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Overview

Essential analytical methods necessary for health-related research: data description, basic probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, sample size calculation, epidemiological measures of association, and simple linear regression. A knowledge of basic algebra is recommended.

This paper provides an introduction to the use of statistical methods to answer specific research questions in health-related areas.

About this paper

Paper title Biostatistics
Subject Health Sciences
EFTS 0.125
Points 15 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,514.75
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Limited to
MHealSc, MPharm, MSc, PGDipHealSc, PGDipMLSc, PGDipSci, PGDipPharm, BMLSc(Hons)
Eligibility

Suitable for students who are interested in upgrading their statistical skills for carrying out health-related quantitative research.

Contact

Course Convener: jimmy.zeng@otago.ac.nz

Administrator: amara.boyd@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Convener and Lecturer: Dr Jiaxu Zeng

Paper Structure

This paper covers the following main topics:

  1. Introduction to biostatistics
  2. Descriptive statistics and graphical summaries
  3. Introduction to diagnostic testing
  4. Sampling distributions
  5. Confidence intervals
  6. Hypothesis testing
  7. Power and sample size calculation
  8. Introduction to epidemiological studies
  9. Analyses for epidemiological studies
  10. Critical appraisal of health research
Textbooks

Altman, Douglas G (1990) Practical Statistics for Medical Research.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will:

  • Perform basic statistical analyses to address simple research questions using a statistical software package (Stata)
  • Understand the principles behind basic statistical analyses
  • Understand how to interpret and present basic statistical analyses

Overview

Essential analytical methods necessary for health-related research: data description, basic probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, sample size calculation, epidemiological measures of association, and simple linear regression. A knowledge of basic algebra is recommended.

This paper covers the fundamental biostatistical issues encountered in the design and analysis of a quantitative research project. It will emphasise computer data analysis with the goal of providing students with the tools for basic analysis of their research projects, including statistical aspects of study design, data description, handling data on a computer, using a statistical software package and carrying out and interpreting simple statistical analyses. Familiarity with basic mathematical concepts is essential.

About this paper

Paper title Biostatistics
Subject Health Sciences
EFTS 0.125
Points 15 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Limited to
MHealSc, MPharm, MSc, PGDipHealSc, PGDipMLSc, PGDipSci, PGDipPharm, BMLSc(Hons)
Eligibility

Suitable for students who are interested in upgrading their statistical skills for carrying out health-related quantitative research.

Contact

Course Convener: nisa.widyastuti@otago.ac.nz

Administrator: amara.boyd@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Convener and Lecturer: Dr Nisa Widyastuti

Paper Structure

This paper covers the following main topics:

  1. Introduction to biostatistics
  2. Descriptive statistics and graphical summaries
  3. Introduction to diagnostic testing
  4. Sampling distributions
  5. Confidence intervals
  6. Hypothesis testing
  7. Power and sample size calculation
  8. Introduction to epidemiological studies
  9. Analyses for epidemiological studies
  10. Critical appraisal of health research
Textbooks

Altman, Douglas G (1990) Practical Statistics for Medical Research.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Communication, Critical thinking, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will:

  • Perform basic statistical analyses to address simple research questions using a statistical software package (Stata)
  • Understand the principles behind basic statistical analyses
  • Understand how to interpret and present basic statistical analyses
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