Graduate Diploma in Biostatistics

Course code: 3421 + Course abbreviation: GradDipBiostats + Total credit points required: 48 + 4 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

Off-campus (Alfred Hospital, Melbourne – P/T only)

Course description

This course provides a broad range of theory and techniques especially designed for health professionals. The degree assists in understanding the mathematical background, theory and application of the principles of epidemiology and biostatistics in health and medical research. It also enables candidates to develop the analytical skills to become statistically self-sufficient. The course articulates with the Master of Biostatistics.

Course objectives

On completion of this course, offered by the Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, students will be able to: 1. demonstrate a broad understanding of the mathematical background, theory and application of the principles of epidemiology and biostatistical methods in health and medical research; 2. have acquired skills in data management and statistical analyses to handle a variety of practical problems using modern statistical techniques and software; 3. have developed skills to identify the relevant statistical issues in practical problems in medical/health settings and to propose and implement an appropriate methodology; 4. have developed skills and demonstrated ability to present statistical results in a format suitable for publication in health related journals or professional reports; 5. have acquired the technical skills to be able to read the biostatistical literature and implement new methodology described therein; and 6. have developed the practical and technical skills to progress to further postgraduate studies in biostatistics.

Course structure

This course comprises the following units:

Core units

EPM5002 Mathematical background for biostatistics
EPM5003 Principles of statistical inference (not offered in 2007)
EPM5004 Linear models
EPM5005 Data management and statistical computing
EPM5007 Design of experiments and clinical trials
EPM5009 Categorical data and generalised linear models
EPM5014 Probability and distribution theory
MPH1040 Introductory epidemiology

Elective units

EPM5001 Health indicators and health surveys
EPM5006 Clinical biostatistics
EPM5008 Longitudinal and correlated data analysis
EPM5010 Survival analysis
EPM5012 Bioinformatics and statistical genetics
EPM5013 Bayesian statistical methods
EPM5015 Biostatistics practical project – single unit

Assessment

Assessment includes written assignments, practical exercises and examinations.

Contact details

Postgraduate Office: telephone: +61 3 9903 0563; email: pgradenq@med.monash.edu.au or visit www.med.monash.edu.au/epidemiology/pgrad/

Course coordinator

Associate Professor Andrew Forbes

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