Available in 2024
Course code

BIOS6920

Units

10 units

Level

6000 level

Course handbook

Description

The purpose of this course is to build on the knowledge and skills obtained in Biostatistics A, and to introduce more complex methods of analyses which are commonly used in epidemiologic research.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 2 - 2024

Online

  • Semester 2 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Conduct analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis alternative as appropriate using statistical software and interpret output.

2. Explain the problem of multiple comparisons and apply common adjustments to account for multiple testing.

3. Calculate correlation coefficients using appropriate parametric and non-parametric methods.

4. Perform linear regressions using statistical software, interpret output, and identify violations of model assumptions.

5. Use the Chi-squared test or the alternative Fisher's exact test for testing hypotheses about categorical data expressed in an r x c contingency table.

6. Analyse 2 x 2 contingency tables arising from a variety of study designs by choosing appropriate measures of association, calculating their confidence intervals, and selecting appropriate hypothesis tests.

7. Identify when the Mantel-Haenszel method is appropriate in order to adjust for stratification.

8. Perform logistic regressions using statistical software, interpret output, and describe results about binary outcomes in terms of Odds Ratios.

9. Recognise situations when survival analysis methods are to be used and obtain Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival functions.

10. Analyse survival outcomes with the log-rank test and/or Cox 'proportional hazards' regression using statistical software and interpret output.

11. Select appropriate methods of analysis from those covered in Biostatistics courses A and B for a given situation.


Content

The course builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Biostatistics A, BIOS6910. Topics include analysis of variance, correlation and linear regression, analysis of contingency tables, logistic regression and survival analysis. Although students are expected to undertake analyses using a computer package, the subject does not focus on computing skills, but instead on interpretation of output and the appropriate use of methods of analyses.

The learning modules comprising Biostatistics B are:

S5 - Oneway ANOVA and multiple comparisons

S6 - Regression, correlation and multiple regression

S7 - Analysis of contingency tables

S8 - Logistic regression

S9 - Survival analysis

OV3 - Overview: Choosing an appropriate method of analysis


Assumed knowledge

BIOS6910 - Biostatistics A


Assessment items

Quiz: Quiz 1

Written Assignment: Assignment 1

Written Assignment: Assignment 2

In Term Test: Online Examination


Contact hours

Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan

Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per fortnight for 2 fortnight(s) starting in week 8
Lecture-2
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per fortnight for 3 fortnight(s) starting in week 1
Online Activity-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Self-Directed Learning-1
  • Self-Directed 8 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1

Semester 2 - 2024 - Online

Lecture-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per fortnight for 2 fortnight(s) starting in week 8
Lecture-2
  • Online 2 hour(s) per fortnight for 3 fortnight(s) starting in week 1
Online Activity-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
Self-Directed Learning-1
  • Self-Directed 8 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.