Foundations of Regression (MAST90102)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
July - Dual-Delivery
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This subject provides the foundation for understanding and using regression methods in biostatistics. Students will learn what a regression model is and how regression methods are used for the major purposes of research investigations: description, prediction and causal inference. The emphasis will be on learning how to build, fit and interpret regression models for these different purposes, focusing on linear regression for continuous outcomes and logistic regression for binary outcomes, and including treatment of key issues such as model fit, parametrisation and interaction. Important underlying mathematical concepts will be covered, such as the method of least squares, maximum likelihood estimation and matrix algebra representation of multiple regression.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Explain the concepts of regression models for continuous and binary outcomes as tools for description, prediction, and causal inference in health research, including the required assumptions.
  • Interpret the parameters of regression models for describing variation in continuous outcomes (linear regression) and binary outcomes (logistic regression).
  • Explain the key principles involved in building and validating regression models for prediction purposes.
  • Use multivariable regression models to estimate causal effects such as mean difference, risk difference, risk ratio, odds ratio, including the required causal and parametric assumptions.
  • Use statistical software to fit regression models for each of the specified purposes to datasets with continuous and binary outcomes.

Generic skills

  • Independent problem solving
  • Facility with abstract reasoning
  • Clarity of written expression
  • Sound communication of technical concepts

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

All of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST90100 Probability & Inference in Biostatistics
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
POPH90014 Epidemiology 1
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation 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: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Practical Exercise 1

  • 1000 words
Week 220%

Major Assignment 1

  • 2000 words
Week 440%

Major Assignment 2

  • 2000 words
1 Weeks after the end of teaching40%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • July
    CoordinatorEmily Karahalios
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 5 September 2025
    Last self-enrol date 5 August 2025
    Census date 8 August 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail29 August 2025
    Assessment period ends19 September 2025

    July contact information

    emily.karahalios@unimelb.edu.au

    Melbourne School of Population and Global Health

    OR

    Currently enrolled students:

    Future Students:



Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    Resources Provided to Students online: Course notes and assignments.
    Special Computer Requirements: Stata statistical software.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Biostatistics
    CourseGraduate Diploma in Biostatistics
  • 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.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    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: 4 March 2025