MPH1041

Introductory biostatistics ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr B Billah

Offered:
MMS-ALFRED First semester 2006 (Day)
MMS-ALFRED First semester 2006 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit is taken concurrently with MPH1040. Together they are prerequisites for clinical epidemiology elective units. Whilst minimal previous knowledge is assumed, the learning curve is fairly steep. Content includes descriptive statistics, probability distributions, estimation and confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and regression, contingency tables and selection of appropriate statistical tests. Students are required to have access to a calculator equipped with elementary scientific functions (eg Casio FX-100).

Objectives: On the completion of this unit, students will have developed the ability to: 1. Describe, summarise, and graph data appropriately; 2. Analyse elementary data using a statistical computer package; 3. Identify different probability distributions and their parameters; 4. Quantify uncertainty in research results using biostatistical methods; 5. Apply the appropriate statistical methods to basic research questions; 6. Perform simple statistical analyses, report their findings and interpret their results; 7. Critically appraise the statistical aspects of research publications in health care.

Assessment: Assignment 1 Summarising and graphing data and Probability and theoretical distributions (20%) + Assigment 2 Statistical inference (50%) + Assignment 3 Correlation agreement and regression and Critical appraisal of a publication (30%)

Contact Hours: 2 contact hours per week

Corequisites: MPH1040