Master of Biostatistics

Course code: 3422 + Course abbreviation: MBiostats + Total credit points required: 72 + 3 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

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

Course description

This course, offered by Department Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, provides a sound understanding of the theory and application of biostatistics relevant to professional practice. The degree will assist the acquisition of skills and experience in complex statistical analyses, identifying and implementing appropriate statistical methodology, communicating biostatistical results and understanding biostatistical literature. The course develops the technical skills for commencement in a professional career as a biostatistician.

Course objectives

On completion of this course, students will: 1. have developed a sound understanding of the theory and application of the major areas of biostatistics relevant to professional practice; 2. have acquired skills in complex statistical analyses 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 statistical design and/or analysis methodology; 4. have developed skills and had experience in communication of biostatistical issues with clinical/health personnel and the presentation of 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 technical skills to commence professional careers as biostatisticians and/or to progress to further postgraduate research studies.

Course structure

This course is comprised of 10 core units and one elective unit.

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
EPM5008 Longitudinal and correlated data analysis
EPM5009 Categorical data and generalised linear models
EPM5010 Survival analysis
EPM5011 Biostatistics practice project – double unit
EPM5014 Probability and distribution theory
MPH1040 Introductory epidemiology

Elective units

EPM5001 Health indicators and health surveys
EPM5006 Clinical biostatistics
EPM5012 Bioinformatics and statistical genetics
EPM5013 Bayesian statistical methods
EPM5015 Biostatistics practice project – single unit

Assessment

Assessment includes written assignments, practical exercises, examinations, portfolio and final report.

Contact details

Associate Professor Andrew Forbes, The Alfred Hospital: telephone: +61 3 9903 0580

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

Course coordinator

Associate Professor Andrew Forbes

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