Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Herston
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Herston
- Coordinating unit
- Public Health School
This course aims to equip students with knowledge of and insights into the prevention and control of communicable diseases. The course introduces the core components of communicable disease prevention and control such as surveillance, vector control, immunisation, and outbreak management in domestic and international settings. The structure of the course ensures students understand common modes of transmission and how this impacts the implementation and effectiveness of management and control strategies. The global distribution, epidemiology, life cycle, clinical manifestations, treatment, prevention, control, and surveillance of selected communicable diseases will be discussed in detail to assist students in applying the principles of communicable disease management and control covered in this course.
This course covers the management and control of communicable diseases affecting human populations. This includes sessions on the epidemiological principles of communicable disease, management of disease risks, surveillance, and response to outbreaks in domestic and international settings. Diseases will be discussed according to their common modes of transmission.
The course will also equip you with a foundation of knowledge and skills to enable you to participate effectively in the design and implementation of communicable disease control programmes in different settings and to foster an appreciation of integrated approaches to disease control.
This course is delivered using a combination of face-to-face and recorded lectures by UQ academics and external public health professionals. This format allows students to learn from experts working in communicable disease epidemiology and control in Australia and internationally. The lectures are supplemented by a weekly workshop that provides an opportunity to learn the practical skills needed to contribute to the study and control of communicable diseases. Students studying off-campus are provided with video and written resources to guide their learning.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Completion of PUBH7600 Introduction to Epidemiology is a pre-requisiteᅠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PUBH7600
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- Another instance of the same course
This course has an in person and external offering with the same course code. All activities are identical.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please Note: Topics listed in the Learning Activities may change order depending on the availability of guest lecturers. Any changes to course information or timetabling will be placed on the Course Blackboard Announcements page.
Aims and outcomes
This course will enable you to describe management and control of communicable diseases affecting human populations according to the epidemiology and modes of transmission of the infection. The course will also equip you with a foundation of knowledge and skills to enable you to participate effectively in the design and implementation of communicable disease control programmes (including outbreak control) in a variety of settings and to foster an appreciation of integrated approaches to disease control.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate understanding of the impact and management of communicable diseases in human populations
LO2.
Describe transmission routes and dynamics of major communicable diseases
LO3.
Demonstrate understanding of approaches to prevent and manage communicable diseases
LO4.
Critically evaluate public health surveillance systems used to detect and monitor communicable diseases
LO5.
Demonstrate effective written communication skills
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Quiz |
Online Quiz
|
20% |
Week 6, Thu 2:00 pm |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Surveillance system design and evaluation | 40% |
30/09/2024 9:00 am |
Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Short answer question assignment | 40% |
5/11/2024 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Online Quiz
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Week 6, Thu 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The online quiz tests knowledge acquisition in the first 5 weeks. The quiz is a combination of multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
Submission guidelines
The quiz will be available on the Learn.UQ site. Once opened students have 90 minutes to complete the questions. ALL questions must be attempted.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the Policies and guidelines
Late submission
Late submission without a valid extension is not permitted.
Surveillance system design and evaluation
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
30/09/2024 9:00 am
Task description
Word Limit: 3,000 words (± 10%)
Your task is to design and critically discuss a Communicable Disease surveillance system using the US Centers for Disease Control Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems.
Complete instructions and templates will be provided on the course Learn.UQ site.
Please reference adequately and appropriately (APA or Vancouver style preferred)
Submission guidelines
Submission via the Turnitin link provided in the Assessment Task 2 folder on the course Learn.UQ site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the Policies and guidelines
Late submission
Late submissions incur a 10% penalty per day after the due date.
Short answer question assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
5/11/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
This take-home short answer question assignment will assess learning from the "Intervention" themes presented in the final 6 weeks of the course.
Submission guidelines
All questions must be answered. You will submit this written assignment via the Turnitin link on the Learn.UQ site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the Policies and guidelines
Late submission
Late submissions incur a 10% penalty per day after the due date.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Description |
---|---|
1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (0 - 19%) |
2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (20 - 44%) |
3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: (typically 45 - 49%) |
4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (50 - 64%) |
5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (65 - 74%) |
6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (75 - 84%) |
7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: (85 - 100%) |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
The final grade awarded will be based on the results of the supplementary assessment only, and a passing grade will be awarded if, and only if, the student receives at least 50% of the marks on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Assignment Submission:ᅠ
Turnitin no longer automatically emails students a receipt when they upload an assignment.ᅠ Students need to download their receipt manually and keep a copy as proof of submission.ᅠ ᅠ
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and/or using Tunitin.ᅠ
Before submitted any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ’sᅠcompulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment, you need to manually download your receipt and keep a copy as proof of submission as Turnitin no longer automatically emails students a receipt when an assignment is uploaded.ᅠ ᅠ
It is the responsibility of the student to check the assignment preview and confirm that the assignment has been successfully submitted.ᅠᅠ
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot)
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again
- If you cannot submit again, immediately email your course coordinator.ᅠ
ᅠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
References and suggestions for further reading will be provided during the course.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Workshop Week 1: Course introduction and infectious disease emergence Week 2: Essentials of ID aetiology, transmission and epidemiology Week 3: Surveillance (incl. screening and diagnostic tests) Week 4: Outbreak investigation and response Week 5: CD control and mass gatherings Week 6: CD governance and stakeholders a systems perspective Week 7: Interventions applied to Vectors: Vector surveillance and VBD control Week 8: Interventions applied to Hosts: Immunisation Week 9: Interventions applied to Infected humans: Behaviour change and, social distancing and quarantine Week 10: Interventions applied to Environment: Water-associated disease Week 11: Interventions applied to Infectious agents: Infection control (incl. community IC) Week 12: Interventions applied to Animals: Zoonoses and One Health Week 13: Revision |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
School of Public Health (SPH) Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment - Preamble
To apply for an extension to the due date for a piece of progressive assessment (eg assignments, oral presentations and computer-based assignments) students should complete the online request at https://my.uq.edu.au/node/218/1
Information regarding deferral of in-semester exams and end-of-semester exams is available from https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/deferring-exam
If requesting an extension on medical grounds, a medical certificate must be provided. The extension will be approved for the number of days included in the medical certificate that the student was not fit to study or work, eg if the medical certificate is for 3 days, an extension will be approved for 3 days maximum regardless of the student's request.
If requesting an extension using a Student Access Plan for Disability (SAPD) as evidence, a maximum of 7-day extension will be approved in the first instance. Updated medical documentation, as well as a copy of the SAPD, is required if requesting an extension for more than 7 days.
The maximum time for an in-semester extension is four weeks.
The following SPH guidelines are consistent with the UQ policy. However, the SPH Guidelines contain specific rules and interpretations for SPH courses, and requests for extension and penalties for late submissions will be judged according to the guidelines outlined in this document. You should read both the information in your my.UQ at the following link: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1 and the SPH guidelines (below) before submitting a request for an extension. The SPH Guidelines apply to all courses offered by the School of Public Health unless the ECP explicitly states otherwise.
SPH Guidelines for late submission of progressive assessment
Initial extension for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Course Coordinator decides.
This could be for medical or compassionate reasons, or if, in the opinion of the Course Coordinator, there are exceptional circumstances.
Acceptable and unacceptable reasons for an extension are listed at the following link, along with the required evidence to be provided: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension?p=1#1
All requests should be lodged at least 24 hours prior to the due date for the assessment.
If applying for an extension after the due date and time of the assessment item, your request may not be approved. An explanation as to why your request was not submitted prior must be included.
If approved, a new due date will be set. This would generally be no later than 7 days after the original due date, however this can be modified to take account of the circumstances of the request and the time that would have been lost from studies.
If the new due date is past the date for submission of end-of-semester results, the student will receive an INC (incomplete) result.
Second and all subsequent extensions for an individual item of assessment – the SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Program Director together with the Course Coordinator decides.
This would only be approved for exceptional circumstance with supporting documentation.
- Online requests must be made at least 24 hours prior to the due date from the first extension.
- The SPH Teaching & Assessment Support Team and/or the Course Coordinator will consult with the Program Director, who will make the final decision.
- If approved, the new due date would generally be no later than 7 days after the first extension due date.
- The Program Director should consider if remedial or other support should be offered to the student.
- The Program Director should provide a report on these matters as needed at SPH Examiners’ Meetings.
Please Note: In order to support course progression, extensions that total more than 14 calendar days from the original due date of an assessment item will only be approved in very exceptional circumstances. These requests are assessed and approved or denied on a case-by-case basis.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty.
Penalty for late submission
Submission of assignments, practical reports, workbooks, and other types of written assessments after the due date specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP) will receive a penalty.
The penalty will be a deduction of 10% RELATIVE PERCENTAGE per day (24 hour period or part thereof, including weekends and public holidays) or for work graded on a 1-7 scale, a deduction of one grade per day, e.g If the original mark is 73%, then 10% relative percentage is 10% of this value, ie 7.3%, The final mark for this assessment item after applying the penalty for 1 day late submission would be 73 -7.3 = 65.7% The same outcome is achieved by multiplying the original score by .9; ie 73 x .9 = 65.7%
The penalty for multiple days late is the relative percentage multiplied by the number of days late.
A submission that is not made within 10 days of the due date will receive a mark of 0% for that assessment item.
Where a student has sought more than one extension, the due date for calculating the penalty will be the due date for the most recently approved extension.
Submission of Medical Certificates
Students are responsible for ensuring that any medical documentation they submit is authentic and signed by a registered medical practitioner. Such practitioners can be identified via the AHPRA website. Also note that:
- Not all online medical services are staffed by registered practitioners
- If the registration status of the practitioner cannot be verified, then an alternative practitioner should be sought
- Students will be held fully responsible for all documentation they submit, even if done so in ignorance of the practitioner's registration status
Medical documentation may be subjected to an audit by the University.
School of Public Health (SPH) Assessment Guidelines
The School of Public Health assessment tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. While students may us AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.