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Biostatistics (POPH90013)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1 - Dual-Delivery
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
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This subject is compulsory for students enrolled in the Master of Public Health, Master of Epidemiology and the Master of Science (Epidemiology). Students should enrol in this subject early in their program of study.

The subject introduces the fundamental concepts of statistics and the essential methods required to equip students to perform basic statistical analyses and interpret research findings in the public health setting.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Explain the key principles of statistical inference including demonstrating an understanding of sampling variability
  • Prepare and present data to communicate key features, including statistical summaries and simple relationships, using tables and graphs
  • Calculate and interpret confidence intervals for key target parameters such as mean values and average causal effects
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts of hypothesis testing, p-values and statistical significance
  • Outline the principles underlying choice of sample size for research studies including the concept of statistical power
  • Explain key concepts, in particular that of confounding, that need to be addressed to avoid bias in statistical analysis
  • Perform simple statistical analyses using appropriate software

Generic skills

Upon completion of this subject students will have developed skills in:

  • Critical thinking and analysis,
  • Finding, evaluating and using relevant information,
  • Problem-solving,
  • Written communication,
  • Using computers.

Last updated: 22 March 2024