Unit Outline

This unit offers an introduction to the fundamental concepts of biostatistics, providing a background in descriptive and analytical methods that are used to estimate associations between variables. This unit covers statistical theory, data entry and manipulation methods, data summarising, basic methods of association, and regression modelling. With the basic tools found within this course, students will be able to enter, manipulate, and check the validity of data, and use statistical software to analyse and interpret results. The analytical methods used here will form the foundation of research methods in epidemiology and health services research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Apply your knowledge of statistical theory to produce summary statistics for health research data.
2	Implement data management guidelines for health research data.
3	Manage and analyse health research data using a statistical package.
4	Identify and apply appropriate statistical methods to analyse health research data.
5	Interpret, summarise and communicate the results of statistical analyses.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

The assessment mode has been altered due to usage of AI in the most recent iterations of this unit. Assessment now encompasses two oral conversations with students comprising 70% of the total marks for this unit.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Take-home tests	Week 4	10 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Statistical Report Part 1	Week 7	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Statistical Report Part 2	Week 10	35 %	LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 4:	Statistical Report Part 3	Week 14	35 %	LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Take-home tests

Task Description:

There are four online tests, one for each of the content modules that are delivered as quizzes in MyLO. Each test will consist of 10-15 multiple choice and short answer questions. They are open-book tasks, and there is no time restriction for completion as long as they are submitted by the due date.

Week Due: Weeks 4,6,8,12

Task Length:

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

10 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply knowledge of statistical theory and methods to provide correct answers to quiz questions.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 2: Statistical Report Part 1

Task Description:

Write R code to import and manage a health dataset. Generate and appropriately present summary output and interpret basic descriptive statistics.

Task Length:

Approx. 150-200 lines of code in an R script file. Presentation of results in a Word document.

Due Date:

Week 7

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Create an annotated R script file to import a dataset and prepare the data for analysis (40%)	LO2, LO3
2	Use R to produce descriptive statistics and summary plots for single variables and for associations between two variables that are appropriate for the scale of measurement (40%)	LO1, LO3, LO4
3	Describe the observed relationships between the variables (20%)	LO5

Assessment Task 3: Statistical Report Part 2

Task Description:

Apply statistical knowledge to run appropriate analyses for a continuous outcome variable using R, and present and interpret the results of the analyses.

Task Length:

Approx. 150- 200-250 lines of code in an R script file, a brief written presentation of results, and a 10-minute assessment conversation.

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Select and apply suitable regression methods using R (20%)	LO3, LO4
2	Present the analysis results in a manner suitable for publication (10%)	LO5
3	Discuss the results of the regression analyses in an interactive oral assessment conversation (70%)	LO5

Assessment Task 4: Statistical Report Part 3

Task Description:

Apply statistical knowledge to run appropriate regression analyses for a binary outcome variable using R, and present and interpret the results of the analyses.

Task Length:

Approx. 150- 200 lines of code in an R script file, a brief written presentation of results, and a 10-minute assessment conversation

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Select and apply suitable regression methods using R (20%)	LO3, LO4
2	Present the analysis results in a manner suitable for publication (10%)	LO5
3	Discuss the results of the regression analyses in an interactive oral assessment conversation (70%)	LO5

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.