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Master of Biostatistics (991AA)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2017 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
Contact
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
OR
Currently enrolled students:
- General information: https://ask.unimelb.edu.au
- Email: Contact Stop 1
Future Students:
- Further Information: MSPGH Website
- Email: Enquiry Form
Coordinator
A/Professor Julie Simpson
Overview
Award title | Master of Biostatistics |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2017 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 088478A |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
AQF level | 9 |
Credit points | 150 credit points |
Duration | 18 months full-time or 36 months part-time |
PLEASE NOTE: MID-YEAR INTAKE TO THIS COURSE IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The Master of Biostatistics provides advanced biostatistical training with a solid foundation in mathematics and probability for a diverse range of students. Graduates acquire specialised knowledge and skills in the statistical methods used in health and medical investigations, with the necessary mathematical foundation to integrate sophisticated statistical understanding and specialised skills into their training. On completion of the Masters degree, graduates will have had the opportunity to complete a research-based project under expert biostatistical supervision and will attain the required skills for employment as a professional biostatistician or for continuing to a research higher degree.
Entry requirements
1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria:
- A Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline, such as statistics, mathematics, biomedicine, psychology, science, pharmacy, health sciences, economics, from an approved university, with an average mark of at least H2B (70%) over the degree; and
- Successful completion (result of at least H3 or 65%) at tertiary level of at least one mathematics subject, including elements of multivariable calculus and linear algebra.
2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests or call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters listed above.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the Master of Biostatistics, graduates will:
- have developed a sound understanding of epidemiological study design and the theory and application of the major areas of biostatistics relevant to professional practice
- have acquired skills in complex statistical analyses to handle a variety of practical problems using modern statistical techniques and software
- have acquired skills in data collection and data management, including database design, quality control procedures and the ethical handling of data
- have developed skills to identify the relevant statistical issues in practical problems in medical/health settings and to propose and implement an appropriate statistical design and/or analysis methodology
- have developed skills and had experience in communication of biostatistical issues with clinical/health personnel and the presentation of statistical results in a format suitable for publication in health-related journals or professional reports
- have acquired the technical skills to be able to read methodological papers in the biostatistical literature and apply the methods described therein to practical problems
- have developed the practical and technical skills to commence professional careers as independent biostatisticians and/or to progress to further postgraduate research studies
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of professional codes of conduct and ethical standards such as those of the Statistical Society of Australia
- have developed problem solving abilities in biostatistics, characterised by flexibility of approach
Generic skills
Refer to Course Objectives.
Graduate attributes
The Melbourne Experience enables our graduates to become:
Academically excellent:
- have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship
- have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)
- reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication
- be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning
- be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies
Knowledgeable across disciplines:
- examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
- expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects
- have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems
- have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment
Leaders in communities:
- initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces
- have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations
- mentor future generations of learners
- engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs
Attuned to cultural diversity:
- value different cultures
- be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work
- have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community
- respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values
Active global citizens:
- accept social and civic responsibilities
- be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment
- have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics
Course structure
Students must choose between Option One or Option Two:
Option One:
SIX core subjects, FOUR elective subjects, the Capstone Selective subject POPH90122 Survival Analysis and a 12.5 point Research Project
Option Two:
SIX core subjects, FOUR electives subjects and a 25 point Research Project
Subject options
Core Subjects
Students must complete the following core subjects:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
POPH90014 | Epidemiology 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90101 | Introduction to Statistical Computing | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90102 | Linear Regression | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90148 | Probability and Distribution Theory |
Semester 1 (Online)
Semester 2 (Online)
|
12.5 |
MAST90100 | Inference Methods in Biostatistics | March (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90099 | Categorical Data: Models and Methods | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Electives
Students must select FOUR electives from the following list:
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
POPH90118 | Clinical Biostatistics | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
POPH90117 | Health Indicators and Health Surveys | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
POPH90123 | Longitudinal and Correlated Data | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
POPH90122 | Survival Analysis | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
ISYS90069 | eHealth & Biomedical Informatics Systems | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90124 | Bioinformatics | Semester 2 (Online) |
12.5 |
MAST90083 | Computational Statistics and Data Mining | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90119 | Design of Randomised Controlled Trials | Semester 2 (Online) |
12.5 |
POPH90271 | Infectious Diseases Modelling | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90027 | The Practice of Statistics | Not available in 2017 | 12.5 |
POPH90242 | Epidemiology 2 | August (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
INFO90002 | Database Systems & Information Modelling |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
COMP90041 | Programming and Software Development |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
POPH90139 | Bayesian Statistical Methods | Not available in 2017 | 12.5 |
Capstone
There are 2 capstone options to choose from. The capstone experience should be undertaken in the final year or final semester of the Master of Biostatistics.
OPTION ONE:
Students may take a 25 point Research Project. Students have the option of enrolling in a year-long project or a semester-long project. Students enrolling in the year-long project (POPH90288 & POPH90289) MUST complete the project in two semesters consecutively in the correct sequence i.e. Part 1 followed by Part 2).
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
POPH90288 | Biostatistics Research Project Part 1 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
POPH90289 | Biostatistics Research Project Part 2 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
POPH90151 | Biostatistics Research Project - D |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
OPTION TWO:
Students who choose this option must enrol in the following Research Project plus the capstone selective subject POPH90122 Survival Analysis
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
POPH90149 | Biostatistics Research Project - S |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
POPH90122 | Survival Analysis | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
Last updated: 18 December 2020