6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit builds on earlier coursework units in data, critical thinking, epidemiology, and introductory biostatistics and research methods.
Its focus is to provide a unified framework of statistical modelling used in a variety of health science research and practical applications, including analysis of data from questionnaires, randomised and non-randomised comparative studies, and purely observational data.
It emphasises the link between clearly defined research questions to be investigated and the formulation and execution of appropriate statistical procedures, together with their interpretation in scientific lay language.
The statistical methods that will be covered are: ANOVA, correlation and linear regression analysis, logistic regression analysis and sample size calculation. The lectures will be supplemented with weekly case studies in the tutorials/computer labs drawn from a variety of areas of epidemiology, public and global health.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Explain the benefits of statistical modelling to answer research questions in the health sciences
- Recognise an appropriate statistical method to suit a particular substantive problem
- Formulate and communicate a statistical analysis plan
- Use statistical modelling procedures appropriate for survey, experimental, and observational data using the SPSS software
- Interpret and present the results of statistical analyses in written and oral form
- Critically appraise the use of statistical methodology in the health sciences literature
Assessment
NOTE: From 1 July 2019, the duration of all exams is changing to combine reading and writing time. The new exam duration for this unit is 2 hours and 10 minutes.
- Data analysis report (15%)
- Case study (30%)
- Online quiz (30 minutes) (10%)
- Written examination (2 hours) (45%) (hurdle)
Hurdle: 80% attendance at tutorials and participation in online tasks (Activity Discussion)
Workload requirements
6 hours per week contact hours (including 1 hour lecture, 2 hour tutorial and 3 hours online activity) plus 6 hours per week private study.
See also Unit timetable information