Outline

Overview

This unit combines decision theory and more advanced health economic concepts to provide students with hands-on skills in specialised analysis methods, and modelling techniques, for evaluating healthcare options and reaching recommendations in the face of uncertainty. Students will calculate and analyse data from clinical studies, extrapolate clinical study results to other settings, and construct models that synthesise evidence from multiple sources. Specific topics of study include: decision trees; expected utility theory; sensitivity and threshold analysis; the value of information (including screening and diagnostic tests); the calculation and analysis of costs and quality-adjusted survival using individual patient data (including bootstrapping techniques); Markov processes and micro-simulation; extrapolation of time to event data for economic analysis and presenting and interpreting the results of (health economic) evaluations. Lectures are accompanied by practical exercises and readings. Students gain experience applying the methods presented in lectures via computer practicals using Excel, decision analysis software (TreeAge), and statistical packages such as R.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Public Health
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	(PUBH5010 or CEPI5100 or BSTA5011) and (PUBH5018 or FMHU5002 or BSTA5002)
Corequisites ?	PUBH5312
Prohibitions ?	PUBH5205 or PUBH5307
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rakhee Raghunandan, rakhee.raghunandan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Alison Hayes, alison.hayes@sydney.edu.au
	Rakhee Raghunandan, rakhee.raghunandan@sydney.edu.au
	Tom Lung, tom.lung@sydney.edu.au
	Kirsten Howard, kirsten.howard@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Assessment 5 - Written Assessment written assessment	25%	Formal exam period Due date: 11 Nov 2024 at 23:59	Answer short questions
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Assessment 1 – Tutorial/Drop-in sessions Weekly reflection submission + tutorial/drop-in session participation	5%	Multiple weeks	200 word submission plus participation
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 2 - Online quiz Online quiz	20%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Sep 2024 at 23:59	Answer 16 MC assessment questions.
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 3 - Written assessment Written assessment	15%	Week 07 Due date: 15 Sep 2024 at 23:59	Short questions and calculations
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assessment 4 - TreeAge model and written report Conduct a modelled economic evaluation in Treeage, and write a report.	35%	Week 10 Due date: 13 Oct 2024 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 - Weekly tutorial/drop-session submission & participation

Assessment 2 - multiple choice online quiz

Assessment 3 - written assessment

Assessment 4 - Treeage model and written report

Assessment 5 - written assessment

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submissions will not be accepted for Assessment 1 (weekly tutorial/drop-session submission & participation) and Assessment 2 (online quiz) - and a mark of 0 will be awarded. Late penalties will be applied to Assessment 3, 4, 5 of 5% of the available marks for each calendar day the work is submitted after the due date, and for a mark of zero to be applied to work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 04	Module 1 - Introduction to decision analysis: Independent study to work through module content using online lecture recordings, readings, and exercises	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 04	Weekly live online Zoom tutorial/drop-in session covering module 1 content - Introduction to decision analysis	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Module 2 - Sensitivity analysis and introduction to TreeAge: Independent study to work through module content using online lecture recordings, readings, and exercises	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 06	Weekly live online Zoom tutorial/drop-in session covering module 2 content - Sensitivity analysis and introduction to TreeAge	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Module 3 - Individual patient health outcomes and more advanced modelling in TreeAge: Independent study to work through module content using online lecture recordings, readings, and exercises	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 08	Weekly live online Zoom tutorial/drop-in session covering module 3 content - Individual patient health outcomes and more advanced modelling in TreeAge	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Module 4 - Extrapolation of time to event analysis in health economics: Independent study to work through module content using online lecture recordings, readings, and exercises	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 10	Weekly live online Zoom tutorial/drop-in session covering module 4 content - Extrapolation of time to event analysis in health economics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Module 5 - Individual patient costs and presenting results for decision makers: Independent study to work through module content using online lecture recordings, readings, and exercises	Independent study (10 hr)
Week 12	Weekly live online Zoom tutorial/drop-in session covering module 5 content - Individual patient costs and presenting results for decision makers	Tutorial (2 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. structure and analyse decision problems using a decision tree approach
LO2. Incorporate diagnostic test information into decision trees
LO3. perform sensitivity and threshold analysis
LO4. apply decision analysis techniques to simplified health economic evaluations
LO5. understand health-related utility assessment
LO6. use Treeage software (to perform the tasks listed above)
LO7. apply the use of survival (time to event analysis) in economic evaluation
LO8. understand the implications of extrapolation using different survival models
LO9. construct and analyse advanced health economic models using appropriate software
LO10. conduct advanced sensitivity analyses on these models
LO11. present results/reports of economic evaluations in written form in a way that is useful for policy makers.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 5.1.a. applying decision-making, clinical reasoning and judgement to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical examinations, imaging and other diagnostic tests 5.1.b. managing complex cases, including compromised patients with multidisciplinary management, and
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.
	Public Health Dentistry - 1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning 1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and 2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment 2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and 2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas. 3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and 3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories. 4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences 4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and 5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and 5.2.b. writing reports.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PUBH5317: Advanced Economic and Decision Analysis

Semester 2, 2024 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect