Epidemiological & Research Methods for Animal & Veterinary Biosciences (VETS6001)

Course overview

This course covers literature review and critical evaluation of evidence, formulating the research question and study design; data collection and management, basic epidemiological and statistical methods, legislative framework for human and animal ethics in research; scientific writing and reporting. This course will be delivered as Web based through Blackboard.

VETS6001 introduces basic concepts in epidemiology, study design, and data collection and analysis. Students will develop the skills in formulating a testable research question and developing a literature review, selecting an appropriate study design and preparing a research proposal and developing figures using a statistical software package.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students are assumed to have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, OR be enrolled in an honours degree.

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

Additional timetable information

This is a self-directed, external, online course with a course manual being the main reference for this course.ﾠ A suggested timetable for the study of the chapters is listed on the VETS6001 Blackboard site.

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is to equip students with the skills to undertake a research project in the biological and biomedical sciences, from conception of the research question and aims of the study, through to publication and dissemination of results. It is anticipated that completion of this course will assist the student in timely completion of individual research projects, and promote rigorous science and excellence in the quality of research proposals and publications.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment details

Structured research question & literature review

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

25%

Due date

14/03/2025 2:00 pm

Task description

Submission guidelines

The assessment task is to be submitted electronically via Blackboard by the due date and time.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.

Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time.

If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.

For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.

Epi Quiz 1: Causality, study design and bias

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Quiz

Weight

10%

Due date

27/03/2025 - 28/03/2025

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.

Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time.

If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.

For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.

Epi Quiz 2: Basic stats, power and sample size

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Quiz

Weight

10%

Due date

10/04/2025 - 11/04/2025

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.

Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time.

If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.

For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.

Design a simple research proposal

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

30%

Due date

2/05/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Submission guidelines

The assignment is to be submitted electronically via Blackboard by the due date and time.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.

Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time.

If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.

For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.

Create a publication-quality graphic with legend

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

25%

Due date

22/05/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Submission guidelines

The assignment is to be submitted electronically via Blackboard by the due date and time.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension.

Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time.

If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.

For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

To pass VETS6001

Students must achieve an overall mark of at least 50% (i.e. for the combined assessment tasks).

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply. 

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.  

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.  

Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes. 

 To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment. 

Additional assessment information

Assessment tasks 1, 4 and 5 are ﾠsubmitted inﾠessay-type format. Students are encouraged to develop these assignments as they work through the relevant course material.

Assessment tasks 2 and 3 are in the form of short answer questions or multiple choice question quizzes. The format of questions in the quizzes is similar to that used in example question in the course manual. The quizzes are made available on blackboard for download by 8:00 on the first day as indicated in the timetable, and should be submitted by the due date (14:00 on the following day).

All assessment tasks are 'open book'. Detailed instructions for assessment tasks 1, 4 and 5 are described in the course manual.

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

UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services

Harmonising study and life commitments and seeking help early when needed is essential for successfully navigating university studies. UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) and UQU Student Advocacy and Support (SAS) offer numerous resources for BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students, including various mindfulness programs and counselling services to boost confidence and promote overall physical and mental wellbeing.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the UQ Counselling and Crisis Line on 1300 851 998 (available 24/7, 365 days a year).

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:

• Vaccinations and Immunisation Procedure