TM5516 - Biostatistics for Public Health

Credit points:	03
Year:	2013
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:	Sch Public Health,Trop Medicine&Rehabilitation Sc

Available to all postgraduate students in health science programs.

This subject introduces students to biostatistics as applied to (Public) Health. Biostatistics is the science of describing, summarising and analysing health data. It is essential to understand biostatistics in order to design, conduct and interpret health-related research. The basic principles and methods used in biostatistics are covered in this subject. This includes the technical qualifications necessary for analysing and interpreting data on a descriptive and bivariate level. Topics include: the theory of probability; statistical aspects of diagnostic tests including sensitivity, specificity and predictive values; theoretical and empirical distributions; measures of central tendency and dispersion; basic principles of statistical inference; principle of statistical testing; confidence interval; common bivariate statistical tests and their proper application; and survival analysis. The most important means of graphical display are introduced, including histogram, stem-and-leaf plot, bar chart, scattergram and box-and-whisker plot. Students are introduced to the computerised statistical package, SPSS. Theory is complemented by the use of applied examples and exercises to enhance understanding and facilitate development of practical skills. Being able to understand and interpret statistics is essential for health professionals. Some computer literacy is assumed (e.g, Windows, Word and Excel).

Learning Outcomes

• At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate fundamental understanding of the principles of biostatistics;
• recognise, manage, describe and summarise different types of quantitative data and the relevant method of analyses;
• present and summarise data using relevant tables and graphics (figures );
• formulate hypotheses and test them with appropriate statistical procedures;
• competently read and critically interpret statistics in a health publication.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information.

Availabilities
Townsville, Block, Study Period 5
Census Date 09-May-2013
Non-standard start/end 15-Apr-2013 to 21-Jun-2013
Face to face teaching 15-Apr-2013 to 26-Apr-2013 (2 week block includes the weekend)
Coordinator:	Assoc. Professor Kerrianne Watt, Assoc. Professor Petra Buttner
Lecturers:	Assoc. Professor Kerrianne Watt, Assoc. Professor Petra Buttner.
Contact hours:	60 hours lectures
Assessment:	other exams (60%); assignments (40%).
External, Study Period 2
Census Date 29-Aug-2013
Coord/Lect:	Assoc. Professor Kerrianne Watt.
Method of Delivery:	Printed materials
Assessment:	assignments (25%); assignment 2 (short answer questions, calculations, analyse data using spss) (25%); final exam via learnjcu (open book; covering entire subject material) (50%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	Students must pass exam to pass subject

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.