, publication, budgeting, and the peer review process (research grant projects)

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes have been made since this unit was last offered with the integration of research grant projects into this unit of study.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.