Programme Learning Outcomes and Quality Assurance

Programme Learning Outcomes and Quality Assurance - Ph.D. (Epidemiology)

The students will be capable in:

Valuing holistic multidisciplinary approach in health problem solving
Critical thinking, truth seeking and value questioning
Ability to apply the principles and concept of epidemiology in health research and implementation
Capacity to appropriately generate and turn data into implications through statistical analysis
Prioritizing the health problems considering health impact and policy-relevant recommendations

Programme Learning Outcomes	Courses
1. To generate morally and ethically sound research.	Epidemiology I & II, Research methodology, Thesis
2. To design research studies in response to the needs of stakeholders.	Computer and database management, Journal appraisal, Research methodology, Field work, Thesis
3. To use information technology to search health-related information for research.	Epidemiology II, Statistics, Advanced statistics, Journal appraisal, Research methodology, Thesis
4. To relate theoretical health concepts into research through critical appraisal of the evidence.	Epidemiology I & II, Statistics, Advanced statistics, Research methodology, Journal appraisal, Thesis
5. To generate community-based, community-oriented, community-participating field research with skills in leadership and problem-solving.	Epidemiology I & II, Statistics, Advanced statistics, Research methodology, Journal appraisal, Field work, Thesis
6. To appropriately appraise research findings amidst the evolving state of knowledge in epidemiology.	Epidemiology I & II, Advanced statistics, Research methodology, Journal appraisal, Field work, Thesis
7. To demonstrate mastery of principles of epidemiology and statistics in relation to health research.	Statistics, Research methodology, Journal appraisal, Computer and database management, Field work, Thesis
8. To analyze big or complex data with clear presentation advocating appropriate usage of the findings.	Epidemiology I & II, Advanced statistics, Research methodology, Journal appraisal, Field work
9. To produce high-quality research article(s) translatable to policy and practice.	Research methodology, Journal appraisal, Computer and database management, Field work, Thesis

Quality Assurance – Doctoral Programme in Epidemiology

Doctoral study requires a lot of effort by the candidate, the supervisor and the organizer of the curriculum as well as financial support. Quality assurance to guarantee achievement needs to be strict. This process is substantiated by the following strategy.

1. Selection of candidate

Doctoral study aims for excellence. Candidates selected must show evidence of their academic potential as written in the prerequisite.

2. Testing period

The first section of the curriculum is an important period for testing the candidate. This includes the Qualifying Examination and the Proposal Examination. If he/she is found unsuitable, then further attempt which tend to be unsuccessful can be avoided.

3. Monitoring of progress

The student must maintain close contact with the supervisor. Each of them must write a separate independent 6-monthly report for submission to the Graduate Committee, who will give specific advice on the continuation status.

4. Quality of thesis

Publication in an indexed journal is an important benchmark for a research career. Publication of parts of the thesis demonstrates its scientific merit. A thesis no part of which has been published must include a manuscript which is ready to be sent for publication. This manuscript will be judged by the examiner.

5. Examiners

External examiners are invited to participate in the examination of the proposal, the thesis and in the comprehensive examination to ensure that the learning results are reviewed by experts from other institutes.

6. Manuscript requirement

Candidates should publish at least one manuscript for the thesis.

Department of Epidemiology, PSU