Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit covers biostatistical methods commonly used in epidemiological and clinical research. It focuses on modern regression methods for means of quantitative variables, proportions (prevalences or risks) for binary variables, incidence rates for event counts, and survival curves for time-to-event variables. It also includes a few classical methods that are still in common use. Topics include analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression, 2 x K frequency tables, logistic regression, Poisson regression, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression. The application of these methods to the analysis of data from cross sectional, case control, cohort and clinical studies is discussed and critical appraisal of published literature is included. Computing using SAS is an integral part of the unit.

Students who master the methods covered in this unit should be able to conduct many of their own analyses of health/medical research data.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) correctly identify appropriate statistical methods for analysing data from different study designs with different responses.; (2) apply standard biostatistical methods commonly used in epidemiological and clinical research including modern regression methods for quantitative, binary and time-to-event outcome variables; (3) interpret the statistical content of articles in the epidemiological and clinical literature.; (4) use SAS software for reading data, data manipulation, calculating data summaries and for statistical analysis; (5) interpret the results from the application of biostatistical methods to data through the use of SAS; and (6) present results appropriately..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments (which involve computing) and (2) online tests. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Kevin Murray
Unit rules
Prerequisites
PUBH4401 Biostatistics I or equivalent training/experience
Advisable prior study
basic familiarity with epidemiological/clinical study designs.
familiarity with computing in a Windows environment.
experience with at least one statistical analysis package
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
tutorials: 1.5 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.