Good data management and record keeping are integral parts of any research project, especially those involving very large or complex datasets, or 'big data'. Most professionals in health related fields need to be familiar with aspects of good data management and practice, in order to carry out research projects investigating disease causation, population health status and health risk factors, and evaluating health interventions, policies and programs. The course aims to support students to understand the legal and ethical issues relating to use of health 'big data', and to develop practical competencies in data security, data exploration, documentation of data quality, good programming and data management practices, creation of analysis ready datasets and ensuring research reproducibility.

The course is aimed at those working in health or health related field who are interested in using 'big data' and in good research data management practice, including health and medical researchers, and public health and clinical practitioners. The course provides a holistic coverage of managing a health 'big data' research project from start to finish.

The pre-requisite for enrolling into the course is PHCM 9498 - Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Public Health.