Enhancing Curriculum in Epidemiology and Biostatistics through Simulation-Based Learning

Sharn Donnison; Peter K Dunn; Rachel Cole; Michael Bulmer; Anne H Roiko; Frank Muller

doi:10.5296/ire.v4i1.8064

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Enhancing Curriculum in Epidemiology and Biostatistics through Simulation-Based Learning

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Enhancing Curriculum in Epidemiology and Biostatistics through Simulation-Based Learning

Sharn Donnison, Peter K Dunn, Rachel Cole, Michael Bulmer, Anne H Roiko and Frank Muller

International Research in Education, Vol.4(1), pp.11-26

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/ire.v4i1.8064

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Abstract

Curriculum and Pedagogy

virtual population

curriculum evaluation

A course in epidemiology and biostatistics, taken by students in health promotion and other public health disciplines, is evaluated and assessed in light of a recent university directive to incorporate blended learning, and the projected increase of online students into the course. A formal curriculum evaluation was informed by qualitative data from academic staff teaching into the course and students enrolled in the course. Five areas of challenge are identified: the volume of content; the authenticity of content; the course scheduling; the disconnection between the two course components; and the authenticity of the assessment. Some potential solutions have been identified, and the use of a virtual human population proposed as an avenue for introducing these solutions in a blended learning context. The process of conducting a formal curriculum evaluation in the context of introducing blended learning may prove useful in higher education courses looking to introduce blended learning, especially in disciplines that require students to interact with people.

Details

Title: Enhancing Curriculum in Epidemiology and Biostatistics through Simulation-Based Learning
Authors: Sharn Donnison (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Peter K Dunn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Rachel Cole (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Michael Bulmer (Author) - University of Queensland
Anne H Roiko (Author) - Griffith University
Frank Muller (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: International Research in Education, Vol.4(1), pp.11-26
Publisher: Macrothink Institute Inc.
Date published: 2016
DOI: 10.5296/ire.v4i1.8064
ISSN: 2327-5499
Copyright note: Copyright © 2016 The Authors. This article is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/3.0/).
Organisation Unit: Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; Sustainability Research Cluster; School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449193202621
Output Type: Journal article

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