Epidemiology is the study of diseases in populations. According to the Australasian Epidemiological Association, the three main aims of epidemiology are: to describe disease patterns in human populations; to identify the causes of diseases (also known as aetiology); to provide data essential for the management, evaluation and planning of services for the prevention, control and treatment of disease. Biostatistics is the branch of statistics related to medical and health applications. Biostatistics underpins the methodologies used in epidemiological investigations and research. The discipline has professional epidemiologists and biostatisticians that provide teaching, research and consultancy services within the School of Public Health.

The program teaches common core undergraduate units in epidemiology, biostatistics and research methodology across the undergraduate programs within the School.  It does not have a specific undergraduate course as the program is predominately a postgraduate and Higher degree program.

Bachelor of Science (Health Sciences) (Honours): This honours course extends knowledge of current academic research methodology as it is applied in the field of health sciences, further demonstrated through the conduct of a supervised research project and the preparation of an honours dissertation. Further information on the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Major can be found on the handbook website.

Graduate Certificate in Applied Epidemiology: This graduate certificate enhances the skills of graduates who have a responsibility for applied epidemiology as a part of their employment. Graduates develop an understanding of the various components of epidemiology and biostatistics with the course designed to accommodate students from varying backgrounds.
DURATION: One semester full-time study (or equivalent part-time). Upon completion, students may receive credit towards either the Postgraduate Diploma or the Masters of Public Health (epidemiology & biostatistics major)

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences: The Epidemiology and Biostatistics stream of the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences aims to develop a critical understanding of appropriate epidemiological and biostatistical methods, and an ability to apply these methods to a wide variety of areas such as the determinants of health and ill health, and the evaluation of health care programs. It will assist graduates to undertake all phases of research investigations and to develop an understanding of problems likely to be encountered during the conduct of such investigations. Students who successfully complete this stream may apply for admission into the Master of Public Health course (Epidemiology & Biostatistics major). Students would apply for recognition of past studies.
DURATION: One year full-time study (or equivalent part-time).

Master of Applied Epidemiology:This course is currently being phased out and no new enrolments will be taken in 2008.  Students wanting to pursue a masters program can do so by enrolling in the Masters of Public Health in the Epidemiology and Biostatistics major and completing their dissertation in this area.
DURATION: Three or four semesters full-time study (or equivalent part-time).

Higher Degrees by Research:Students who successfully complete either a postgraduate diploma or a masters degree with a CWA of 70% or above can apply for admission to either the PhD or the DrPH degree. Information about scholarships for international and Australian applicants including  closing dates can be found on the Curtin Scholarship website.

RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS: A bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in an appropriate field. For entry to the Masters degree two years of relevant post-bachelor degree work experience is also required. Students who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (Epidemiology and Biostatistics) will be granted recognition of prior learning for entry to the Master of Public Health (epidemiology & Biostatistics major) in consultation with the course coordinator. In general, all applicants will be considered and where appropriate bridging units may be offered to assist in entry requirements.

PRIOR LEARNING: Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

AVAILABILITY: Units are available either on campus, by distance learning or WebCT (on line learning). Classes on campus are conducted in the late afternoon and evenings. Part-time and external study is only available to Australian resident students and international students studying outside Australia.

ADDITIONAL COURSE EXPENSES: Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.