MPH1041 - Introductory biostatistics

Leader(s): Dr B Billah

Offered

Alfred Hospital First semester 2009 (Off-campus block of classes)
Alfred Hospital First semester 2009 (Day)
Alfred Hospital First semester 2009 (Off-campus)

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

Written assignments (90%)
Online participation (10%)

Contact hours

2 contact hours per week and 2 day block

Off-campus attendance requirements

2 day on campus block

Co-requisites

MPH1040

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/epidemiology/pgrad