units

EPM5004

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

18 September 2017 20 April 2024
Monash University

Postgraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2015 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

LevelPostgraduate
FacultyFaculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational UnitDepartment of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine
OfferedAlfred Hospital First semester 2015 (Off-campus)
Alfred Hospital Second semester 2015 (Off-campus)
Coordinator(s)Professor Andrew Forbes and Associate Professor John Carlin

Synopsis

This unit explores biostatistical applications of linear models with an emphasis on underlying theoretical and computational issues, practical interpretation and communication of results. By a series of case studies, students explore extensions of methods for group comparisons of means (t-tests and analysis of variance) to adjust for confounding and to assess effect modification/interaction, together with the development of associated inference procedures. Multiple regression strategies and model selection issues will be presented together with model checking and diagnostics. Nonparametric regression techniques, and random effects and variance components models will also be outlined.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. understand the major theoretical and computational issues underlying analyses based on linear models;
  2. develop appropriate regression modelling strategies based on unit matter considerations, including choice of models, control for confounding and appropriate parameterisation;
  3. be proficient at using a statistical software package (eg. Strata) to perform multiple regression and analysis of variance;
  4. understand the construction, use and interpretation of regression modelling diagnostics;
  5. express the results of statistical analyses of linear models in language suitable for communication to medical investigators or publication in biomedical or epidemiological journal articles; and
  6. appreciate the role of modern techniques including nonparametric smoothing and variance components models.

Assessment

2 x Written assignments (30% each)
Practical exercises (40%)

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Andrew Forbes

Prerequisites

EPM5002, EPM5014, MPH5040.

Co-requisites

EPM5003.

Prohibitions

This unit is only available to students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters of Biostatistics.

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

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