M5017 - Graduate Diploma of Biostatistics - 2017

This course, offered by the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, provides a broad range of theory and techniques especially designed for health professionals wishing extensive upskilling in biostatistical methods. The course 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.

Units in this degree are offered in conjunction with partner universities in the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA), a consortium of leading universities in Australia established to jointly develop and deliver a distance-based program in biostatistics.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a sound understanding of epidemiological study design and the theory and application of the major areas of biostatistics relevant to professional practice
2. identify the relevant statistical issues in practical problems in medical/health settings and to propose an appropriate statistical design and/or analysis methodology
3. collect and manage data, apply quality control procedures and handle data in an ethical manner
4. employ skills in statistical analyses to handle practical problems using modern statistical techniques and software
5. communicate practical biostatistical issues with clinical/health personnel
6. understand and explain methodological papers in the biostatistical literature
7. put into practice professional codes of conduct and ethical standards such as those of the Statistical Society of Australia
8. demonstrate the practical and technical skills needed to progress to further postgraduate studies in biostatistics.

Students graduating with the Graduate Diploma obtain automatic accreditation status as Graduate Statistician (GStat) upon application to the Statistical Society of Australia.

The course comprises 48 points of core biostatistics studies. These studies will provide you with the core epidemiological, mathematical and statistical foundations required for biostatistical practice and study of advanced biostatistical methods. The units provide theoretical and practical experience in calculus, probability distributions, computing and statistical inference and are followed by applications of these principles to fundamental areas for biostatistics such as clinical trials and regression modelling.

The course comprises 48 points.

Note: Students eligible for credit for a core unit from prior studies may elect not to receive the credit and complete an alternative elective unit in biostatistics in its place.

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Students complete:

• EPM5002 Mathematical background for biostatistics
• EPM5003 Principles of statistical inference
• 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
• MPH5040 Introductory epidemiology

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award during their enrolment in this graduate diploma course:

• Graduate Certificate of Biostatistics after successful completion of 24 points including MPH5040.

Students completing the Graduate Diploma of Biostatistics are eligible to progress to M6025 Master of Biostatistics.