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Master of Biostatistics (991AA)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2023 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
Coordinator
Emily Karahalios
Contact
emily.karahalios@unimelb.edu.au
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: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/
Overview
Award title | Master of Biostatistics |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2023 — 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. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
- 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 over the degree of at least 70% or equivalent; and
- Successful completion at tertiary level of at least one mathematics subject (result of at least 65%), including elements of multivariable calculus and linear algebra.
Applicants may be required to attend a test to elucidate any of the matters listed above.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- prior academic performance; and
- where relevant, performance in an interview or test, and/or referee reports or employer references.
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.
4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.
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:
Knowledge
- explain key concepts of quantitative research methods including the role of statistical methods in drawing inferences from data
- demonstrate a sound understanding of the theory underlying the main areas of biostatistics relevant to professional practice and research
- explain key epidemiological concepts including measures of disease frequency and causal effect, and the major sources of bias in epidemiological studies.
Skills
- develop research questions (descriptive, causal, predictive) and corresponding appropriate statistical designs and/or analysis methods in medical/health settings
- display skills in a range of complex statistical analyses using modern statistical software and programming skills
- demonstrate skills in data collection and data management, including database design, quality control procedures and the ethical handling of data
- employ sound communication skills relating to biostatistical issues with clinical/health professionals including appropriate presentation of statistical material
- display the technical skills to be able to read methodological papers in the biostatistical literature and apply the methods described therein to practical problems
Application of Knowledge and Skills
- plan and execute a research-based project that applies the necessary practical and technical skills to answer the proposed research question
- display problem-solving abilities in biostatistics, characterised by flexibility of approach
Generic skills
- Communicate effectively to a range of audiences
- Think critically to answer research questions in the medical/health field
- Effectively organize, time manage and plan
- Demonstrate the technical skills for professional practice
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:
FIVE core subjects, FIVE elective subjects, the Capstone Selective subject POPH90123 Longitudinal and Correlated Data and a 12.5 point Research Project
Option Two:
FIVE core subjects, FIVE 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 (Online)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST90101 | Introduction to Statistical Computing | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90102 | Foundations of Regression | July (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90100 | Probability & Inference in Biostatistics | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90099 | Advanced Regression | September (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Electives
Students must select FIVE 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 | Digital Transformation of Health |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
July (Online)
|
12.5 |
POPH90124 | Statistical Genomics | Semester 2 (Online) |
12.5 |
MAST90083 | Computational Statistics & Data Science | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90140 | Causal Inference | Semester 2 (Online) |
12.5 |
POPH90119 | Design of Randomised Controlled Trials | Semester 2 (Online) |
12.5 |
POPH90271 | Infectious Diseases Modelling | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST90027 | Practice of Statistics & Data Science | Not available in 2023 | 12.5 |
POPH90242 | Epidemiology 2 | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
INFO90002 | Database Systems & Information Modelling |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
COMP90041 | Programming and Software Development |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
POPH90139 | Bayesian Statistical Methods | Not available in 2023 | 12.5 |
POPH90094 | Health Economics 1 | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
POPH90112 | Infectious Disease Epidemiology | April (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
SCIE90013 | Communication for Research Scientists |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Winter Term (Online)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
MAST90141 | Machine Learning for Biostatistics | Semester 2 (Online) |
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 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
POPH90289 | Biostatistics Research Project Part 2 |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
POPH90151 | Biostatistics Research Project - D |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
25 |
OPTION TWO:
Students who choose this option must enrol in the following Research Project plus the capstone selective subject POPH90123 Longitudinal and Correlated Data
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
POPH90149 | Biostatistics Research Project - S |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
POPH90123 | Longitudinal and Correlated Data | Semester 1 (Online) |
12.5 |
Last updated: 29 November 2023