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.
Paper title | Biostatistics |
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Paper code | HASC413 |
Subject | Health Sciences |
EFTS | 0.125 |
Points | 15 points |
Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,311.38 |
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
- jimmy.zeng@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
- Convenor and Lecturer: Jiaxu Zeng
- Paper Structure
This paper covers the following main topics:
- Introduction to biostatistics
- Descriptive analysis
- Introduction to diagnostic testing
- Probability distributions
- Sampling distributions
- Confidence intervals
- Hypothesis testing
- Power and sample size calculation
- Introduction to epidemiological studies
- 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
Course Coordinator
Overview
This paper 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.
Objectives
Following completion of this course, you should be able to:
- Understand important statistical concepts and terminology
- Understand the basic statistical framework used in the design and analysis of health related studies
- Use a computer software package for elementary data analysis
- Complete a detailed statistical analysis of a simple study
- Critically appraise scientific research from a statistical perspective
- Understand the principles behind more complex statistical analyses