BACKGROUND TO THE MAE

The National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH) was established in 1989 by agreement between the Commonwealth Government and The Australian National University (ANU), as a centre of excellence in research and postgraduate training in epidemiology and population health.

NCEPH is part of the newly established ANU College of Medicine and Health Sciences which also includes the John Curtin School of Medical Research, the Medical School and several smaller Centres within the ANU. NCEPH continues to be jointly funded by the Commonwealth Public Health Education and Research Program (PHERP) and The Australian National University, as well as obtaining significant external funds from other sources.

The Master of Applied Epidemiology (MAE) is a challenging hands-on program which develops high level expertise in applying epidemiological methods to outbreak investigations, health information systems, and health problems with a strong emphasis on prevention, intervention, evaluation and policy development. This unique postgraduate program of study and learning-by-doing commenced in March 1991 at NCEPH, based on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) training program.

The MAE is predominantly field based, involving 18.5 months of field placement and three months of intensive blocks of teaching at NCEPH, usually in four blocks over the four semesters of enrolment. Field placements have included State and Territory health departments, Community Controlled Health Services and academic institutions in all Australian States and Territories. Some students have also completed projects internationally. Each student has a field supervisor, usually the head of the student's work unit, and an academic supervisor based at NCEPH. Tutors and mentors are also arranged when required.

This type of learning-by-doing epidemiology and public health is based on real-world problems as they are encountered in the course of the day-to-day activities undertaken in placements with public health responsibilities. Consequently the work that MAE students undertake is immediately useful to local populations.

FOSTERING CREATIVITY AND INDEPENDENT THOUGHT

This program encourages scholars to exercise judgment and creative thought in real-world situations. Consequently, many trainees have been able to make major impacts on Australian health policy while still scholars within the program. Since 1991, MAE staff, scholars and field supervisors have been involved in the investigation of almost every outbreak in Australia related to emerging infections, in addition to many other important health issues.

Graduates have remained committed to learning in this field, maintaining the peer learning links established within the program. Graduates have formed their own networks, which act as resources for scholars and graduates who wish to seek an opinion on an epidemiological or public health problem. The continued support of the MAE conferences by graduates and field supervisors provides opportunities for ongoing peer support and exchange of ideas and experiences.

THE HANDBOOK

Student Guide

Lesson from the Field example

Work Review Report template

Elective Study Proposal

Study Proposal for Outbreaks