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Data Analysis in Clinical Research (CLRS90010)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
August
Email: continuing-education@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: + 61 3 8344 0149
Contact hours: https://unimelb.edu.au/professional-development/contact-us
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | August |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Data analysis methods are an integral part of modern clinical research. They are powerful techniques that enable researchers to draw meaningful conclusions from data collected through observation, survey, or experimentation.
However, data analysis is a huge discipline with different paradigms, schools of thought and alternative methodologies. Therefore consideration of the appropriate methods used must be undertaken when designing a study and selecting variables and groups.
This subject introduces students to the basic principles of qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques. It will provide a functional grounding in the theoretical concepts behind each type of analysis, as well as exploration of the interpretation of data and the difference, where applicable, between clinical vs statistical significance.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- describe the theoretical concepts behind a range of qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques
- compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of different qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques
- describe a strategy for selecting an appropriate data analysis technique based on the study design selected and/or research data collected
- competently perform a range of basic data analysis techniques using appropriate analysis software and interpret analysis output/s
- provide a rationale for the importance of statistical power and perform power calculations
- identify and discuss the key elements associated with ensuring data integrity including storage, management, collation and coding
- critically compare and contrast statistical vs clinical significance and its relevance to clinical practice
- demonstrate confidence in discussing the validity of data analysis outcomes reported in the scientific literature.
Generic skills
- to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant data analysis strategies
- to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of data analysis
- communicate advanced data analysis concepts in written and oral form;
- the ability to comprehend complex data analysis information
- exercise responsibility for their own learning;
- manage their time effectively.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students must complete CLRS90011 Study Design in Clinical Research and CLRS90027 Principles of Clinical Research prior to enrolment in this subject.
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
CLRS90027 | Principles of Clinical Research | January (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
CLRS90011 | Study Design in Clinical Research |
February (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
Participants must demonstrate an elementary understanding of statistics. To achieve this, they will be required to complete an online module prior to commencement of the intensive teaching period (see assessment for requirements).
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Hurdle requirement: Formative Examination: To confirm a baseline understanding of statistics, all participants will be required to complete an online module followed by a formative examination. This will consist of a mixture of MCQ and extended match questions. The pass mark will be set at 80 but participants may complete the assessment repeatedly to achieve this hurdle. The examination is not timed but it must be completed prior to the commencement of the intensive teaching period. Participants will be unable to join the intensive teaching period until this task is successfully completed. | Prior to the commencement of the intensive teaching period. | N/A |
In-class report describing the rationale/justification/results of the analysis of a variety of different types of research data.
| Due at the completion of the intensive teaching period. | 50% |
Examination (equivalent to 1500 words) on the last day of the intensive teaching period.
| End of the teaching period | 30% |
Critical discussion of the data analysis techniques reported in a clinical research study selected by negotiation with the Subject Co-ordinators.
| 2 Weeks after the end of teaching | 20% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- August
Coordinator Charles Malpas Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total time commitment 170 hours Pre teaching start date 13 July 2020 Pre teaching requirements Online Formative Module to be completed prior to teaching delivery. Teaching period 10 August 2020 to 14 August 2020 Last self-enrol date 17 July 2020 Census date 17 August 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 August 2020 Assessment period ends 14 September 2020 August contact information
Email: continuing-education@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: + 61 3 8344 0149
Contact hours: https://unimelb.edu.au/professional-development/contact-us
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Course Master of Clinical Research Course Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022