Clinical Epidemiology of Rheumatic and Immunologic Disorders

Unit Code

00069

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology
School of Population Health
University of Melbourne

in conjunction with

The Department of Rheumatology
Austin Health

Unit Points

Research Points: 87.5

Coursework Points: 12.5

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Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Dr Melanie Matheson
Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology
School of Population Health
Level 2, 723 Swanston Street
Carlton
Victoria 3053 Australia

tel: +61 3 8344 0713
fax: +61 3 9349 5815
email: mcmat@unimelb.edu.au
web: www.epi.unimelb.edu.au/

Dr Lionel Schachna, FRACP, PhD
Department of Rheumatology
Austin Health
PO Box 5555
Heidleberg
Victoria 3084 Australia

tel: +61 3 9496 4045
fax: +61 3 9496 4012
email: schachna@unimelb.edu.au

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Overall Objectives

• To provide basic training in clinical research methods through coursework in epidemiology and biostatistics and then to apply these tools by undertaking a fully mentored research project
• To develop experience in moving a clinical research project through the phases of protocol design, data collection, database entry, statistical analysis and writing for publication
• To provide an opportunity for regular patient contact in an academic rheumatology centre
• To provide practical training in critical analysis of the literature and tools for the practice of evidence-based medicine

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Content

Coursework:Intermediate Epidemiology & Biostatistics

Research:The major research components to be offered include:

(i) Clinical research activities in the Department of Rheumatology, Austin Health. Major interests of the department include ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissue disorders.
(ii) The design, conduct, analysis and publication of a well-defined fully mentored clinical research project.
(iii) Regular one-on-one interaction with mentors will provide opportunities for informal discussion of epidemiologic principles relevant to the research project.

Sample Research Topics:

1. Characterisation of clinical features among a cohort of patients with ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis
2. Predictors of long-term outcomes in ankylosing spondylitis
3. Effects of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy in ankylosing spondylitis
4. Sleep disorders in ankylosing spondylitis
5. Depression and coping mechanisms among patients with chronic rheumatic disorders
6. Analysis of the functional and economic consequences of chronic rheumatic disorders
7. Risk factors of incidence of asthma, by age group
8. Atopic disorders in children
9. Predictors of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
10. Smoking behaviour and its determinants
11. Other topics are available and can be negotiated to suit interests of the student

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Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 87.5 points
Research Report (up to 9,000 words): 80%
Oral presentation: 10%
Supervisor Evaluation: 10%

Coursework Component: 12.5 points
Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics will be assessed as per subject description.

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Student Numbers

Number of places available:
2-3