ECX9720 - Introduction to epidemiology and biostatistics

Leader: Dr F Cicuttini

Offered

Alfred Hospital First semester 2007 (Off-campus)
Alfred Hospital Second semester 2007 (Off-campus)
Austin Hospital First semester 2007 (Off-campus)
Austin Hospital Summer semester A 2007 (Off-campus)
Austin Hospital Term 1 2007 (Off-campus)
Parkville First semester 2007 (Off-campus)
Parkville Term 1 2007 (Off-campus)
Parkville Term 3 2007 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

The first half of the unit provides an appreciation of the differences between descriptive and analytical epidemiology, an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of different epidemiological study design, and the basic design features of an intervention study. The unit provides parallel introduction to the basic concepts and methods of biostatistics including confidence intervals, p-values and sample size, statistical tests for comparing groups, regression models and survival analysis. The second half of the unit looks in particular at the design and evaluation of clinical trials.

Objectives

On completion of the unit students will be able to:

1. appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of different epidemiological study designs;
2. demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts and methods of biostatistics;
3. interpret confidence intervals, p-values and sample size;
4. use epidemiological and biostatistical principles to critically evaluate epidemiological research.

Assessment

Two assignments (1500 words each): 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%