Overview
This supervised experiential course develops applied competence in STI epidemiology and prevention through placement in an approved public health agency, clinical service, laboratory, research group, or community organization. Students undertake a negotiated learning agreement defining objectives, activities, deliverables, supervision arrangements, confidentiality requirements, and professional conduct expectations.
Practicum activities may include surveillance support, data abstraction and cleaning, case investigation, partner services, laboratory data review, outbreak response, risk communication, program monitoring, community outreach, literature review, needs assessment, or applied research. Preparation addresses workplace safety, trauma-informed practice, cultural humility, privacy and secure data handling, informed consent, ethical review, mandatory reporting, and communication with people affected by stigma or discrimination. Students maintain reflective documentation and complete an analytic or programmatic deliverable demonstrating epidemiologic reasoning, ethical data stewardship, and effective public health communication.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply epidemiologic methods to surveillance, prevention, investigation, or evaluation activities in an authentic public health setting.
- Evaluate the quality, completeness, security, and appropriateness of STI-related data and information systems.
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams while observing professional, legal, ethical, and confidentiality requirements.
- Develop and complete a negotiated practicum deliverable that addresses an identified epidemiologic or programmatic need.
- Analyze field evidence and recognize limitations, sources of bias, uncertainty, and implications for STI control practice.
- Communicate epidemiologic findings clearly to professional, community, and non-specialist audiences using appropriate formats.
- Reflect critically on supervision, workplace decisions, challenges, and competency development.
- Demonstrate culturally humble, trauma-informed, and non-stigmatizing practice when engaging with affected individuals and communities.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practicum | 8 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Seminar | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Supervisor evaluation of professional conduct, participation, and applied competencies. | 25.00% |
| Deliverable | Analytic or programmatic practicum deliverable. | 30.00% |
| Assignment | Reflective log and critical analysis of field learning. | 20.00% |
| Capstone | Oral or written presentation connecting practicum findings to STI control practice. | 25.00% |
Prerequisites
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
