Community and Clinical Genetics

Unit Code

00807

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Royal Children's Hospital
Flemington Road
Parkville
Victoria 3052 Australia

web: www.mcri.edu.au

Unit Points

Research Points: 87.5

Coursework Points: 12.5

top of page

Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

A/Prof Sylvia Metcalfe
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Royal Children's Hospital
Flemington Road
Parkville
Victoria 3052 Australia

tel: +61 3 8341 6309
fax: +61 3 8341 6212
email: sylviaam@unimelb.edu.au

top of page

Overall Objectives

This unit is designed to:

• provide an introduction to the process and practice of research in the area of epidemiology and community genetics
• encourage a broad understanding of the role of research in the development of clinical practice
• ensure a critical understanding of biomedical literature

top of page

Content

Coursework: Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics or Qualitative Health Research.

The choice of which coursework the student will take will depend on the particular research project undertaken, and will be advised by the supervisor.

Research: The major component of this course will be a epidemiology based research project (quantitative or qualitative) performed under the supervision of members of the institute in a range of areas relating to issues in genetics that have an impact on the practice of clincical genetics, including educational issues in genetics and the role of the community.

Students will also be expected to attend departmental meeting and seminars.

Sample Research Topics:

The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute conducts research in areas that include a wide range of topics in community genetics. Here are some examples of the types of projects that might be offered.

top of page

Assessment Breakdown

Qualitative studies
Research Component: 87.5 points
Research Report (up to 9,000 words): 80%
Oral presentation: 10%
Supervisor's assessment 10%

Coursework Component: 12.5 points Qualitative Health Research 


Quantitative studies:

esearch Component: 100 points
Research Report (up to 9,000 words): 80%
Oral presentation: 10%
Supervisor's assessment 10%

Coursework Component: 0 points (Hurdle Requirement)

Students will attend a comprehensive epidemiological and biostatisical support program run through the Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit (CEBU) situated at the Royal Children's Hospital, primarily aimed at students undertaking the Paediatrics AMS Unit. The year long course will include fortnightly AMS group meetings, courses in ethics, study design, handling data, biostatistics methods, use of statistical software and report writing.

Mixed method studies:

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

Students may be required to attend both of the above courses.

Coursework Component: 12.5 points Qualitative Health Research  AND CEBU course (above) 0 points (Hurdle Requirement)

top of page

Student Numbers

Number of places available:
4